Saying Yes Is Easy. Saying No? Excruciating.

As you may or may not know, my legal career has been anything but traditional. While I started as a litigation lawyer in the UK, working on international class actions for a well-known plaintiff firm, I quickly realized that it wasn’t for me. Litigation’s backward-looking focus clashed with my natural drive to innovate and move forward.

Instead, I carved out a portfolio career before the term was even a thing. Over the years, I’ve developed a highly transferable skillset in roles spanning consulting, business development, teaching, communications, and relationship management. Following my own path has always been my way, which is why I’m now so passionate about helping others do the same.

That drive didn’t disappear when I stepped into my stay-at-home-mum (SAHM) era. Despite being utterly consumed with family life this year, I’ve done far less “staying at home” than you may expect and nonetheless managed to achieve some professional milestones I’m incredibly proud of.

A Year of Professional Highlights

In February, I flew to Sydney with Andrew, Eddie, and Hazel for the inaugural Inspire Awards hosted by the phenomenal Connecting Lawyer Mums?? network hosted by Lauren Cassimatis AccS(Crim) and Perpetua Kish . To my surprise, I won the Community Advocate Award! It was an amazing moment to see my work with Rose Tinted Law recognized—especially the podcast, where I lead conversations about parenthood, ambition, wellbeing, and success, and my wellbeing workshops on compassion and self-kindness for legal professionals.

That momentum carried into March and April, when I delivered two CPD workshops to two different law firms: “From Surviving to Thriving: Skills to Master Our Inner Critic” and “How to Have Difficult Conversations.” The second workshop was a hit and even led to my first law firm-sponsored career coaching client.

It felt like everything I’d steadily built the last couple of years—my professional brand, service offerings, and network—was really paying off.

... Then Life Happened

In March, Andrew went overseas for three weeks, interviewed for his dream job, and was offered a role at the head office in Denver. By April, he’d signed the contract, and we were gearing up for a September move. We planned a “familiarisation visit” to Denver for late June/July to scope out housing and confirm it was indeed the right place for our family.

All of this was exciting, but the reality of juggling a big international move with two young kids hit hard. My career momentum? It had to pause.

I found myself stretched thin—mentally, physically, and emotionally. I simply didn’t have the capacity to focus on work, no matter how much time I had to think while pushing the pram or in between short or long naps.

The Hardest Nos

Nonetheless, my previous hard work continued to crystalise.?

During our visit to Denver in late June, I was approached by my ideal university to teach my ideal class on legal practice and ethics. That same week an abstract I submitted to a major legal conference on “Unlocking the Power of Compassion to Improve Psychological Safety in the Workplace” was accepted. But the event was in September. Unfortunately, I had to turn both opportunities down — logistics, timelines, and the sheer chaos of the upcoming move made it impossible.

Both opportunities were affirming—they validated years of strategic networking and skills-building. So turning them down? Excruciating. I couldn’t shake the frustration, resentment, and sadness of realizing that while this move was a fantastic step for Andrew’s career, it wasn’t necessarily the same for mine.

What I Learned

1. Success and sacrifice are two sides of the same coin. You can have it all, but not all at once—especially when balancing family, ambition, career, and the ever-changing seasons of life.
2. Saying yes is easy; saying no is hard. But sometimes, it’s necessary.
3. The right choice for your family may be the hardest for you personally. Trust your instincts—it makes the choice feel right in the end.
4. Crying is cathartic. Sometimes, it’s the best way to process disappointment and embrace change.
5. Routine and stability are luxuries. I’ll never take them for granted again.

So, when is it my time??

Definitely not this year. I am tired and my brain feels like mush.?

Next year is a new year with new opportunities (and both kids in daycare - hallelujah!).?

I am going to document the process of re-building my career in a place where I do not know anyone or anything about the legal system. Will I work for myself? Get a normal job? Embrace SAHM life? (Lol. I don’t think so.)

• Have you ever faced a crossroads where the right choice for your family felt at odds with your personal goals? How did you handle it??
• I know many people take extended career breaks while their children are young. If you did, how did you stay sane? ?

Thank you for being here.

I am wishing you all the very best,

Rose