Can you say "no" to work? Managing stress as an Aspiring Barrister

More than anything, the mentors and mentees of The Budding Bar are a family. At the root of it all, what I’ve come to learn is I will always have the support, encouragement and belief of this mentor group that I am so proud to be a part of.

The Budding Bar is a tight-knit mentoring circle led by Zita T and James Pereira QC, supporting BAME women to begin successful careers at the Bar. During our mentoring sessions, we are provided with 2 main avenues of support, this being Bar-related and wellbeing support. A large area of focus during mentoring sessions is managing stress, and upkeeping a healthy work-life balance, which is something that can be hard to maintain as current law, GDL, BTC students and pupils. Managing stress was the topic focus of our most recent session, in which discussed the importance and need for self-care and self-love. The biggest, and probably most important thing I have taken away from our last mentoring session was learning how to feel comfortable in the current position I am in as a second-year law student, looking for experience and exploring avenues within the law. I’ve learnt to put trust into the process, and know that the most vital thing is taking care of myself and my mental health. I’ve learnt that, in many ways my journey to the Bar is not a race against the clock, but something I need to enjoy whilst doing it. It’s not about doing so many things and taking on so many opportunities that you’re constantly looking for time to breath. But we must learn to say no, we must learn to take breaks, and we must learn to believe that we are enough.

For all the support we get from both James and Zita, as well as my fellow mentees, I am so grateful that you all are a part of my journey, and I am so proud that we get to grow together.