A Warm Welcome – I’m So Glad You’re Here!
Hi, I’m Jackie Goodman, and I’m truly happy to ‘meet’ you. 😊
When we meet someone new, we usually ask a little about each other. But as you’ve found your way here, I feel like I may already know something about you…
I believe we share a common desire—to create a more balanced, fulfilling life with greater peace of mind, without compromising our success!
But I won’t assume—so let me ask:
- Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, long hours, and the daily grind of your job or business?
- Do you find yourself lying awake at night, worrying about work?
- Are you juggling multiple responsibilities—children, elderly parents, household chores—on top of career pressures, leaving you feeling exhausted and stretched too thin?
- Do you long for more time freedom—to be with family, pursue hobbies, or simply to take time out for yourself – guilt-free?
- Deep down, do you know something has to change before burnout takes over or you’re too old or exhausted to bother?
If any of this resonates, I get it – I really do – because I was you.
For years, I worked as a lawyer in a high-pressure environment. I didn’t hate the work itself; in fact, I found it intellectually stimulating. But the relentless pressure, long hours, and lack of control over my time slowly drained the joy from my life. I dreaded Monday mornings before the weekend even began.
Back then, I had no idea how to create a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle while still in my career. So, in 2013, I left practice to explore a better way. What followed was a journey of learning, growth, and ultimately, transformation. I mastered the art of balanced living without compromising success. And now, my passion is helping others do the same.
So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let’s get to know each other. I’d love to share my story with you… ☕
A Career by Accident, Not by Choice!
Although I was successful as a lawyer, it was never my childhood passion or ‘calling.’ In fact, I fell into law completely by chance!
During my A-levels, I wanted to switch one of my subjects a few months in. The only options that fit my timetable were law or pottery (😂). So, law it was! I joined the class midway through the first year, meaning I had a lot of catching up to do.
To my surprise, I found law fascinating. I enjoyed the intellectual challenge, worked hard, and achieved top grades—so naturally, I continued with a law degree. 👩🎓
After graduating in 1988 (yes, that long ago! 😅), I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. With no better plan, I thought, I might as well go to Law School while I figure it out.
I passed the Law Society Finals Exams (as they were called back then!) but was still undecided. So, I reasoned, I might as well complete my Articles (Training Contract).
And that’s how my legal career began! I stayed on after qualifying, and before I knew it, I was thriving in the profession. I was good at it—so good that I quickly climbed the ranks and, in my 20s, became the youngest and first female partner in the firm!
Looks Can Be Deceiving
On the outside, I appeared successful. But on the inside, I felt deeply unsettled.
While I still found aspects of the work intellectually stimulating, it had become repetitive, and private practice seemed to revolve around one thing—hitting targets. Long hours and relentless pressure were the norm. My energy was drained, and my personal life barely existed. Weekends weren’t for relaxing; they were spent either catching up on work or recovering from the exhausting week before. My life no longer felt like my own.
The daily grind was soul-crushing. A crowded, monotonous commute led to a desk piled high with ‘urgent’ case files—an endless, overwhelming cycle.
I was excelling on paper, consistently outperforming fee targets and achieving great results for my clients, but inside, I was growing restless and disillusioned.
I looked at the senior partners and saw my future—and I didn’t like what I saw. Many were permanently exhausted, some suffering from stress-related health issues. The more senior they became, the heavier the burden. It wasn’t getting easier—it was getting worse. And I had no desire to follow in their footsteps.
Hoping for a change, I moved into a public sector legal role. The work was fascinating, but the pressure was just as relentless. I never hated the work itself—I hated the pressure. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be another way. I craved freedom, a less stressful environment, and most of all, control over my own time.
A Chinese proverb kept playing in my mind: “Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to dig a well.” I knew I had to create choices for myself before the pressure became unbearable.
The Way Forward
In 2009, I attended a local seminar—one I had stumbled upon by chance. There, I met a group of women who all had one thing in common: they had built income-producing assets as a secondary income stream. That moment was a turning point for me. I decided then and there that I would do the same. I needed a backup plan in case the demands of the legal profession became unbearable.
By this point, I was well into my 40s—I had no time to waste. Determined, I set out to build a property business alongside my full-time legal career. It was far from easy. I made mistakes, but I kept going, always focused on my end goal. Every spare moment outside my already demanding job as a senior lawyer was poured into building my portfolio. I knew it meant adding even more pressure in the short term, but my motivation to change things helped me push through the exhaustion.
Four years later, in 2013, I left legal practice to focus entirely on my property business. But that transition was far from seamless. Life threw unexpected challenges my way—back-to-back heartbreaks, including a burglary at my home, the loss of a beloved pet, and the breakdown of a long-term relationship with a fellow lawyer. What I had thought was a stable home life was suddenly uprooted. I moved out and started over alone.
With all this happening on top of an already high-pressure workload, I found myself emotionally and physically drained. I took time off work—something I had never done before. I hadn’t planned to leave my job at this time, but after unsuccessfully applying to reduce my hours for a better work-life balance, the decision became clear. The recent life events only fast-tracked what was already brewing inside me. I took the plunge and went all in on my business—I took a leap of faith.
Some might call it brave; others might call it crazy. 😅 Either way, I had no guaranteed income, and to make things harder, the property portfolio I had built was shared with my now ex-partner. With our separation, everything had to be split and sold, meaning I had to start over.
Once I had rebuilt myself, I got straight to work, this time more prepared and better educated. Within 12 months, I had successfully established a property business—this time on my own. Gone were the long hours, the relentless pressure, and the feeling of having no control over my time. Instead, I had created the freedom to work the hours I choose, on my own terms.
Here’s what this led to…
Many years later, I am an award-winning entrepreneur and senior practitioner coach with global accreditation. I enjoy leading three property companies alongside my own coaching and consultancy practice. Immersing myself in the entrepreneurial world and mentoring countless business owners has given me a deep understanding of how to build a thriving, sustainable business—without sacrificing well-being.
Not only have I applied these insights to my own businesses, but I also work with organisations to cultivate healthier workplace cultures. At the same time, I feel privileged to support individuals on the brink of burnout, helping them regain control, achieve balance, and create success on their own terms—all while driving meaningful change at a corporate level.
Creating lasting transformation within businesses is just as crucial as supporting individuals. When I was practising law, I wasn’t always aware of the systemic shifts needed within organisations. It’s difficult to see the bigger picture when you’re caught up in the relentless pace and daily grind. But stepping away and running my own businesses gave me a fresh perspective. I discovered how to create a more balanced, fulfilling way of working—without compromising success—and now I help others do the same.
Had I not walked this journey myself, I wouldn’t have gained such a deep level of understanding. That experience now allows me to make a real difference—helping others achieve both personal fulfilment and professional success in a way that is truly sustainable.
Passing It On
I started this blog to connect with burnt-out professionals and overwhelmed business owners—to let them know they are not alone and, more importantly, that change is possible, no matter what stage of life they’re in.
My goal is to offer hope, guidance and reassurance—to show that balance is within reach. Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of burnout. It is possible to take control of your most valuable asset—your time—and create a life that aligns with what truly matters to you, without compromising your career goals.
If you’ve made it this far, I hope I’ve inspired you to believe that change is possible, even if it feels daunting.
Your journey doesn’t have to involve such drastic career shifts as mine, and it is always my priority to help people find balance within their profession or business. Sometimes a few key adjustments can make a profound difference. The challenge is knowing what to change—that’s where I come in. Helping people identify and implement the right changes is what I do every day, and I love it. Seeing the transformation in my clients—the mindset shifts, the joy, the renewed energy—reminds me why this work is so important.
Whether you’re an individual seeking a better work-life balance or an organization striving to foster a more supportive environment, know that change is possible. You don’t have to do it alone, I’m here to help.
If you’d like to connect in confidence, feel free to reach out to me at jackie@lawyertolifestyle.com.
You can also visit my website www.jackiegoodman.co.uk, to learn more about my work and read testimonials from clients I’ve helped. 💜