u/Illustrious_Rub4918

So I’ve resigned from my job about two weeks ago. For context, I work as an FS lawyer in a mid sized national firm. Prior to my resignation, I was on secondment to a major banking client of the firm and was always busy. I came back to little chargeable work but had already decided I wanted to leave by the time I returned so I resigned.

However I’ve still got a fair bit of time between now and the end my final day (30 October). And I literally have no work to do other than the odd non-chargeable task.

I spoke to my HoP and she pretty much said I could log non-chargeable time (e.g. legal knowhow / reading) for record keeping purposes until the end of my notice period. However, that feels slightly odd - after all I’m paid to do work, right?

I work from home most days so I can log in and clean my flat / do errands but I’m just asking if I should be doing anything else (pushing for more work) or just enjoying the chill time?

Any thoughts welcome :)

Using myself as a benchmark:

42M, single. I own a two bedroom conversion flat in SE London. Mortgage is a 30 year term (29 left) at 5.2% and £1911 per month. Recently decided to rent out the spare room to a lodger to rebuild savings coffers quicker after buying and renovating my flat last year.

Before that? Shared ownership two bedroom flat owner in Newham from 2021 to 2025. Was paying circa £1100 per month (rent, mortgage and service charge). I miss the relatively affordable living but not the area!

I’ve met single people who own houses in London around my age group (35 - 49) and people living in house / flat shares.

So what is the norm living situation for London? Or is there even one? I know a lot will depend on salaries / job situation etc.

Genuinely curious.

I flit between leaving it on and keeping it off.

For context, I’m a 42M lawyer working in financial services based in London. I like my job but I think I’m very atypical for my profession (I don’t take myself too seriously, I loathe pomposity / arrogance and the job is not my entire identity).

I’m aware that not everyone has a positive impression of my profession and I don’t like the idea of someone prejudging me before they get to really know me.

So I bought a two bedroom period conversion split level flat in the Gipsy Hill area (SE27 9QT, Gipsy Road) for £366,250 in August 2025. I have 107 years remaining on the lease, with service charges currently set at £116.52 per month (£1,398 annually). There’s a communal garden shared with the two other flats.

At the time it needed some minor work internally (paint job, flooring etc). Spent just over £20K putting in a new bathroom, flooring, electrics / lighting and repainting it. Internally, it looks more fresh and modern now. The external communal area is admittedly a drag (needs restoration and refreshment) which I’ve asked the Landlord (Peabody) to look into.

I’m mindful of the leasehold market in my area and London generally. At the time of buying my flat, I thought I was getting a solid deal. But now I’m beginning to question it given how depressed the leasehold market has been recently.

Overall I like the area - it’s green and village-like but still in London and with stuff to do locally.

Any thoughts on whether I’ve bought a dud?