I am writing to respond to the author of the letter 'Hurt in the pocket' (see letters, 27 May). Accepting a pay cut of 49% is something you agreed to do, it was not an obligation. The firm is not obliged to increase your pay even if you have been billing the same amount, unless this was agreed. It seems to have seen the perfect opportunity to get as much out of you as possible.

Running a successful business is a simple formula – reducing expenses and increasing profits. I do not, however, accept that you should be grateful just because there are many conveyancers without work. I would not have accepted such an offer in 2008, although times were extremely hard. I had just taken out a mortgage and was made redundant. After a struggle I found other useful, non-legal work.

The experience taught me that skills and life experience acquired in the law can be successfully transferred. Presently, I am earning half of what I used to earn. However, this is an investment towards much brighter career prospects.

Your future is in your hands. You can wait for your firm to decide when to give you a pay rise. Or, understand that you have choices, and that only you can make the positive changes necessary for your career. External circumstances will not shape that career for you.

Name and address supplied