‘Career shifter+Returner’ from Policy Research to AM, Please help!

Hi,

I am from a target school and CFA LII qualified. My past experience includes policy research for the World Bank, UN and the likes of it. They were contractual positions in Asia.

After graduating, I took a career break for some years, I had a horrible marriage, which led to burn out and health problems. I am recovering, divorce proceedings are starting.

I want to break into financial services, preferably AM. I am recovering from a burnout and don’t want to enter a high pressure prone-to-burnout workplace.

I am currently based in Scotland, but open to relocation. I am teaching Finance and Economics at a University here. I am at a crossroads, if I should choose academia or High Finance.

I am in late 30s, F, and desperately seek work which helps achieve targets of financial and mental health.

Academia won’t get me financial independence as quickly as I’d desire at this age (though work life balance is great). I think AM is a good bet, but after a career transition + returning to work, with a gap, how can I break into AM?

Share your thoughts please if I am thinking on the right lines. And what shall be my line of action in my current situation.

Many thanks! :)