Michelle Obama reveals the financial decision she made that left her with crippling guilt: 'It was scary'

Michelle Obama has candidly discussed a life-changing decision she made about her career along with the emotional - and financial - toll it took on her.

The former First Lady, 62, opened up about her past choices on the most recent episode of her podcast titled IMO, which she co-hosts with brother Craig Robinson.

Speaking out about one of the biggest risks she has taken, the author began: 'I've had a lot of big swings.'

'[The biggest was] me leaving my job at the law firm where I was making a ton of money in corporate law and deciding to go and work in government and public service, where it cut my salary in half,' she explained.

Obama continued: 'I remember how guilty I felt for going to mom and dad and even expressing an interest to do something that I cared about rather than something that would make the absolute most money.' 

The former lawyer admitted that at the time she was making more than her parents' salary combined when she decided to step away.

She said that at the time, leaving her corporate law career felt like 'the biggest decision' she would ever make.

'I had invested so much in getting my law degree and then to walk away from it. It was scary,' she explained.

However, she acknowledged that once the initial 'scary leap' is made, it becomes a lot easier.

'Once [that] first hard decision is made and you realize that you land pretty solidly on the other side of that leap, you get comfortable with taking those risks and understanding,' she said.

The podcast host added that age makes a big difference in making such decisions. 

'Now I'm more confident in my ability that when I take a big swing, and that I have the tools to land wherever I need to land,' she said.

It's not the first time Michelle has given staunch career advice as a reflection of her own professional journey.

Earlier this month, the mom of two declared that young people must learn to endure bad bosses if they want to become leaders themselves.

Speaking at a live podcast recording in East London, the former First Lady said the younger generation needs to learn to be more resilient rather than expect instant career satisfaction.

She said: 'That's what I want young people to understand. That every experience, the bad boss, the boring assistant job, the job you thought that you weren't appreciated, the one that didn't give you the assignment you wanted when you wanted it - all of that is learning to be resilient.'

She urged young professionals not to give up when given mundane tasks or when faced with setbacks.

Obama said: 'I think a lot of young people want to do what they want to do, or what they are good at. But you have got to earn that, carrying some bags and having some tough times and having people treat you unfairly.

'Not giving you the raise when you think you deserve it, there's character building that gets you ready down the line before being your own manager, being your own leader.'

Michelle left corporate law not long after marrying Barack Obama in 1992.

From there, she worked in public service at organizations including Chicago City Hall, Public Allies, the University of Chicago, and the University of Chicago Hospital.