I know, I know - I have a job and I should just be thankful for that. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful to have a job and I won't be quitting any time soon, but I don't think that should stop me from looking for a job that I will actually enjoy.
That being said, my undergrad alumni association offers some career services and I signed up to take some sort of career interests test along with a couple of guidance sessions. I did something similar in college, but I've had a lot more time to think things through and I think I'll get more out of it this time around.
Even if nothing comes of it, it was reasonably priced and it can't hurt to get some input.
I wish you luck. I'm a 2005 grad, currently working P/T for a miserable fuck of a solo, and after an interview with the legal profession's Holy Grail--the midsize firm offering a decent salary and great benefits--I had to face the fact that I have been trying to avoid for too long: I hate the practice of law. Correction: I hate the experience of practicing law. The dickhead partners. The mindlessly competative dullard associates. The barely competent, nasty "support" staff. The whole thing is rotten to the core. I used to think if I just found the right position I would be able to make it work. Now I realize there is no right position for me within this profession. Interestingly enough, I don't actually hate the work (though all the bullshit deadlines and billing crap get on my nerves). But the working environment invariably makes the work itself almost irrelevant to the experience of legal practice. I'm done.
ReplyDeleteBoth of you (above commenter included):
ReplyDeleteThe legal market completely sucks now. The last few months have been horrible. Stick around for a year and soak up as much knowledge as you can; and see if you can make and save a little money. You're lucky to have some kind of positions. I know people who don't.
You can look for other jobs later.
Seems like a good idea. Certainly cannot hurt.
ReplyDeleteI would also suggest identifying and availing yourself of all opportunities to "network" professionally.
Doubtful that your boss reimburses lunches (??), but if he does, work that for all its worth (not to take your friends out, but a mix of the legal community including those in positions to help you take the next step).
Honestly, don't write off law too quickly. Your entire experience and enjoyment of it depends on your coworkers and bosses. I'm not even kidding. During law school I worked part time at a PI firm and was so miserable that I thought about quitting law school. However, I somehow managed to get a job at a midsize firm where the people are not all jerks or robots and I realized I really did like law. Hang in there.
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