NWR: I'm really worried / vent

JCbride2015

I'm graduating law school in a couple of weeks and taking the bar exam at the end of July.  I have a great job lined up after this.  You'd think they want us to start ASAP, but nope.  Our firm started last year mid-October (this is pretty normal for big firms for some reason).

So, I saved what I could from working last summer and my tax return.  Figured that should be (BARELY) enough to squeeze through six months if I also get a part time job.  I've been crossing my fingers to start the first week of October.  Then I just got an email from our recruiter that we aren't starting until November.  What the actual fuck?

Now I'm concerned about coming up with another month of living expenses when I'll have already been living off savings for six months.  I have to call my student loan companies and find out if I can defer payment that long.  And first-world problem: we were counting on saving half my paycheck each month for the wedding once I start this job.  That's a huge chunk of the budget that we now won't have.

Rant alert: I'm so fucking sick and tired of law schools and law firms acting like you are already independently wealthy when you come to school or start work.  I don't float around on some fucking cloud of money like the legacy kids I go to school with.  My parents brought me up largely with the help of government assistance.  I worked my ass off to get undergrad scholarships.  I finally made the leap and took out huge student loans to go to one of the very best law schools in the country.  Now I'm treated like it's no problem at all to live for seven months with no paycheck.

Oh, and the icing on the cake is that my friends keep asking me where I'm going for my "bar trip," expecting I'm going to be taking some great international vacation after I take the bar because "You'll need it before you start working."  Where the hell do you get the money for an international trip when you just finished full-time school and you aren't working for six or seven months????  Oh, right.  Mommy and Daddy.  

Thanks for reading, ladies.  I know there isn't anything I can do besides tighten my belt and make sure I get enough hours at work this summer.  Fi is already contributing more than I am to the household bills and he just can't do any more than he does right now.  Like hell am I asking my dad for money.  I just needed to vent.

Hey, think if I start a GFM people will donate?  They'll understand that my situation is special!

SapphireCounselor

JCbride2015 said:

I'm graduating law school in a couple of weeks and taking the bar exam at the end of July.  I have a great job lined up after this.  You'd think they want us to start ASAP, but nope.  Our firm started last year mid-October (this is pretty normal for big firms for some reason).

So, I saved what I could from working last summer and my tax return.  Figured that should be (BARELY) enough to squeeze through six months if I also get a part time job.  I've been crossing my fingers to start the first week of October.  Then I just got an email from our recruiter that we aren't starting until November.  What the actual fuck?

Now I'm concerned about coming up with another month of living expenses when I'll have already been living off savings for six months.  I have to call my student loan companies and find out if I can defer payment that long.  And first-world problem: we were counting on saving half my paycheck each month for the wedding once I start this job.  That's a huge chunk of the budget that we now won't have.

Rant alert: I'm so fucking sick and tired of law schools and law firms acting like you are already independently wealthy when you come to school or start work.  I don't float around on some fucking cloud of money like the legacy kids I go to school with.  My parents brought me up largely with the help of government assistance.  I worked my ass off to get undergrad scholarships.  I finally made the leap and took out huge student loans to go to one of the very best law schools in the country.  Now I'm treated like it's no problem at all to live for seven months with no paycheck.

Oh, and the icing on the cake is that my friends keep asking me where I'm going for my "bar trip," expecting I'm going to be taking some great international vacation after I take the bar because "You'll need it before you start working."  Where the hell do you get the money for an international trip when you just finished full-time school and you aren't working for six or seven months????  Oh, right.  Mommy and Daddy.  

Thanks for reading, ladies.  I know there isn't anything I can do besides tighten my belt and make sure I get enough hours at work this summer.  Fi is already contributing more than I am to the household bills and he just can't do any more than he does right now.  Like hell am I asking my dad for money.  I just needed to vent.

Hey, think if I start a GFM people will donate?  They'll understand that my situation is special!

Wow! That is a lot. I can't believe they expect you to go without pay and just hang out for 7 months! That's insane! I would be pissed too. Congrats on graduating, though, and for finding a job. Even if waiting to start work for an extended period of time is a PITA at least you have a offer! Hopefully you'll have a great experience there.

Couggal12

*Hugs*

I work in recruiting and feel bad when we have jobs open that we can't have good candidates start for 4-5 sometimes 6 months out because of budgets. It's like how am I supposed to convince these people to work for us? Finance doesn't seem to get that.

I will totes donate money towards a wine fund if you start one!

JennyColada

You should be able to get more than a part time job in the meantime though, right? Or are you still "working" (slave laboring) at this firm until they "officially" hire you on full time?

JCbride2015

SapphireCounselor said:

Wow! That is a lot. I can't believe they expect you to go without pay and just hang out for 7 months! That's insane! I would be pissed too. Congrats on graduating, though, and for finding a job. Even if waiting to start work for an extended period of time is a PITA at least you have a offer! Hopefully you'll have a great experience there.

Yes, I keep telling myself this.  It's a high-paying job and I absolutely love the office.  Part of my frustration is not even about money, it's that I really just want to start working!  I had a great experience working there last summer, I really like all my colleagues, and the work is interesting.

I'm really bad at sitting around doing nothing.  I prefer to be productive.

JCbride2015

Jennycolada said:

You should be able to get more than a part time job in the meantime though, right? Or are you still "working" (slave laboring) at this firm until they "officially" hire you on full time?

I can't think of any truly full-time job that would want me for a limited time (my experience is in teaching and, of course, law).  I currently work part-time for a test prep company teaching classes and tutoring.  Because of the class schedules (mostly in the afternoon), it's nearly impossible to actually have 40 hours per week.  The hourly pay is good though.  So I'm just hoping I can get as many hours as possible from that.

HisGirlFriday13

Ugh. I'm so sorry. I have friends who had that happen, and apparently part of it is when bar exam results come out.

It still sucks. I will also donate to a wine fund!!

JennyColada

JCbride2015 said:

Jennycolada said:

You should be able to get more than a part time job in the meantime though, right? Or are you still "working" (slave laboring) at this firm until they "officially" hire you on full time?

I can't think of any truly full-time job that would want me for a limited time (my experience is in teaching and, of course, law).  I currently work part-time for a test prep company teaching classes and tutoring.  Because of the class schedules (mostly in the afternoon), it's nearly impossible to actually have 40 hours per week.  The hourly pay is good though.  So I'm just hoping I can get as many hours as possible from that.

You could probably get job placement through an employment agency. They often help with short term (or long-short-term) placements. Although, I'm not sure what the going rate for work like that would be. I'd imagine $10-$14, depending). But you might even qualify for health insurance through it too, which could be a plus depending.

CrazyCatLady3

Sorry to hear that.  When I was between law school, the Bar exam and starting work, I opened a no-interest credit card (no interest for the 1st 6 months) and put my groceries, necessities etc on that, and then I paid it off after I started working and before the interest kicked in.  Also, it won't help with the money, but for the down time, I'm sure there are lots of legal aid/non-profits that would love to have you for a few months.

pinkcow13

Oh man, that really sucks!!! Is there anything you can do on a part time/seasonal basis? Why do law firms wait so many months to  bring in new hires? And out of curiosity, what kind of law are you looking to go into?

 At one point I really wanted to go to law school. At the time I was interested in becoming a defense attorney. Instead, I chose business school which does not really thrill me lol.

SapphireCounselor

JCbride2015 said:

SapphireCounselor said:

Wow! That is a lot. I can't believe they expect you to go without pay and just hang out for 7 months! That's insane! I would be pissed too. Congrats on graduating, though, and for finding a job. Even if waiting to start work for an extended period of time is a PITA at least you have a offer! Hopefully you'll have a great experience there.

Yes, I keep telling myself this.  It's a high-paying job and I absolutely love the office.  Part of my frustration is not even about money, it's that I really just want to start working!  I had a great experience working there last summer, I really like all my colleagues, and the work is interesting.

I'm really bad at sitting around doing nothing.  I prefer to be productive.

I totally understand this! It's a PITA right now, but soon (or at least in the not too distant future) the frustration will be worth it. Like pps said, can you find something temporary to keep you busy in the meantime? And honestly, you should be able to figure something out in regards to your student loans as well. They give you six months before you have to begin repayment anyway, and I can't imagine that they wouldn't be understanding about this situation - at least if they are federal loans. There has to be something they can do.

ETA: I'm so glad you like the office! Again, I hope you have a great experience!

Cookie Pusher

Ugh, that sucks. I lived off my savings for a really long time when I was between jobs/freelancing. It was stressful, to say the least, but it helped us to pare down our monthly spending because we literally had nothing to spend. Even stupid little things, like buying a bag of potato chips at the supermarket that we seriously did not need to be buying, were easier to pick out and eliminate. 

Hmmm... waitressing/bartending for the next 7 months in the meantime? Plus, you don't have to TELL any prospective employer that you're planning on leaving in 7 months, especially if it's not a "professional" gig. I can't even count how many college kids I had to train when I worked in retail, hospitality, and staffing who only stuck around for a few months.

CrazyCatLady3

pinkcow13 said:

Oh man, that really sucks!!! Is there anything you can do on a part time/seasonal basis? Why do law firms wait so many months to  bring in new hires? And out of curiosity, what kind of law are you looking to go into?

 At one point I really wanted to go to law school. At the time I was interested in becoming a defense attorney. Instead, I chose business school which does not really thrill me lol.

Usually they push things back when the firm doesn't feel busy enough to absorb new attorneys.  You may have been better off with b-school, as the legal job market it really rough right now.

tortoisebride

You might be able to pick up some more hours doing other tutoring through Wyzant (full disclosure: referral link) or another thing like that. Lots of people need test prep and general math & writing tutors, you'd probably be able to do okay. It's kind of a pain because it means driving around to get to their houses, but it's good money. Wyzant's rate is 60% to you, 40% to them (goes up as you get more hours done) & you set your own base rate. You can charge more than you'd think too.

OnceUponAVine

If you have a background in education could you look at teaching summer school? Its short term but would definitely help supplement your income  Idk about your area but schools around me still have positions open

JCbride2015

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  @pinkcow13 I think part of it is that everyone assumes law students want some time off after the bar because it is so intense.  The extra time is probably as @crazycatlady3 said: the firm has less work than they anticipated so it's not worth it for them to pay new associates when we won't be working enough.  This is not unheard of but it is disappointing.

I am thinking about putting up some posters around my apartment complex that I offer tutoring.  I'm a certified teacher in my state so I can charge a pretty decent rate.  I don't think summer school would work because the time I really need to be working is late August through October.

I hadn't really thought about waitressing.  I've never done it and I probably can't, because of my joint problems carrying things is sort of a no-no.  I guess I could try to go back to retail; there's a mall within walking distance.  That wouldn't pay as much as tutoring, though.  Hopefully I'll be able to get a bunch of tutoring hours.

nsweare

pinkcow13 said:

Oh man, that really sucks!!! Is there anything you can do on a part time/seasonal basis? Why do law firms wait so many months to  bring in new hires? And out of curiosity, what kind of law are you looking to go into?

 At one point I really wanted to go to law school. At the time I was interested in becoming a defense attorney. Instead, I chose business school which does not really thrill me lol.

They wait because they want to see of you actually PASS the bar and can actually work. Results for the July bar usually come out in October.

JennyColada

You could get a retail job somewhere that sells decent work clothes, like Banana Republic or White House. Make money AND save money!

JCbride2015

nsweare said:

Oh man, that really sucks!!! Is there anything you can do on a part time/seasonal basis? Why do law firms wait so many months to  bring in new hires? And out of curiosity, what kind of law are you looking to go into?

 At one point I really wanted to go to law school. At the time I was interested in becoming a defense attorney. Instead, I chose business school which does not really thrill me lol.

They wait because they want to see of you actually PASS the bar and can actually work. Results for the July bar usually come out in October.

I don't think this is entirely true, though.  Many law firms start in September, you are just a "law clerk" until you pass the bar.  And if you don't pass, many firms (not sure about mine) will let you stay on as a "law clerk" until you take it a second time and pass.

VulgarGirl

If it makes you feel any better...FI went through the same damn thing. It sucked, a lot. She didn't even start at her firm until December and she graduated in May. It was a long summer of slinging coffee, bartending, and whatever random job I could dig up from my friends. She was either over qualified, under qualified, or they didn't want someone who would jump ship in a few months. 

I just gave her back rubs and lots of booze. Now we look back on that time and say "See, see what we can survive! We got this!" because I was in grad school at the same time and hey, I don't recommend that. Go one at a time.

nsweare

Yeah, around here most of the firms defer your start date pending bar results.

A suggestion, does your city have a public defenders/prosecutors office that will take you on as an "intern" for a few months? The pay stinks but it's really great experience. And you do actually make a little money.

JCbride2015 said:

nsweare said:

pinkcow13 said:

Oh man, that really sucks!!! Is there anything you can do on a part time/seasonal basis? Why do law firms wait so many months to  bring in new hires? And out of curiosity, what kind of law are you looking to go into?

 At one point I really wanted to go to law school. At the time I was interested in becoming a defense attorney. Instead, I chose business school which does not really thrill me lol.

They wait because they want to see of you actually PASS the bar and can actually work. Results for the July bar usually come out in October.

I don't think this is entirely true, though.  Many law firms start in September, you are just a "law clerk" until you pass the bar.  And if you don't pass, many firms (not sure about mine) will let you stay on as a "law clerk" until you take it a second time and pass.

JCbride2015

@MagicInk I'm glad you guys made it through okay.  I mean, I know we will survive.  But yeah, I'm pretty much expecting it to suck.

Back rubs and lots of booze sounds like a wonderful plan.

JCbride2015

@nsweare I'm not sure about that.  It's the NYC area so even pro bono type jobs are highly competitive.  And I just had to sign this whole thing for my firm that I'm not doing client-service work and thus creating potential conflicts... I think I'd be better off staying away from any real legal work on the off-chance I create a conflict and shoot myself in the foot.

nsweare

JCbride2015 said:

@nsweare I'm not sure about that.  It's the NYC area so even pro bono type jobs are highly competitive.  And I just had to sign this whole thing for my firm that I'm not doing client-service work and thus creating potential conflicts... I think I'd be better off staying away from any real legal work on the off-chance I create a conflict and shoot myself in the foot.

that's a bummer. It's bad enough that you have to spend several months terrified of your bar results, but you have to figure out how to pay the bills too.

I almost considered taking out a bar loan to help me get through that period, but ultimately decided against it.

CMGragain

Half the law graduates in the Washington, DC area are working retail jobs until they can find a career job.  Why not join them?  You learn a lot about people working retail, and you can make grocery money.

JCbride2015

CMGragain said:

Half the law graduates in the Washington, DC area are working retail jobs until they can find a career job.  Why not join them?  You learn a lot about people working retail, and you can make grocery money.

Yep.  First plan is to teach LSAT prep (better money) and if that falls through, I will work retail somewhere.  I worked retail all through high school and college and I don't mind it.

VulgarGirl

JCbride2015 said:

CMGragain said:

Half the law graduates in the Washington, DC area are working retail jobs until they can find a career job.  Why not join them?  You learn a lot about people working retail, and you can make grocery money.

Yep.  First plan is to teach LSAT prep (better money) and if that falls through, I will work retail somewhere.  I worked retail all through high school and college and I don't mind it.

FI was able to do some subbing here when school started back up. But to be a sub in our state all you need is a bachelors in something. Seriously, anything they don't care. Not sure what NYC laws. It wasn't too bad and it was ok money.

climbingsingle

That sucks JC! 

CMGragain

Subbing school sounds like easy money, but the kids can put you through hell if you aren't used to dealing with them.  Think entitlement with hormones pinging off the walls.  Motherhood was my best preparation.  If the kids tried playing games with me, I just told them that I had already raised two teenagers, and they had tried everything with me. "It didn't work for my kids, and you folks won't get by me either."  Age helped.

JCbride2015

@CMGragain I love hearing your subbing stories.

I am a certified teacher so subbing would be a good option.  I'll have to look into my options and see what kind of paperwork I'd need to do to get cleared for the various districts around here.  I enjoy tutoring/ test prep and it's easier than working in a public school, but things with test prep will slow down in September.  So subbing might work.

grumbledore

I know it's not ideal, but can you get another job to tide you over until November?  That's a long time to just not work, regardless of the fact that you will be an attorney and already have a position lined up.