I've been really enjoying your blog. I went to a T14 and really am one of those people who NEVER wanted to practice law, at least not in the sense that a lot of people do. I actually wanted to go into gov't or public service but as you know even those jobs get 800 gazillion resumes responding to them, too, and a lot of those folks have biglaw experience, etc. Anyway, I truly regret my decision to attend law school, especially since I gave up some scholarships (I know, stupid me) to good schools to attend the T14 which promised me employers beating down my door, etc., you know the story...and now I'm looking back on two years of earning less than I did before law school. It's hard to be bitter, though, because now I'm pursuing my dream job (which I should've done all along) and getting technical training that is both practical and potentially very lucrative.
Anyway, I have actually some well-paying temporary jobs (secretarial, which is what I did before law school) by telling the employer I was staying home with my child during the three ugly law school years. It seems to have worked, because a lot of people are stay at home parents now, and it's a good excuse if you have kids, whether you're a mom or dad as there are a lot of stay at home dads now, too. So, this could help someone. I am actually looking for a low level job in my NEW field now, and am contemplating whether to reveal the JD which could actually help me later on or keep it secret so I can break in without looking like a weirdo. Any advice would be appreciated.
Anyway, I have actually some well-paying temporary jobs (secretarial, which is what I did before law school) by telling the employer I was staying home with my child during the three ugly law school years. It seems to have worked, because a lot of people are stay at home parents now, and it's a good excuse if you have kids, whether you're a mom or dad as there are a lot of stay at home dads now, too. So, this could help someone. I am actually looking for a low level job in my NEW field now, and am contemplating whether to reveal the JD which could actually help me later on or keep it secret so I can break in without looking like a weirdo. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks for the helpful tips. Reader feedback is always appreciated at Esq. Never. Readers, this person was kind enough to share her experiences with us. Do you have any advice for her? If so, please leave a comment.
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I would not advise leaving it off the resume, UNLESS you are applying to industries that are notorious for paying gutter wages. Seeing a JD will make those cheapskates think that you want a high salary.
ReplyDeleteIf you are applying to non-law positions, the fact that you went to a T14 might help you. Laypersons might wonder what someone like you is doing interviewing with them, but the name brand should get their attention.
Be up front: "I went to a top 14 law school. I did not find that field very satisfying. I want to do something that I enjoy for a living. Money is not a huge deal to me. Plus, I would rather work in this type of environment."
Then again, my wife has a Master's degree (and graduated with a 3.9 GPA), plus five years' experience in the field, great references, and she has been out of work for four months. American companies are depraved. They are not willing to pay people what they ARE worth, so that they can pay their worthless, myopic CEOs outrageous salaries and "compensation packages."
Nando, not sure what your politics are, but you write like a socialist - which I appreciate.
ReplyDeleteTire barricades and Molotov cocktails in 2010!!! BTW this is serious not tongue in cheek.
lol! I like the idea of telling employers I was "raising a kid". I am contemplating creating a family of special needs children that caused me to stay home the last 10+ years. Maybe I will be able to land a job outside the industry as well.
ReplyDeleteClever Angel. But if you are planning to leave the law, feel free to just make shit up. C&F doesn't exist in other fields.
ReplyDeleteI attended a T-14 law school and also see it as one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I'd like to write more about my experience later and if I do I'll definitely send it to Esq. Never for publication.
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