Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area Forum

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throwaway11

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Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by throwaway11 » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:48 pm

This is a throwaway account for obvious reasons.

After I graduated this past May, I applied for jobs using the "shotgun approach": apply to any job that I qualify for and see what sticks. Implausibly I actually went far enough in the interview process that I actually got an offer from one firm. Unfortunately, this firm practices an area of law I have almost no interest in. Also, I was not impressed by the firm culture during my tour, and the parking lot was mostly full at 9-10pm both nights I was in town, which is not a good sign. I can't imagine working 80 hours a week in an area of law I find incredibly dull.

My parents and friends without offers think I am absolutely crazy not to accept the offer because it is the only offer I have out of the 31 jobs I applied for. Everyone regularly reminds me how poor the legal market is right now, and that my student loan payments start in 4 months. My salary offer was in the lower 60s.

I am really concerned that if I take this job and then quit a year or so down the road because I am miserable, I will damage my chances of getting another job.

What would you do?

rad lulz

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by rad lulz » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:50 pm

Take the job bro

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somewhatwayward

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by somewhatwayward » Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:55 pm

school/grades?

31 is tiny. many people apply to hundreds before they get a bite.

otoh, it's easier to get a job when you have a job.

what's the area of law? some areas will be more limiting than others.

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:18 pm

It'll be easier to get another job after having a job.

vegeta

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by vegeta » Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:24 pm

If it's a decently reputable firm, take it.

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RedBirds2011

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by RedBirds2011 » Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:25 pm

rad lulz wrote:Take the job bro

Seriously, TAKE it. Dont be picky right now...

r6_philly

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by r6_philly » Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:26 pm

I don't even see it as a choice, unless you can afford to lay off for a while not having a job. But that probably damages your future prospects, so ya, I don't see much of a choice.

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emkay625

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by emkay625 » Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:31 pm

Take it and work hard. Then move on to a job you are more satisified in in a year or so.

attractive_NUisance

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by attractive_NUisance » Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:38 pm

News flash: If you ever have a gap on your resume of more than a few months people won't want to hire you.

Always better to take a job over no job. Once you have another offer in hand you can debate which one is better.

keg411

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Re: Got an offer, but have little interest in the firm/law area

Post by keg411 » Fri Jun 29, 2012 12:19 am

Anonymous User wrote:It'll be easier to get another job after having a job.
+ infinite. You don't even have to wait a year if you really despise it. Start applying for other stuff about a month after you start and I bet you get bites.

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