Pretty Sure I'm Dropping Out/Quick Question Forum

[IAFG]

it was unwise to start the program in the first place. dropping out is the lesser of two evils. the fact that the economy sucks does nothing to convince me (or apparently OP) that finishing a law degree from a school with weak prospects is a better path.

law school is no place to develop maturity.

[SchopenhauerFTW]

it was unwise to start the program in the first place. dropping out is the lesser of two evils. the fact that the economy sucks does nothing to convince me (or apparently OP) that finishing a law degree from a school with weak prospects is a better path.

law school is no place to develop maturity.

It's a great place to act like a complete d-bag and at least pretend that you're mature. It will haunt you though.

[maxm2764]

there is NOTHING "mature" about getting a law degree. not a goddamn thing.

yes, there isnt. but there is something immature about starting something and dropping out because its not inspiring, with no real respectable job perspectives, and no further plans to get an education that will provide such. a bachelors degree in communication is useless, no offense to OP. if he had something else in mind, like going and getting a useful masters degree that would be a different story. but dropping out to get a job with a bachelors in communications in this economy seems a little unwise.

I definitely appreciate your input, thank you. I don't know, do you think that going into debt for something that I hate and coming out with shitty job prospects is better than cutting my losses and trying to find a job? It's a serious question, no snark intended.

[thexfactor]

It sounds like you are just looking for a starting point for a career. Stick it out and get your 1L grades. You already paid tuition. Work as hard as you can and see how your grades are. If they are below top 20% or so, drop out.

When you apply to jobs, you don't have to tell them you went to law school. Also, look at accounting or nursing if you are interested in having a fighting chance at some type of career.

[keg411]

it was unwise to start the program in the first place. dropping out is the lesser of two evils. the fact that the economy sucks does nothing to convince me (or apparently OP) that finishing a law degree from a school with weak prospects is a better path.

law school is no place to develop maturity.

Law school has made me less mature if anything.

OP, keep looking for a job, then drop out. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that you get something before having to go through finals/grade waiting hell.

[c3pO4]

it was unwise to start the program in the first place. dropping out is the lesser of two evils. the fact that the economy sucks does nothing to convince me (or apparently OP) that finishing a law degree from a school with weak prospects is a better path.

law school is no place to develop maturity.

Law school has made me less mature if anything.

OP, keep looking for a job, then drop out. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that you get something before having to go through finals/grade waiting hell.

+1 law school = immaturity. Speaking for myself as well as a bunch of my 25+ year old friends who have graduated and still yet to have worked a day in their lives.

Living a decade where you only care about tests, "interesting classes," and getting free money every 6 months isn't exactly a recipe for maturity.

[IrwinM.Fletcher]

Telling OP to stick it out until he sees his grades seems silly. He goes to a TTT, not a T14- the guy needs to nail top 5-10% in order for that to incent him to stick around. It's not like he's at a place where he can be medianBIGLAWLsecure.

I'd start searching like crazy for work and gtfo as soon as I find something suitable, whether that's next week or January.

[c3pO4]

Telling OP to stick it out until he sees his grades seems silly. He goes to a TTT, not a T14- the guy needs to nail top 5-10% in order for that to incent him to stick around. It's not like he's at a place where he can be medianBIGLAWLsecure.

I'd start searching like crazy for work and gtfo as soon as I find something suitable, whether that's next week or January.

Why stay while you search? Makes no sense.

[maxm2764]

Do you guys think an employer would look at getting out now worse than getting out at the end of the semester?

That's my main concern, that I'd be more of a "drop out" if I left now as compared to later.

[3ThrowAway99]

To OP: generally I am not an advocate of dropping out, IF it is simply a grade issue (unless only goal is biglaw and person has no shot because of horrendous grades perhaps). HOWEVER, it seems you are thinking of dropping out because you really are not interested in law--that is a whole different story IMO.

If you really feel it's not for you dude, I would cut your losses right away. It can be important to stick with something, BUT that is reasonable only on the assumption that the something being stuck with is on a path you really want or need to be on.

You're definitely not alone--there are plenty of ppl who decide part way through that law school and law is not for them (that they hate it etc). I actually think that is one of the few right reasons to drop out. Everyone will hate law school at times I think, but if it is a consistent feeling and you really feel it is a mistake for you I would just cut your losses and find something you enjoy (maybe even another grad program).

[3ThrowAway99]

Law school has made me less mature if anything.

Sad, but I think it may be true for me too. But I mention that as a non-sequitur, not as a point related to previous postings.

[3ThrowAway99]

Do you guys think an employer would look at getting out now worse than getting out at the end of the semester?

That's my main concern, that I'd be more of a "drop out" if I left now as compared to later.

No, I don't think so. But I can't say for sure.

[c3pO4]

Do you guys think an employer would look at getting out now worse than getting out at the end of the semester?

That's my main concern, that I'd be more of a "drop out" if I left now as compared to later.

No, I don't think so. But I can't say for sure.

I can say for sure having a friend who dropped out and went on dozens of interviews. Drop out ASAP, just tell employers you realized law school wasn't for you. Guess what---everybody HATES lawyers so they will laugh and say yea, good choice and then interview moves on. Earlier you get out, faster you can spend 100% of your time looking for a job.

[maxm2764]

Do you guys think an employer would look at getting out now worse than getting out at the end of the semester?

That's my main concern, that I'd be more of a "drop out" if I left now as compared to later.

No, I don't think so. But I can't say for sure.

I can say for sure having a friend who dropped out and went on dozens of interviews. Drop out ASAP, just tell employers you realized law school wasn't for you. Guess what---everybody HATES lawyers so they will laugh and say yea, good choice and then interview moves on. Earlier you get out, faster you can spend 100% of your time looking for a job.

Well that's a relief. I just am torn between leaving now as opposed to later. Part of me wants to finish what I started. Part of me realizes that studying for finals is a huge waste of time and I should be looking for a job instead.

[c3pO4]

Do you guys think an employer would look at getting out now worse than getting out at the end of the semester?

That's my main concern, that I'd be more of a "drop out" if I left now as compared to later.

No, I don't think so. But I can't say for sure.

I can say for sure having a friend who dropped out and went on dozens of interviews. Drop out ASAP, just tell employers you realized law school wasn't for you. Guess what---everybody HATES lawyers so they will laugh and say yea, good choice and then interview moves on. Earlier you get out, faster you can spend 100% of your time looking for a job.

Well that's a relief. I just am torn between leaving now as opposed to later. Part of me wants to finish what I started. Part of me realizes that studying for finals is a huge waste of time and I should be looking for a job instead.

Finish what you started means dropping out after finals as opposed to now? Lol, dude. You have some serious growing up to do.

[CanuckObserver]

there is NOTHING "mature" about getting a law degree. not a goddamn thing.

yes, there isnt. but there is something immature about starting something and dropping out because its not inspiring, with no real respectable job perspectives, and no further plans to get an education that will provide such. a bachelors degree in communication is useless, no offense to OP. if he had something else in mind, like going and getting a useful masters degree that would be a different story. but dropping out to get a job with a bachelors in communications in this economy seems a little unwise.

Um, no.

That the OP is self-aware enough to realize law school is not for him - and in particular that he has not interest in the law - and that he does not HAVE to stay just because he signed up before he knew what it really was about or because others might be disappointed is actually very mature.

How is it mature to stick it out for another 2.5 years, at the loss of many more thousands of dollars and much more stress, to end up maybe finding a job as a lawyer which you don't want anyway, all because others *may* perceive you dropping out as "immature"? Ridiculous. Master's degrees are certainly not a guarantee either.

OP, hell, whether you discover you are happy working forever as a manager of the screws & bolts aisle at Home Depot, or in five years realize you love the law after all and go back, it sounds like staying in law school is taking a toll on you emotionally, financially, and I imagine physically as well. This is your own life after all and it is for you to live as it fits for you. I love being a lawyer, but I certainly would not encourage anyone who did not enjoy law school to "stick it out" for another 2.5 years (I have seen the end results of that in former classmates, and it does not turn out sunshine and roses). The practice of law, in my opinion, is best done by those who actually have an interest in it. While I do find my job satisfying and I DO feel inspired to go to work everyday, it has its less glorious moments and if I did not enjoy law, I would find it painful nearly all the time!

There is no shame in dropping out of what you have found is not a fit for you. You do not have to put the three months on your resume, but if you are asked about a gap, just be honest that you found you did not want to be a lawyer after all.

I would just drop out now and devote yourself full-time to the job search. I hope you find something that fits for you, but don't panic or stress if it takes 10, 15, 20+ years or if you change it up every few years...heck, I had many "careers" before I ended up in law and don't regret taking the rather twisty path to get here. Ditto for my spouse. It's okay to always be curious about new paths. For now, just find a job you enjoy and that helps pay the bills and don't worry about jumping into the "perfect life-long career" right away.

[maxm2764]

Thank you Canuck for your really insightful post. I definitely appreciate it.

This whole situation has really shaken me up. My family and my SO are very adamant about me finishing the semester because I should finish what I started. I'm having a hard time because I think I should be out there looking for a job rather than wasting my time with finals/final memo.

I do appreciate everyone's advice though, it has been incredibly helpful so far.

[paratactical]

OP - have you considered looking for employment starting at the end of the semester and asking your school if you can take a year long absence? You might not decide to go back, but it might be purient to keep as many doors open as you can at this point.

[maxm2764]

OP - have you considered looking for employment starting at the end of the semester and asking your school if you can take a year long absence? You might not decide to go back, but it might be purient to keep as many doors open as you can at this point.

Yeah, and I'd say it's definitely something to think about. At this point though, I dont want to be in the law and I'm sure of it. It probably is a smart thing to do though, keeping as many doors open as I can.

[paratactical]

OP - have you considered looking for employment starting at the end of the semester and asking your school if you can take a year long absence? You might not decide to go back, but it might be purient to keep as many doors open as you can at this point.

Yeah, and I'd say it's definitely something to think about. At this point though, I dont want to be in the law and I'm sure of it. It probably is a smart thing to do though, keeping as many doors open as I can.

You should at least talk to the school and figure out what the policy is and what you'd have to do. It would also let you get your grades before taking more courses, which might (but probably won't) change things. I just say this because if it was me, I'd want to try to go into the workforce at least knowing that I have something else I could be doing if my job hunt was terrible. Having that fallback (as awful as it is) would let me take more risks and motivate me, especially knowing that I hated my fallback plan. Just my $.02. Good luck, either way.

[lbeezy]

OP - have you considered looking for employment starting at the end of the semester and asking your school if you can take a year long absence? You might not decide to go back, but it might be purient to keep as many doors open as you can at this point.

Yeah, and I'd say it's definitely something to think about. At this point though, I dont want to be in the law and I'm sure of it. It probably is a smart thing to do though, keeping as many doors open as I can.

The thing is -- I hated 1L. Like, was miserable every single day. Couldn't find anything rewarding about law school. But I stuck it out and I loved 2L and really love 3L. I would at least finish the semester if I were you. Reevaluate over Christmas break. I'm not advising you not to drop out, that may be the best option for you, but I would give it some more time.

[c3pO4]

Wow this thread has turned crazy and now law school is being bandied about as a fall back option for if the job search doesn't pan out. Do you people not realize that OP is barreling towards life-altering debt and the state of the legal job market?

Your SO and family have no clue what they are talking about and neither do the other posters telling you to stay (they probably missed the part where you said you go to a crappy law school and assume you are just some misanthrope T14 kid).

Law school is literally the worst bet you can make ITE. Why stay if you wouldn't even be happy were you to win the insane gamble you've taken by going to a crappy law school.

Nobody else is going to be paying your loan payments but you. Do what you think is right. You've basically said you wanna drop out and start looking for work ASAP. Just do it!

[paratactical]

Whoosh. I'm just trying to advocate for keeping doors open rather than needlessly closing them. This is a huge decision and there is absolutely no reason to not consider all available options.

[c3pO4]

Whoosh. I'm just trying to advocate for keeping doors open rather than needlessly closing them. This is a huge decision and there is absolutely no reason to not consider all available options.

Yea but I'm just saying the door you are advocating keeping open opens into a black hole of debt and destruction.

[lbeezy]

Whoosh. I'm just trying to advocate for keeping doors open rather than needlessly closing them. This is a huge decision and there is absolutely no reason to not consider all available options.

Yea but I'm just saying the door you are advocating keeping open opens into a black hole of debt and destruction.

This semester is paid for already, and almost over. It seems silly to disregard that completely.