Do some people work during 1L? Forum

[Splitter1415]

suzige,

Thank you for sharing. I'm also having him read your post. I've always had to put work before school during undergrad, which affected my grades. I really want to stop working and focus on school work.

whut,

I have some saving and we are not in a bad financial situation. We just have a lot of expenses including my undergrad tuition.

[suzige]

suzige,

Thank you for sharing. I'm also having him read your post. I've always had to put work before school during undergrad, which affected my grades. I really want to stop working and focus on school work.

whut,

I have some saving and we are not in a bad financial situation. We just have a lot of expenses including my undergrad tuition.

No prob, i'm glad to help anyone going into 1L w/ a serious relationship/marriage in tow bc it is super hard on the other person in the relationship and it takes real work to keep a good relationship going. That is a topic not discussed very often bc most pple are not in that category going into 1L...at least @ my school.

While you may be @ home studying and what not during 1L, you may not be "there" in the sense that you are available to hang out and just "be" with each other. I've been around my bf studying for example and one time he was like, hey, I know we're like technically physically together, but can you take an hour and just sit here without a book with me and talk? That made me realize early on that I need to devote some time every week just for us. I think if you stress to your husband that this is not just a YOU thing but also a YOU BOTH thing, then he may better understand your need to focus solely on school so that you can apportion your free time to what is important.

There will be networking events, employer events, etc that you should go to as well during 1L along with a bunch of other crap aside from school. Like others have said, I don't get the sense that you working is necessary for survival. Your non-study time will be limited and very desired by your husband and your need to get internships, jobs for the future. 1L has a nice way of messing up your ability to control your own time. There is just not enough hours in a day to do all that and be a sane and healthy person in a happy marriage.

[whut]

suzige,

Thank you for sharing. I'm also having him read your post. I've always had to put work before school during undergrad, which affected my grades. I really want to stop working and focus on school work.

whut,

I have some saving and we are not in a bad financial situation. We just have a lot of expenses including my undergrad tuition.

undergrad tuition?
I don't understand. You can defer that while in law school.

Are you not in law school yet? If so, how far away from it are you?

[180kickflip]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think I agree with him (as I'm understanding it)

Basically, I see a guy who is already feeling financially burdened to take care of his mother, AND is already committed to contributing 20k/yr to his wife, AND is now being told that while he's doing all of that, his wife doesn't want to TRY to work part time?

I mean, we're not talking about being forced to continue working while it is hurting your grades. We're just talking about trying to see if work is possible here. I don't see why you wouldn't just try. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can manage, you get to help your husband out with $900/wk. I can't imagine any financially burdened household where an extra 35k or whatever wouldn't feel life changing.

Plus, if I'm understanding this right, you're going for PI. In my head, that means you're likely earning 50-60k after school...so less than you're making now at the job you don't want to do. And for that outcome, your husband is paying 20k a year. I can't even imagine how much explaining I'd have to do to explain that to my girl. I might as well just start walking to the couch with my pillow lol.

All I've ever heard on TLS, is that grades don't matter as much for PI. What matters is showing consistent dedication and hustling. Also, minimizing debt as you won't make much. It seems like everyone is arguing against all of that here =/

[whut]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think I agree with him (as I'm understanding it)

Basically, I see a guy who is already feeling financially burdened to take care of his mother, AND is already committed to contributing 20k/yr to his wife, AND is now being told that while he's doing all of that, his wife doesn't want to TRY to work part time?

I mean, we're not talking about being forced to continue working while it is hurting your grades. We're just talking about trying to see if work is possible here. I don't see why you wouldn't just try. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can manage, you get to help your husband out with $900/wk. I can't imagine any financially burdened household where an extra 35k or whatever wouldn't feel life changing.

Plus, if I'm understanding this right, you're going for PI. In my head, that means you're likely earning 50-60k after school...so less than you're making now at the job you don't want to do. And for that outcome, your husband is paying 20k a year. I can't even imagine how much explaining I'd have to do to explain that to my girl. I might as well just start walking to the couch with my pillow lol.

All I've ever heard on TLS, is that grades don't matter as much for PI. What matters is showing consistent dedication and hustling. Also, minimizing debt as you won't make much. It seems like everyone is arguing against all of that here =/

So wait until you are on academic probation to worry about your grades?

[suzige]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think I agree with him (as I'm understanding it)

Basically, I see a guy who is already feeling financially burdened to take care of his mother, AND is already committed to contributing 20k/yr to his wife, AND is now being told that while he's doing all of that, his wife doesn't want to TRY to work part time?

I mean, we're not talking about being forced to continue working while it is hurting your grades. We're just talking about trying to see if work is possible here. I don't see why you wouldn't just try. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can manage, you get to help your husband out with $900/wk. I can't imagine any financially burdened household where an extra 35k or whatever wouldn't feel life changing.

Plus, if I'm understanding this right, you're going for PI. In my head, that means you're likely earning 50-60k after school...so less than you're making now at the job you don't want to do. And for that outcome, your husband is paying 20k a year. I can't even imagine how much explaining I'd have to do to explain that to my girl. I might as well just start walking to the couch with my pillow lol.

All I've ever heard on TLS, is that grades don't matter as much for PI. What matters is showing consistent dedication and hustling. Also, minimizing debt as you won't make much. It seems like everyone is arguing against all of that here =/

I see what you are saying, and I'm not disagreeing entirely either. This is a situation that could lead to marital problems--financially speaking and what not. I stress that this decision needs to be made together. OP, you both need to be all in one way or the other. I hesitate to tell OP to not strive for the best grades possible bc nobody knows how they will do in law school or where they will end up. PI is competitive now too for good jobs. The friends I have at my school are working their butts off to balance school work with volunteering every other place they can to build up their resumes and demonstrate their dedication to PI. I can't imagine OP would be able to be a good candidate for PI by working as a server or an LSAT tutor. She may also change her tune thru 1L and decide that she wants to go the private route.

I don't like telling pple to close themselves off to other opportunities bc they think they know now as an 0L what they want to do in 3 yrs. I think that OP should share as much info w/ her husband and have them both come to a decision about what is going to give them the best possible opportunities and probabilities for the future. Having so-so grades bc you wanted to try to make some money on the side (bc you won't be working full-time) is going to make your effort in law school nearly worthless for most opportunities. Nobody interviewing you will give you props for working during 1L as a server if your grades suck.

[WokeUpInACar]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think I agree with him (as I'm understanding it)

Basically, I see a guy who is already feeling financially burdened to take care of his mother, AND is already committed to contributing 20k/yr to his wife, AND is now being told that while he's doing all of that, his wife doesn't want to TRY to work part time?

I mean, we're not talking about being forced to continue working while it is hurting your grades. We're just talking about trying to see if work is possible here. I don't see why you wouldn't just try. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can manage, you get to help your husband out with $900/wk. I can't imagine any financially burdened household where an extra 35k or whatever wouldn't feel life changing.

Plus, if I'm understanding this right, you're going for PI. In my head, that means you're likely earning 50-60k after school...so less than you're making now at the job you don't want to do. And for that outcome, your husband is paying 20k a year. I can't even imagine how much explaining I'd have to do to explain that to my girl. I might as well just start walking to the couch with my pillow lol.

All I've ever heard on TLS, is that grades don't matter as much for PI. What matters is showing consistent dedication and hustling. Also, minimizing debt as you won't make much. It seems like everyone is arguing against all of that here =/

$900 a week??? So you're assuming she can somehow pull down $45 an hour at the 20 hour/week maximum?

[180kickflip]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think I agree with him (as I'm understanding it)

Basically, I see a guy who is already feeling financially burdened to take care of his mother, AND is already committed to contributing 20k/yr to his wife, AND is now being told that while he's doing all of that, his wife doesn't want to TRY to work part time?

I mean, we're not talking about being forced to continue working while it is hurting your grades. We're just talking about trying to see if work is possible here. I don't see why you wouldn't just try. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can manage, you get to help your husband out with $900/wk. I can't imagine any financially burdened household where an extra 35k or whatever wouldn't feel life changing.

Plus, if I'm understanding this right, you're going for PI. In my head, that means you're likely earning 50-60k after school...so less than you're making now at the job you don't want to do. And for that outcome, your husband is paying 20k a year. I can't even imagine how much explaining I'd have to do to explain that to my girl. I might as well just start walking to the couch with my pillow lol.

All I've ever heard on TLS, is that grades don't matter as much for PI. What matters is showing consistent dedication and hustling. Also, minimizing debt as you won't make much. It seems like everyone is arguing against all of that here =/

$900 a week??? So you're assuming she can somehow pull down $45 an hour at the 20 hour/week maximum?

Not assuming anything. She said
"If I work 20 hours a week at my current job, I'll probably making $900 per week before tax"

[whut]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think I agree with him (as I'm understanding it)

Basically, I see a guy who is already feeling financially burdened to take care of his mother, AND is already committed to contributing 20k/yr to his wife, AND is now being told that while he's doing all of that, his wife doesn't want to TRY to work part time?

I mean, we're not talking about being forced to continue working while it is hurting your grades. We're just talking about trying to see if work is possible here. I don't see why you wouldn't just try. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can manage, you get to help your husband out with $900/wk. I can't imagine any financially burdened household where an extra 35k or whatever wouldn't feel life changing.

Plus, if I'm understanding this right, you're going for PI. In my head, that means you're likely earning 50-60k after school...so less than you're making now at the job you don't want to do. And for that outcome, your husband is paying 20k a year. I can't even imagine how much explaining I'd have to do to explain that to my girl. I might as well just start walking to the couch with my pillow lol.

All I've ever heard on TLS, is that grades don't matter as much for PI. What matters is showing consistent dedication and hustling. Also, minimizing debt as you won't make much. It seems like everyone is arguing against all of that here =/

$900 a week??? So you're assuming she can somehow pull down $45 an hour at the 20 hour/week maximum?

"If I work 20 hours a week at my current job, I'll probably making $900 per week before tax"
?

mentioned being a server
I am guessing tips
I am guessing at either a very upscale dinning facility or a place without tops (no judging either way, if I could monopolize I would)

[WokeUpInACar]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think I agree with him (as I'm understanding it)

Basically, I see a guy who is already feeling financially burdened to take care of his mother, AND is already committed to contributing 20k/yr to his wife, AND is now being told that while he's doing all of that, his wife doesn't want to TRY to work part time?

I mean, we're not talking about being forced to continue working while it is hurting your grades. We're just talking about trying to see if work is possible here. I don't see why you wouldn't just try. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can manage, you get to help your husband out with $900/wk. I can't imagine any financially burdened household where an extra 35k or whatever wouldn't feel life changing.

Plus, if I'm understanding this right, you're going for PI. In my head, that means you're likely earning 50-60k after school...so less than you're making now at the job you don't want to do. And for that outcome, your husband is paying 20k a year. I can't even imagine how much explaining I'd have to do to explain that to my girl. I might as well just start walking to the couch with my pillow lol.

All I've ever heard on TLS, is that grades don't matter as much for PI. What matters is showing consistent dedication and hustling. Also, minimizing debt as you won't make much. It seems like everyone is arguing against all of that here =/

$900 a week??? So you're assuming she can somehow pull down $45 an hour at the 20 hour/week maximum?

"If I work 20 hours a week at my current job, I'll probably making $900 per week before tax"
?

LOL me. Oops. I still don't think 35k is worth anywhere near what spending that time studying or even relaxing would do. I know I'd have gone fucking crazy if I had to work this year.

[180kickflip]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I think I agree with him (as I'm understanding it)

Basically, I see a guy who is already feeling financially burdened to take care of his mother, AND is already committed to contributing 20k/yr to his wife, AND is now being told that while he's doing all of that, his wife doesn't want to TRY to work part time?

I mean, we're not talking about being forced to continue working while it is hurting your grades. We're just talking about trying to see if work is possible here. I don't see why you wouldn't just try. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can manage, you get to help your husband out with $900/wk. I can't imagine any financially burdened household where an extra 35k or whatever wouldn't feel life changing.

Plus, if I'm understanding this right, you're going for PI. In my head, that means you're likely earning 50-60k after school...so less than you're making now at the job you don't want to do. And for that outcome, your husband is paying 20k a year. I can't even imagine how much explaining I'd have to do to explain that to my girl. I might as well just start walking to the couch with my pillow lol.

All I've ever heard on TLS, is that grades don't matter as much for PI. What matters is showing consistent dedication and hustling. Also, minimizing debt as you won't make much. It seems like everyone is arguing against all of that here =/

$900 a week??? So you're assuming she can somehow pull down $45 an hour at the 20 hour/week maximum?

"If I work 20 hours a week at my current job, I'll probably making $900 per week before tax"
?

LOL me. Oops. I still don't think 35k is worth anywhere near what spending that time studying or even relaxing would do. I know I'd have gone fucking crazy if I had to work this year.

I hear you, but what if your mom needed money to pay her mortgage? To me, the $ means a lot more when you really need it somewhere.

[Splitter1415]

whut,

I pay my tuition. I go to school part time and I'm graduating next year.


180kickflip,

I appreciate your opinion. It doesn't hurt to try, maybe. However, I'd like to avoid working at a restaurant if possible. Now I work more than 40 hours a week and take 9 credits in school. I'm always exhausted after work. I work at a high end restaurant and it's not an easy job. It was worth when I had to keep my student visa. I had to work full time and go to school full time. I moved here from a non-English speaking country when I was 19 and keeping up with schowork is very difficult for me. I imagine I'll have to study much more in law school.


suzige,

I'll have to make sure that I spend some time with him during school. I appreciate your advice. We need to talk and reach an agreement. I am really dead set on PI. There's no way I'll do something else. I have a dream of working for an international human rights organization, so I'll have to have good grades in law school.

[WokeUpInACar]

I hear you, but what if your mom needed money to pay her mortgage? To me, the $ means a lot more when you really need it somewhere.

Then I'm letting her take out COL loans. Either that or waiting a year or two for LS until you're more financially stable. If you can't give 1L year nearly 100% of your attention and focus, you probably shouldn't be attending law school.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I agree that if you want to try to work, something like tutoring would be better than being a server, in terms of you being exhausted.

[Splitter1415]

WokeUpInACar,

Right. I work at a Michelin starred restaurant and make good money. Working another year might be a good idea. If I have to work another year, I'd like to find an office job.


180kickflip,

I'll talk to him and decide what's best for us. I'm not going to give up my dream, though.


A. Nony Mouse,

Working a few hours a week as a tutor does not sound bad at all.

[180kickflip]

Splitter1415- I would never suggest you (or anyone) give up their dream. I'm sorry if I've come across like that. Just trying to offer a different perspective.

Who knows, if you've only ever worked your job full time before, you may be overestimating how difficult 20 hours would be. It's possible that 40 hours will feel horrible, but 20 hours will be a level that doesn't tire you at all.

[Jchance]

I'm always exhausted after work.

Try smoking.

But seriously, don't work during 1L, you'll regret it later in your career/job search.

[Splitter1415]

180kickflip,

You did not offend me at all, I appreciate your advice. Working 20 hours should be less tiring. However, I am guessing that it would be hard to do so while studying full time in law school. I am trying to find a way to make this work. To me, working as a tutor seems like a better option.


jchance,

Haha, I don't smoke. I would like to work only a few hours a week tutoring if possible. There's no way I'll stay at my current job after reading everyone's advice.

[SFSpartan]

Aside from echoing everything that has already been said, I'd like to offer some perspective as someone who has worked my entire 1L year. My school has limits on how much I can work. I work the max- 10 hours per week- doing contract work for a tech startup. Because of the type of work I do, I get to set my own hours, and typically work from the law library. All in all, I have a great degree of flexibility.

Even with this flexibility, I can't stress what a bad idea it is to work during 1L. A number have pointed out that you will lose time studying. In my experience, that isn't true. I have had plenty of time to study, and did very well my first semester. However, I have often had to choose between relaxing or sleeping and working. Additionally, having a work project hanging over my head can be distracting, and just adds to my stress level during an already stressful year.

The bottom line is that 1L is stressful enough as it is, and law school is undoubtedly a full time job. The money I've made working is not worth it. If I could do it again, I would take the extra loan money in exchange for the extra time.

[Splitter1415]

SFSpartan,

Thank you for sharing. Having some time to relax is important, right? I don't think I'll be making so much money tutoring LSAT. I want to work less than 6 hours a week. It is scary to think about having a job that's not so flexible in terms of time and place.


180kickflip,

I'm just curious. Are you in law school now?

[SFSpartan]

You really can't get a feel for how stressful 1L (esp. your 1st semester) is until you're actually in it. So yes, it's important to have time to relax and decompress. It's also just generally awful to have worked all day on school, and then pivot to work without a break.

SFSpartan,

Thank you for sharing. Having some time to relax is important, right? I don't think I'll be making so much money tutoring LSAT. I want to work less than 6 hours a week. It is scary to think about having a job that's not so flexible in terms of time and place.


180kickflip,

I'm just curious. Are you in law school now?