Should I Drop Out? Warning—RANT Forum

[Julio743]

Stats:

School—Now placed at US News Ranking at 90s. School is trash on steroids.
Debt—None, Parents Wanted to Cover it
GPA—2.67
Likely GPA this semester—Worse

Context:

RAGE.

I want to drop out after this semester just to say I have graduate experience and work on my programming skills, maybe land a job in 8 months. I have a feeling I'd make a lot more doing something I really really really like than doing something I hate and hoping I'd get paid at the same time.

Thoughts?

[jbagelboy]

Ya drop out

[zot1]

Practice is nothing like law school. But to get to practice, you have to do decent enough in law school to get a job. If you feel your distaste from law school will preclude you from doing that, then drop it like it's hot.

[Julio743]

I love you lol.

I got buddies in web development screaming at me to drop and learn to code. Parents will be upset, but I'll have to explain to them as an investment, it's dumb on so many levels.

I guess I'm open to hearing why I should stay. I'd be open twosome criticism about my attitude or maybe something to look forward to. As of right now though, doubt it.

[Julio743]

Practice is nothing like law school. But to get to practice, you have to do decent enough in law school to get a job. If you feel your distaste from law school will preclude you from doing that, then drop it like it's hot.

Is practice like skills courses? I hate that shit most of all. I hope my legal writing teacher's kids get cancer.

Also, I worked briefly at my dad's private practice and found it boring as well. I like mental challenges, not mundane paperwork. Poor guy is breaking his back to make 70k with 90 hours a week. I don't want that life.

[zot1]

If good parents (which they seem to be since they are paying for your schooling), they will understand your decision to not spend more of their money for nothing.

You really have no reason to stay. If you had been like some people (myself included) who made a decision to become an attorney (versus deciding to go to law school), you probably would have mentioned it in your narrative. But you didn't. I can tell your ambivalent about that.

Don't waste any more time or money. Go code the shit out of some app.

[zot1]

Practice is nothing like law school. But to get to practice, you have to do decent enough in law school to get a job. If you feel your distaste from law school will preclude you from doing that, then drop it like it's hot.

Is practice like skills courses? I hate that shit most of all. I hope my legal writing teacher's kids get cancer.

Also, I worked briefly at my dad's private practice and found it boring as well. I like mental challenges, not mundane paperwork. Poor guy is breaking his back to make 70k with 90 hours a week. I don't want that life.

And here I thought the "I love you" had been for me. That's cool, I guess.

Practice can mean a LOT of things. Some people review contracts or letters or other legal documents. Some people draft them. Some people write motions and briefs. Some people go to trial. Some people go before appellate courts. The problem really is that you have very little control over where you end up.

I at some point thought that I wanted to be in trial all the time. Then I experienced it and knew I had to GTFO. I still do some litigation, but it's nothing like the life of a DA (thank God). So if I had ended up at the DA's office, I would be a very miserable person right now.

I work 40 hours per week and I'm happy. But I also have a hard to get job. Most jobs available take more time.

So yeah it does sound like you don't care for being an attorney. Go home.

[Julio743]

Practice is nothing like law school. But to get to practice, you have to do decent enough in law school to get a job. If you feel your distaste from law school will preclude you from doing that, then drop it like it's hot.

Is practice like skills courses? I hate that shit most of all. I hope my legal writing teacher's kids get cancer.

Also, I worked briefly at my dad's private practice and found it boring as well. I like mental challenges, not mundane paperwork. Poor guy is breaking his back to make 70k with 90 hours a week. I don't want that life.

And here I thought the "I love you" had been for me. That's cool, I guess.

Practice can mean a LOT of things. Some people review contracts or letters or other legal documents. Some people draft them. Some people write motions and briefs. Some people go to trial. Some people go before appellate courts. The problem really is that you have very little control over where you end up.

I at some point thought that I wanted to be in trial all the time. Then I experienced it and knew I had to GTFO. I still do some litigation, but it's nothing like the life of a DA (thank God). So if I had ended up at the DA's office, I would be a very miserable person right now.

I work 40 hours per week and I'm happy. But I also have a hard to get job. Most jobs available take more time.

So yeah it does sound like you don't care for being an attorney. Go home.

I love you too! Believe me. I needed some validation, obviously. Kind of attention seeking this post, but to give some context. Law is one of those cookie cutter careers that as soon as I talk about dismissing it, people claim "you don't know what you're missing" "It gets better" "you're selling yourself short" "but I thought you liked it" "Is this really about fear?"

People act like YOU'RE the crazy one. I keep trying to explain "listen, I did it. Really. I took the LSAT. I worked my ass off, tried to fit in those shoes. They don't fit."

[zot1]

People only say that because they're thinking of how cool lawyers look in Suits and whatever other shows.

Check out what's your typical day thread in the legal employment forum. You can see in just a few pages that most people work quite a bit. Some make a lot of money in the process (think biglaw) but some don't (think public interest).

[jbagelboy]

Practice is nothing like law school. But to get to practice, you have to do decent enough in law school to get a job. If you feel your distaste from law school will preclude you from doing that, then drop it like it's hot.

Is practice like skills courses? I hate that shit most of all. I hope my legal writing teacher's kids get cancer.

Also, I worked briefly at my dad's private practice and found it boring as well. I like mental challenges, not mundane paperwork. Poor guy is breaking his back to make 70k with 90 hours a week. I don't want that life.

And here I thought the "I love you" had been for me. That's cool, I guess.

Practice can mean a LOT of things. Some people review contracts or letters or other legal documents. Some people draft them. Some people write motions and briefs. Some people go to trial. Some people go before appellate courts. The problem really is that you have very little control over where you end up.

I at some point thought that I wanted to be in trial all the time. Then I experienced it and knew I had to GTFO. I still do some litigation, but it's nothing like the life of a DA (thank God). So if I had ended up at the DA's office, I would be a very miserable person right now.

I work 40 hours per week and I'm happy. But I also have a hard to get job. Most jobs available take more time.

So yeah it does sound like you don't care for being an attorney. Go home.

I love you too! Believe me. I needed some validation, obviously. Kind of attention seeking this post, but to give some context. Law is one of those cookie cutter careers that as soon as I talk about dismissing it, people claim "you don't know what you're missing" "It gets better" "you're selling yourself short" "but I thought you liked it" "Is this really about fear?"

People act like YOU'RE the crazy one. I keep trying to explain "listen, I did it. Really. I took the LSAT. I worked my ass off, tried to fit in those shoes. They don't fit."

nah. you definitely want to drop out at this point.

[Julio743]

Practice is nothing like law school. But to get to practice, you have to do decent enough in law school to get a job. If you feel your distaste from law school will preclude you from doing that, then drop it like it's hot.

Is practice like skills courses? I hate that shit most of all. I hope my legal writing teacher's kids get cancer.

Also, I worked briefly at my dad's private practice and found it boring as well. I like mental challenges, not mundane paperwork. Poor guy is breaking his back to make 70k with 90 hours a week. I don't want that life.

And here I thought the "I love you" had been for me. That's cool, I guess.

Practice can mean a LOT of things. Some people review contracts or letters or other legal documents. Some people draft them. Some people write motions and briefs. Some people go to trial. Some people go before appellate courts. The problem really is that you have very little control over where you end up.

I at some point thought that I wanted to be in trial all the time. Then I experienced it and knew I had to GTFO. I still do some litigation, but it's nothing like the life of a DA (thank God). So if I had ended up at the DA's office, I would be a very miserable person right now.

I work 40 hours per week and I'm happy. But I also have a hard to get job. Most jobs available take more time.

So yeah it does sound like you don't care for being an attorney. Go home.

I love you too! Believe me. I needed some validation, obviously. Kind of attention seeking this post, but to give some context. Law is one of those cookie cutter careers that as soon as I talk about dismissing it, people claim "you don't know what you're missing" "It gets better" "you're selling yourself short" "but I thought you liked it" "Is this really about fear?"

People act like YOU'RE the crazy one. I keep trying to explain "listen, I did it. Really. I took the LSAT. I worked my ass off, tried to fit in those shoes. They don't fit."

nah. you definitely want to drop out at this point.

Just had lunch near my library (working on a LARS paper)—the owner, real cool guy was like "But you can do SOoooooo many things with a law degree. Don't drop out. It's worth it. It gets easier after the first year. That's what they say."

My response? In my head? No, it doesn't get easier for people like me. It gets worse. The competition gets real, the cases more boring and obscure, and it's the same merry go round. Period. It gets easier because kids are more comfortable with exams and they can recommit to their belief they'll succeed. But I won't, mostly because I know it's a waste of time for me precisely because I don't like the shit. I like hard and fast logic and rules (programming), NOT interpretive, irrelevant case analysis. I don't want to get to maybe. I want to get to RIGHT.

[zot1]

Practice is nothing like law school. But to get to practice, you have to do decent enough in law school to get a job. If you feel your distaste from law school will preclude you from doing that, then drop it like it's hot.

Is practice like skills courses? I hate that shit most of all. I hope my legal writing teacher's kids get cancer.

Also, I worked briefly at my dad's private practice and found it boring as well. I like mental challenges, not mundane paperwork. Poor guy is breaking his back to make 70k with 90 hours a week. I don't want that life.

And here I thought the "I love you" had been for me. That's cool, I guess.

Practice can mean a LOT of things. Some people review contracts or letters or other legal documents. Some people draft them. Some people write motions and briefs. Some people go to trial. Some people go before appellate courts. The problem really is that you have very little control over where you end up.

I at some point thought that I wanted to be in trial all the time. Then I experienced it and knew I had to GTFO. I still do some litigation, but it's nothing like the life of a DA (thank God). So if I had ended up at the DA's office, I would be a very miserable person right now.

I work 40 hours per week and I'm happy. But I also have a hard to get job. Most jobs available take more time.

So yeah it does sound like you don't care for being an attorney. Go home.

I love you too! Believe me. I needed some validation, obviously. Kind of attention seeking this post, but to give some context. Law is one of those cookie cutter careers that as soon as I talk about dismissing it, people claim "you don't know what you're missing" "It gets better" "you're selling yourself short" "but I thought you liked it" "Is this really about fear?"

People act like YOU'RE the crazy one. I keep trying to explain "listen, I did it. Really. I took the LSAT. I worked my ass off, tried to fit in those shoes. They don't fit."

nah. you definitely want to drop out at this point.

Just had lunch near my library (working on a LARS paper)—the owner, real cool guy was like "But you can do SOoooooo many things with a law degree. Don't drop out. It's worth it. It gets easier after the first year. That's what they say."

My response? In my head? No, it doesn't get easier for people like me. It gets worse. The competition gets real, the cases more boring and obscure, and it's the same merry go round. Period. It gets easier because kids are more comfortable with exams and they can recommit to their belief they'll succeed. But I won't, mostly because I know it's a waste of time for me precisely because I don't like the shit. I like hard and fast logic and rules (programming), NOT interpretive, irrelevant case analysis. I don't want to get to maybe. I want to get to RIGHT.

That is definitely true. You could totally work at Starbucks with a JD.

[Julio743]

Practice is nothing like law school. But to get to practice, you have to do decent enough in law school to get a job. If you feel your distaste from law school will preclude you from doing that, then drop it like it's hot.

Is practice like skills courses? I hate that shit most of all. I hope my legal writing teacher's kids get cancer.

Also, I worked briefly at my dad's private practice and found it boring as well. I like mental challenges, not mundane paperwork. Poor guy is breaking his back to make 70k with 90 hours a week. I don't want that life.

And here I thought the "I love you" had been for me. That's cool, I guess.

Practice can mean a LOT of things. Some people review contracts or letters or other legal documents. Some people draft them. Some people write motions and briefs. Some people go to trial. Some people go before appellate courts. The problem really is that you have very little control over where you end up.

I at some point thought that I wanted to be in trial all the time. Then I experienced it and knew I had to GTFO. I still do some litigation, but it's nothing like the life of a DA (thank God). So if I had ended up at the DA's office, I would be a very miserable person right now.

I work 40 hours per week and I'm happy. But I also have a hard to get job. Most jobs available take more time.

So yeah it does sound like you don't care for being an attorney. Go home.

I love you too! Believe me. I needed some validation, obviously. Kind of attention seeking this post, but to give some context. Law is one of those cookie cutter careers that as soon as I talk about dismissing it, people claim "you don't know what you're missing" "It gets better" "you're selling yourself short" "but I thought you liked it" "Is this really about fear?"

People act like YOU'RE the crazy one. I keep trying to explain "listen, I did it. Really. I took the LSAT. I worked my ass off, tried to fit in those shoes. They don't fit."

nah. you definitely want to drop out at this point.

Just had lunch near my library (working on a LARS paper)—the owner, real cool guy was like "But you can do SOoooooo many things with a law degree. Don't drop out. It's worth it. It gets easier after the first year. That's what they say."

My response? In my head? No, it doesn't get easier for people like me. It gets worse. The competition gets real, the cases more boring and obscure, and it's the same merry go round. Period. It gets easier because kids are more comfortable with exams and they can recommit to their belief they'll succeed. But I won't, mostly because I know it's a waste of time for me precisely because I don't like the shit. I like hard and fast logic and rules (programming), NOT interpretive, irrelevant case analysis. I don't want to get to maybe. I want to get to RIGHT.

That is definitely true. You could totally work at Starbucks with a JD.

zot, it's mind numbing. Listen, I am HAPPY for anyone that loves what they're doing. I'm not leaving because it's hard. I'm leaving because it ain't for me. I want to be a programmer. I would gladly write code for the rest of my life. But anyway...

It's ASTONISHING how many people will buy this idea that lawyers can do anything. Anything in the world! Once you get that law degree, nothing but smooth sailing. listen, I'm happy not to owe ANYONE debt, but pursuing this path is emotionally and spiritually painful. People think it's a hazing ritual that when the curtain gets pulled you will be respected understood and loved by everyone. I know enough to say it just may be the opposite.

[KiltedKicker]

Wait how do you know that you will like coding? Most people I've met don't really like it (though I've met plenty who do as well), especially those who pick it up not because it interests them but because it's a lucrative career path. And learning on your own – while much more doable than learning most other highly-desirable skills – is still really fucking hard and much less fun than learning in a classroom with friends. And with coding you're basically learning two very separate skills: 1.) How to write the language/s themselves, and follow the rules to make everything function. And 2.) once you know the language, being able to apply it to build shit and solve problems. The second part is the far more creative, interesting part that requires problem-solving skills.

Best of luck with your decision, I hope it works out for you in the end

[Julio743]

Wait how do you know that you will like coding? Most people I've met don't really like it (though I've met plenty who do as well), especially those who pick it up not because it interests them but because it's a lucrative career path. And learning on your own – while much more doable than learning most other highly-desirable skills – is still really fucking hard and much less fun than learning in a classroom with friends. And with coding you're basically learning two very separate skills: 1.) How to write the language/s themselves, and follow the rules to make everything function. And 2.) once you know the language, being able to apply it to build shit and solve problems. The second part is the far more creative, interesting part that requires problem-solving skills.

Best of luck with your decision, I hope it works out for you in the end

That's a great point. Here's what I got to bring to the table. I've been doing online programming now for a hot minute (since first semester). Er, let's say lukewarm. Couple hours here, couple there, getting comfortable with syntax and design across three separate languages: CSS, HTML, JAVASCRIPT, and eventually I'll move on to Rails. As for learning on your own, I want to make the transition the right way, so I'm hiring a mentor not only to help teach me and test my programs, but help me develop a portfolio and a resume, and encourage networking events. All in all? Dude says if I'm willing to put in the work, I should have a gig lined up 7 months from the start.

[jrass]

You should definitely drop out.

Debt/no debt is irrelevant. Unless your parents are earning in excess of 500k a year, all that matters is what you're paying. It's probably more expensive to you if your parents are paying, because if it was your debt you'd never be able to and will never have to pay back the whole thing. Whatever money your parents spend would either go to or your family.

[KiltedKicker]

Wait how do you know that you will like coding? Most people I've met don't really like it (though I've met plenty who do as well), especially those who pick it up not because it interests them but because it's a lucrative career path. And learning on your own – while much more doable than learning most other highly-desirable skills – is still really fucking hard and much less fun than learning in a classroom with friends. And with coding you're basically learning two very separate skills: 1.) How to write the language/s themselves, and follow the rules to make everything function. And 2.) once you know the language, being able to apply it to build shit and solve problems. The second part is the far more creative, interesting part that requires problem-solving skills.

Best of luck with your decision, I hope it works out for you in the end

That's a great point. Here's what I got to bring to the table. I've been doing online programming now for a hot minute (since first semester). Er, let's say lukewarm. Couple hours here, couple there, getting comfortable with syntax and design across three separate languages: CSS, HTML, JAVASCRIPT, and eventually I'll move on to Rails. As for learning on your own, I want to make the transition the right way, so I'm hiring a mentor not only to help teach me and test my programs, but help me develop a portfolio and a resume, and encourage networking events. All in all? Dude says if I'm willing to put in the work, I should have a gig lined up 7 months from the start.

Awesome! Sounds like you have done enough to get an idea of whether or not it appeals to you. And ya, from my second-hand understanding living in SV your mentor is correct, you should be good enough at that point (if you work hard) to get something and go from there

[Julio743]

Wait how do you know that you will like coding? Most people I've met don't really like it (though I've met plenty who do as well), especially those who pick it up not because it interests them but because it's a lucrative career path. And learning on your own – while much more doable than learning most other highly-desirable skills – is still really fucking hard and much less fun than learning in a classroom with friends. And with coding you're basically learning two very separate skills: 1.) How to write the language/s themselves, and follow the rules to make everything function. And 2.) once you know the language, being able to apply it to build shit and solve problems. The second part is the far more creative, interesting part that requires problem-solving skills.

Best of luck with your decision, I hope it works out for you in the end

That's a great point. Here's what I got to bring to the table. I've been doing online programming now for a hot minute (since first semester). Er, let's say lukewarm. Couple hours here, couple there, getting comfortable with syntax and design across three separate languages: CSS, HTML, JAVASCRIPT, and eventually I'll move on to Rails. As for learning on your own, I want to make the transition the right way, so I'm hiring a mentor not only to help teach me and test my programs, but help me develop a portfolio and a resume, and encourage networking events. All in all? Dude says if I'm willing to put in the work, I should have a gig lined up 7 months from the start.

Awesome! Sounds like you have done enough to get an idea of whether or not it appeals to you. And ya, from my second-hand understanding living in SV your mentor is correct, you should be good enough at that point (if you work hard) to get something and go from there

SV?

[Otunga]

HTML and CSS are good to have knowledge of, but if you ever want a generic software engineering job, then you'll want to know something like Java/C++ and/or Python. In fact, if you go onto study computer science, whether at a college or through online courses, then something like Java or C++ will be emphasized over the web development languages that you mentioned.

[Minnietron]

SV?

http://bfy.tw/4wNs

[Mockingbird42]

Sorry deleted. Accidentally double post

[Mockingbird42]

So I've worked in tech in SV and my SO works at a unicorn right now. Be aware that the industry is at the start of a market correction. There is way less VC $$ out there and funds are investing less in tech. Big companies are laying off 10% of workforce and others are only hiring if you are an alchemist who will literally turn code into gold.

Also be aware that the industry is becoming mature enough that there is a little bit of snobbery regarding credentials. Without a CS degree you are going to be making way less than median at companies that are more volatile. Make sure you can do useless shit like whiteboarding so you can get past the CS snobs in interviews.

You also sound like a girl(?) and if that's the case be aware that sexism/sexual harassment is still super common in the industry so it can be hard to find a job at a company with a sub 500M valuation. Almost all my female engineer friends work at big companies.

Also, HTML/CSS/JavaScript are languages designers use. No one is really going to hire someone with only those languages unless they can photoshop/convert vector images into code. So make sure you are able to do that too. If that's not your thing I'd definitely focus on Python/ruby. That's where you work on projects with more problem solving.

That's just my two cents after 5 years in the heart of the industry. It's not easy money anymore and it's a tenuous time to jump in. But if you start coding some projects and absolutely love it, it's an incredibly fun ride. Good luck!

[Julio743]

So I've worked in tech in SV and my SO works at a unicorn right now. Be aware that the industry is at the start of a market correction. There is way less VC $$ out there and funds are investing less in tech. Big companies are laying off 10% of workforce and others are only hiring if you are an alchemist who will literally turn code into gold.

Also be aware that the industry is becoming mature enough that there is a little bit of snobbery regarding credentials. Without a CS degree you are going to be making way less than median at companies that are more volatile. Make sure you can do useless shit like whiteboarding so you can get past the CS snobs in interviews.

You also sound like a girl(?) and if that's the case be aware that sexism/sexual harassment is still super common in the industry so it can be hard to find a job at a company with a sub 500M valuation. Almost all my female engineer friends work at big companies.

Also, HTML/CSS/JavaScript are languages designers use. No one is really going to hire someone with only those languages unless they can photoshop/convert vector images into code. So make sure you are able to do that too. If that's not your thing I'd definitely focus on Python/ruby. That's where you work on projects with more problem solving.

That's just my two cents after 5 years in the heart of the industry. It's not easy money anymore and it's a tenuous time to jump in. But if you start coding some projects and absolutely love it, it's an incredibly fun ride. Good luck!

Thanks for the shot of realism! Specifically, I'm into full stack, so Html, CSS, javascript, jquery, angular, command lines, rails, ruby and possibly PHP. Those are the ones I'm focusing on this summer regardless if I drop out or not.

I'm pretty confident I'll be able to land a job somewhere in the future, but what you said does give some food for thought. I'm not a girl, I just complain like one when law school veers it's ugly head because I hate it so much.

[Tls2016]

So I've worked in tech in SV and my SO works at a unicorn right now. Be aware that the industry is at the start of a market correction. There is way less VC $$ out there and funds are investing less in tech. Big companies are laying off 10% of workforce and others are only hiring if you are an alchemist who will literally turn code into gold.

Also be aware that the industry is becoming mature enough that there is a little bit of snobbery regarding credentials. Without a CS degree you are going to be making way less than median at companies that are more volatile. Make sure you can do useless shit like whiteboarding so you can get past the CS snobs in interviews.

You also sound like a girl(?) and if that's the case be aware that sexism/sexual harassment is still super common in the industry so it can be hard to find a job at a company with a sub 500M valuation. Almost all my female engineer friends work at big companies.

Also, HTML/CSS/JavaScript are languages designers use. No one is really going to hire someone with only those languages unless they can photoshop/convert vector images into code. So make sure you are able to do that too. If that's not your thing I'd definitely focus on Python/ruby. That's where you work on projects with more problem solving.

That's just my two cents after 5 years in the heart of the industry. It's not easy money anymore and it's a tenuous time to jump in. But if you start coding some projects and absolutely love it, it's an incredibly fun ride. Good luck!

Thanks for the shot of realism! Specifically, I'm into full stack, so Html, CSS, javascript, jquery, angular, command lines, rails, ruby and possibly PHP. Those are the ones I'm focusing on this summer regardless if I drop out or not.

I'm pretty confident I'll be able to land a job somewhere in the future, but what you said does give some food for thought. I'm not a girl, I just complain like one when law school veers it's ugly head because I hate it so much.

You should drop out because you know that law is definitely not for you.
Don't say stuff like complaining like a girl.

[Julio743]

So I've worked in tech in SV and my SO works at a unicorn right now. Be aware that the industry is at the start of a market correction. There is way less VC $$ out there and funds are investing less in tech. Big companies are laying off 10% of workforce and others are only hiring if you are an alchemist who will literally turn code into gold.

Also be aware that the industry is becoming mature enough that there is a little bit of snobbery regarding credentials. Without a CS degree you are going to be making way less than median at companies that are more volatile. Make sure you can do useless shit like whiteboarding so you can get past the CS snobs in interviews.

You also sound like a girl(?) and if that's the case be aware that sexism/sexual harassment is still super common in the industry so it can be hard to find a job at a company with a sub 500M valuation. Almost all my female engineer friends work at big companies.

Also, HTML/CSS/JavaScript are languages designers use. No one is really going to hire someone with only those languages unless they can photoshop/convert vector images into code. So make sure you are able to do that too. If that's not your thing I'd definitely focus on Python/ruby. That's where you work on projects with more problem solving.

That's just my two cents after 5 years in the heart of the industry. It's not easy money anymore and it's a tenuous time to jump in. But if you start coding some projects and absolutely love it, it's an incredibly fun ride. Good luck!

Thanks for the shot of realism! Specifically, I'm into full stack, so Html, CSS, javascript, jquery, angular, command lines, rails, ruby and possibly PHP. Those are the ones I'm focusing on this summer regardless if I drop out or not.

I'm pretty confident I'll be able to land a job somewhere in the future, but what you said does give some food for thought. I'm not a girl, I just complain like one when law school veers it's ugly head because I hate it so much.

You should drop out because you know that law is definitely not for you.
Don't say stuff like complaining like a girl.

oy, I apologize.