I’ve Never Felt Like Such a Loser
by Name Withheld by RequestLink to article
I worked for years in financial institutions and had felt as though I had gotten pigeon-holed in certain positions that I really didn’t find satisfying. I had always thought about going to law school, so I finally did it, thinking that a law degree would help me find get a better job with a bank or credit union.
I never really wanted to practice law per se, but everyone had always said that the JD would open a lot of doors for me. Now, as a hostage to the fundamental needs of life like eating, I’m a practicing lawyer, chasing after clients that aren’t able to pay me. I HATE IT.
Since I graduated from law school, I have submitted over 1,000 resumes for compliance jobs, in house counsel jobs, and what not, looking for anything that would capitalize on my “experience and training.” I’ve had probably a half dozen interviews. As you’ve probably guessed, none have panned out.
The other day I was cleaning out a desk drawer in my home and found my SSA statement. It listed the income I’ve reported for every year since I’ve entered the work force. Much to my chagrin, this statement reminded me that I now make less money than I did twenty years ago when I was a lowly clerk.
If it weren’t for my girlfriend, I would be living in my car or in a shelter. And as a consequence of the financial strain, our relationship is rife with tension. George Bush recently said that this economy is strong and that “if you want a job in America, you can find a job.” I’ve never felt like such a loser in all of my life.
Tags: financial_institutions, lawyer, law_degree
March 8th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I totally understand. I, also did the law school thing. Now, with a $75,000 student loan debt (more than my house), I am working a job making $32,000/year. I only got this job, which I really like, after 4 years of searching. I had to take a job as a waitress while looking and 90% of the people I knew looked down on me for taking a job “beneath” me.