Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Other than stress, what do you think of law school?

I have been asked this question at least weekly since I started law school one year ago.  After completing my first year of evening classes, I now have a finely tuned answer.  "No one ever said that law school was the best time of their life, and I will not be the first."  I am stressed and most nights pass-out due to exhaustion.  I have had panic attacks, stress so bad that it gave me high blood pressure and nose bleeds.  I don't know why I am still doing this.  Yes, there has been some great moments (or highlights of comedy) but overall this is something I cannot answer why I am still doing.  I started this, now I need to finish it.  Life in law school, evening classes, is miserable.  My friends have to point out when the last time they saw or spoke to me was - because time in law school seems to be something that goes too fast and to slow all at the same time.  You are sitting in class and the hour long class feels like it is really 3 hours and the hour you try to squeeze in some studying or reading flies by in the blink of an eye.  I have taken exams that made me feel like I have given birth, and was thankful to just get home safely before falling asleep.  I am on this path and will keep walking until I graduate but it is not fun and it feels as if I am climbing Everest or K2 without oxygen during a snowstorm.  I think I have now answered why so many lawyers and business exec. climb these mountains - after completing law school that looks like a day at the beach to most people.  I am writing this entry for two reasons, (1) I realized I haven't written one in weeks and (2) I am putting off reading for classes that start in two weeks.  That is right I am writing my final paper for my summer classes (required for evening students) and reading for Fall classes.  If you are reading this and are even remotely considering applying to law school, my advice is to think long and hard, realize that lawyers are in no great demand for jobs, we don't make the great money people think, and if you are like me and work full time while taking evening classes - you will not have a social life for 4 years (or you will be social only with classmates).  I am trying to squeeze the fun in (I have gone to some concerts this summer), but I have to plan it out months in advance.  I have attended NASCAR races, but I bring my casebook with me and read while the I can.  I am reviewing flashcards at work during lunch so that I have time to go to dinner with friends.  My life is a giant schedule and I feel like I don't have control over it.  My hope is that somehow my second year will be better than my first year and I will find more ways to enjoy life.

No comments:

Post a Comment