Confused College Student!!

[Tink]

I have to agree with Janet on this one.
I'm 52 and have recently started a new carreer. NOTHING is written in stone, and for anyone to truly know what they want to train for and do witht he rest of their life just seems unrealistic to me.

I've worked in so many different fields that I simply call myself a "tinker" which is where my screen name came from. I've worked as a jailor, EMT, Realtor, Insurance agent, manager in a drug/alcohol half way house; I've bred, trained and sold dogs and horses. I am currently a bank supervisor. I hope I will stay in this job until I retire, but I sure can't guarantee it. As life changes and interests change, jobs change and we need to be able to adjust accordingly.

I know many people who have degrees and don't work in their field of study at all. Rather than putting the pressure on yourself trying to decide right now, I think it might be more helpful to focus on being flexible. If you do what you love, it's NOT work... and can still be a good living.

[Marilyn]

I'd suggest you do more research into the field of law. From some discussions I had this weekend, there is room and even jobs in Texas, in the Austin area for lawyers who share your political beliefs. Not everyone in Texas is true to the state's stereotype. (BTW, thought you hated people stereotyping Texans.) Have you spoken with any counselors or advisors in the Political Science Department at your university, they may have some suggestions. Your parents will probably be willing to help you avoid those student loans if you regain your focus and put in the effort now to prepare for a better future. Wishing you the very best!! And trusting you will make a good decision.

BTW, scuba is a wonderful hobby. If you make it your work, it will be work, not pleasure.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

I'd suggest you do more research into the field of law. From some discussions I had this weekend, there is room and even jobs in Texas, in the Austin area for lawyers who share your political beliefs. Not everyone in Texas is true to the state's stereotype. (BTW, thought you hated people stereotyping Texans.) Have you spoken with any counselors or advisors in the Political Science Department at your university, they may have some suggestions. Your parents will probably be willing to help you avoid those student loans if you regain your focus and put in the effort now to prepare for a better future. Wishing you the very best!! And trusting you will make a good decision.

BTW, scuba is a wonderful hobby. If you make it your work, it will be work, not pleasure.

Good advice, Marilyn,

I also wanted to say what a cute little reindeer avatar!!! Love it!

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

I'd suggest you do more research into the field of law. From some discussions I had this weekend, there is room and even jobs in Texas, in the Austin area for lawyers who share your political beliefs. Not everyone in Texas is true to the state's stereotype. (BTW, thought you hated people stereotyping Texans.) Have you spoken with any counselors or advisors in the Political Science Department at your university, they may have some suggestions. Your parents will probably be willing to help you avoid those student loans if you regain your focus and put in the effort now to prepare for a better future. Wishing you the very best!! And trusting you will make a good decision.

BTW, scuba is a wonderful hobby. If you make it your work, it will be work, not pleasure.

This is EXCELLENT advice!!!!!!! And you'd be VERY surpised how many firms in the US there are that share your views. I know from working in big law firms for 2 years that most firms REQUIRE their attorneys to do at least SOME pro bono work for the underpriveledged. And if you have questions about law school or the field of law in general, just hit me up. I've been a paralegal for 2 years and I'm starting law school in June. I'd love to help you in anyway that I can.

[Marilyn]

Thanks Janet and Rebecca. Lissa is my daughter. Your endorsement of my advice may make a difference. Thank you!!

Well, 'Lissa what do you think??

[Lissa]

I'm not stereotyping Texans, look at the election results county-to-county, we're so red we're crimson.

I know my parents will help me out if I need them to, but I'm using up enough of their money as is, I'm seriously considering the scuba thing, but as a side job at least. I don't want to go through law school and then not have a job when I come out, I know yall will help, but that doesn't change the fact that it's expensive.

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by Lissa

I'm not stereotyping Texans, look at the election results county-to-county, we're so red we're crimson.

I know my parents will help me out if I need them to, but I'm using up enough of their money as is, I'm seriously considering the scuba thing, but as a side job at least. I don't want to go through law school and then not have a job when I come out, I know yall will help, but that doesn't change the fact that it's expensive.

Going to law school can do nothing but HELP you in your career goals, even if you decide you don't want to practice law. You will be MORE likely to get a job coming out of law school than you will just coming out of undergrad. Believe me...I've been there done that just a year ago. I graduated undergrad in August 2005 and could not find a job...and I had an EXCELLENT GPA, excellent activities, ect. ect. The only reason I got a nice job in a law firm is because my mother-in-law helped me. It is tough finding a job these days bc they economy is doing well. You will be more likely to find a job after you have some more education under your belt.