Where do you live?
Beltsville, Md.
When did you graduate or move? May of 2007
What was your field of study? Law.
How long have you been actively job-hunting? Since I finally became a member of the Maryland Bar in December of 2008.
What sort of job are you looking for? A plaintiff's attorney in employment or labor law, or in-house for a labor union or progressive non-profit.
Any interviews? One, in March.
What are your biggest obstacles? (Do you have to move back in with your parents? Do you have a mortgage to worry about?) Debt, debt, debt. I have enormous student loans. I owe my parents thousands of dollars at this point, and I owe back rent. I am living with a friend rent-free, since my family lives in other parts of the country.
What are your biggest frustrations? I'm frustrated that I worked hard to get myself through law school but I can't find steady work. There are too many lawyers and not enough jobs in this part of the country. But moving would be nearly impossible, since it would mean taking a different state's bar exam, not to mention the costs of moving.
It's also frustrating that my friends have money and spend it freely while I am constantly struggling. I can't regularly go out to eat, go to concerts, go on trips, go shopping... ultimately, I can't spend as much time with them as I would like because they are often doing things that cost money. And while I can't afford rent, they are buying houses and things to put in their houses -- and some of them like to talk about their purchases a lot, inadvertently rubbing it in. It's hard not to be resentful, since I feel I'm as deserving of a little security as they are or of the nice things they have.
What are your biggest fears? I'm afraid I will never, ever stop owing money. I'm afraid my friends and family will tire of my situation and my frustrations. I'm afraid I will fall through the cracks. I'm afraid my mental state will deteriorate.
What do you do all day? I work out or take a long walk every day; I'd go insane if I didn't. I spend several hours every day online job hunting, looking for contacts and/or applying for jobs. I have done some pro bono and volunteer work. I volunteer for dances I like to attend so I can go to them for free -- without that opportunity, I'd be miserable. I watch a little TV, but find it depresses me if I watch too much. Sometimes I read, other times I go on day hikes. I stay current on political issues and I write my opinions about EVERYTHING (I've recently started a new blog). I do yard work and household chores. I spend copious amounts of time trying to connect with my friends on social networking sites, I think because I am so slightly worried they will forget about me if I don't. And sometimes I get angry at what seems like the futility of it all.
Do you have big financial
worries -- family obligations? Loans you're supposed to pay back? A growing
credit card bill? I can't get a credit card, which is for the best. I owe an unspeakable amount of money in student loans. I owe money to my parents, but they are patient with me. I also owe back rent to my last landlord. My unemployment checks don't really pay all my bills and expenses, so I borrow additional money from my parents periodically. I am lucky they can afford to help me, and they do sacrifice because of it.
Do you have a spouse or partner who works? No.
Any final thoughts? I still do want to be an attorney for a progressive cause. Most of the time, I believe that is what I was meant to do on this earth. But sometimes I can't help wondering if the decision to go to law school wasn't the biggest mistake I've ever made. Still, it does me no good to regret. The only thing I can do is keep hope alive and try not to fall through the cracks.
You can find Susan's blog at http://eatingthefruit.blogspot.com/
