If you were me..

[Discuss Thrower]

and have the listed options in the poll, what do you do? I already have a bachelor of arts and have been applying to jobs but haven't interviewed for anything since April.. the no interviews thing is a product of applying for jobs that only require a HS diploma and therefore am "overqualified" for. My longest stint of employment is as a freelance sports reporter and have two or three short internships.

I've reached this point because I feel that every month I'm not employed in a legitimate field, the greater the chances I'll never be able to find a job.

Barring a total economic collapse, funding is not an issue.

Even though I'd be discouraged, I won't be surprised if I get lots of CP flaming for this poll. It's only natural but I'd still like to hear opinions from people more experienced than I.

[Simply Red]

Dane has a six car car-port bud. The weather is nice though.

[KCUnited]

You're overqualified with a BA of arts? Ok. I didn't know that existed. Anyway, the market is saturated with worthless degrees. My employer is requiring current graduate courses for 65k, and that's with work experience, which makes me chuckle. Start making money now and use your skills to rise.

[mikey23545]

Several positions should be opening up at CNN soon...

[Discuss Thrower]

You're overqualified with a BA of arts? Ok. I didn't know that existed. Anyway, the market is saturated with worthless degrees. My employer is requiring current graduate courses for 65k, and that's with work experience, which makes me chuckle. Start making money now and use your skills to rise.

Everyone hates English degrees apparently. Guess they don't want someone who can pull out arguments out of their ass using literary sources.

EDIT: Also, I'm 100% eschewing the fact I can get a degree in journalism in December because I'm not a masochist. Freelance work is just okay with me as a side job; being a salaried worker in the field that pays minimum wage for 50+ hours of work a week with absolute no job security has no appeal for me.

[Brock]

What are your current job skills?

[Dunerdr]

I would choose the field thats likely to be the least shitty in the event of another huge economic duece.

[Lex Luthor]

If you have an interest in the computer field and an aptitude for it, it's a much more marketable skill than just about any Bachelor of Arts degree. But don't do it just to have marketable skills: If you don't like it or you suck at it, you'll be miserable.

Have you ever thought about going into sales? If you're good at it, you can make bank. Best of all would be to get computer training and then sell computer hardware and software in the corporate world. Those guys do very well.

[Discuss Thrower]

What are your current job skills?

Competent at writing on deadline.. I don't mind researching text for any particular reason.

The job I interviewed for was in insurance sales, I got into the pool of the last 2-3 candidates even though I have zero sales experience.

[keg in kc]

Find something you enjoy doing. Do that.

[KCUnited]

Everyone hates English degrees apparently. Guess they don't want someone who can pull out arguments out of their ass using literary sources.

EDIT: Also, I'm 100% eschewing the fact I can get a degree in journalism in December because I'm not a masochist. Freelance work is just okay with me as a side job; being a salaried worker in the field that pays minimum wage for 50+ hours of work a week with absolute no job security has no appeal for me.

Honestly, and no offense, they're likely turned off by someone who's already wasted years a $$$ of their life. Start making money now, IMO.

[Brock]

Competent at writing on deadline.. I don't mind researching text for any particular reason.

Yeah, I'd go back to school. Look into getting some kind of cert with a program called SAP. Software used worldwide by most big companies and they always have trouble finding people who know how to make it work. Your writing skills aren't a waste though. I'm amazed at the number of people seeking jobs that write like tards.

[Discuss Thrower]

Also I have limited experience in working at a bar cleaning and preparing frozen food.

[mr. tegu]

Be an actuary.

[Rudy tossed tigger's salad]

Join the military

[Bugeater]

Also I have limited experience in working at a bar cleaning and preparing frozen food.
That's probably your best bet.

[007]

Find something you enjoy doing. Do that.

But would he be able to make a career out of that?

[J Diddy]

Competent at writing on deadline.. I don't mind researching text for any particular reason.

The job I interviewed for was in insurance sales, I got into the pool of the last 2-3 candidates even though I have zero sales experience.

The degree helps but the ba makes it like an advanced hs diploma. Get the masters. That's what it is at now. Trust me.

[J Diddy]

But would he be able to make a career out of that?

If he was lucky, yes.

[007]

If he was lucky, yes.

Well, he obviously isn't lucky now is he.

[Dayze]

I'd begin by trying to get in the door someplace and getting experience.

I'm making as much as engineers with my gig, and I don't have a degree. But I worked for the manager about 7 yrs ago and he called me out of the blue because he knew of my experience, attitude, ethic etc.

Short of something very very specific in career path, college doesn't give a good ROI.
Cut your losses so to speak.

[Dayze]

Join the military

Being an officer in the Navy would be awesome. I was enlisted, but officers had it made.

[Easy 6]

Man, its so stupid out there in the marketplace for humans right now, its just an incredibly odd congruence of miserly business owner habits and a glut of desperate people with many even offering to work well below their experience level... hence the "overqualified" label... i've never understood that charge, you're saying you dont want an extremely capable employee for the same amount of money you'd hire an idiot for?

I personally know two holders of Masters degrees who are by turns, unemployed... or working as a waiter in chicago to supplement what they're already doing! Just heard that from a relative tonight!... if thats me, mother**** chicago, i'll go where i dont have to work 80 hours a week to live.

Has a masters, now waits tables to go with his teaching job... dumbest shit i've ever heard of... GET. OUT. OF. DODGE.

Thanks, Obama!

[Discuss Thrower]

Man, its so stupid out there in the marketplace for humans right now, its just an incredibly odd congruence of miserly business owner habits and a glut of desperate people with many even offering to work well below their experience level... hence the "overqualified" label... i've never understood that charge, you're saying you dont want an extremely capable employee for the same amount of money you'd hire an idiot for?

I personally know two holders of Masters degrees who are by turns, unemployed... or working as a waiter in chicago to supplement what they're already doing! Just heard that from a relative tonight!... if thats me, mother**** chicago, i'll go where i dont have to work 80 hours a week to live.

Has a masters, now waits tables to go with his teaching job... dumbest shit i've ever heard of... GET. OUT. OF. DODGE.

Thanks, Obama!

I'm related by marriage to a former professor. She had pages of research credits in addition to teaching with a masters.

Unemployed for the better part of a year before going into counseling. Granted she couldn't move due to family but still.

[Easy 6]

I'm related by marriage to a former professor. She had pages of research credits in addition to teaching with a masters.

Unemployed for the better part of a year before going into counseling. Granted she couldn't move due to family but still.

YES WE CAN AMERICA... YES WE CAN!

FORWARD!

[Easy 6]

Oh by the way, wanna know what those two masters degree holders specialized in, they're a married couple if i hadnt mentioned that already... special needs kids, their lifes work.

One was laid off outright for lack of funds, the other was forced into serving you your hotwings... YES WE CAN AMERICA!

[bevischief]

What jobs have you been applying for?

[Discuss Thrower]

What jobs have you been applying for?

So far insurance agent, associate underwriter with two different insurance agencies, a CD clerk with a bank, part time Jos A Bank suit seller, ESPN statistics guy, and regional underwriter.

The first two underwriting jobs gave me "sorry, no dice" emails last week and three weeks ago, never heard back from the suit shop, no word from ESPN or the bank and a family friend talked to HR for the regional underwriting job.

[58-4ever]

I work for an IT consulting firm. Believe the people that tell you that there is a SEVERE lack of developers out there. I think Centriq has a 6 month track. I'm not sure about the quality though...

[bevischief]

So far insurance agent, associate underwriter with two different insurance agencies, a CD clerk with a bank, part time Jos A Bank suit seller, ESPN statistics guy, and regional underwriter.

The first two underwriting jobs gave me "sorry, no dice" emails last week and three weeks ago, never heard back from the suit shop, no word from ESPN or the bank and a family friend talked to HR for the regional underwriting job.

Where do you have resume posted online?

[lewdog]

Man, its so stupid out there in the marketplace for humans right now, its just an incredibly odd congruence of miserly business owner habits and a glut of desperate people with many even offering to work well below their experience level... hence the "overqualified" label... i've never understood that charge, you're saying you dont want an extremely capable employee for the same amount of money you'd hire an idiot for?

I personally know two holders of Masters degrees who are by turns, unemployed... or working as a waiter in chicago to supplement what they're already doing! Just heard that from a relative tonight!... if thats me, mother**** chicago, i'll go where i dont have to work 80 hours a week to live.

Has a masters, now waits tables to go with his teaching job... dumbest shit i've ever heard of... GET. OUT. OF. DODGE.

Thanks, Obama!

I know friends with Master's degrees who aren't using them either because of the "over-qualified" tag for the line of work they want to do. Paying student loans making $10/hour. If you get a Master's it should be in something that is required for you to work in that field. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy all require Master's/Doctorates just to practice. Everyone has this much education just to have a job, so the playing field is level for everyone as far as education goes. Just an example but you get the point.

[mr. tegu]

So far insurance agent, associate underwriter with two different insurance agencies, a CD clerk with a bank, part time Jos A Bank suit seller, ESPN statistics guy, and regional underwriter.

The first two underwriting jobs gave me "sorry, no dice" emails last week and three weeks ago, never heard back from the suit shop, no word from ESPN or the bank and a family friend talked to HR for the regional underwriting job.

I feel like I am addressing the elephant in the room but what does an English degree have to do with these jobs?

[Discuss Thrower]

I feel like I am addressing the elephant in the room but what does an English degree have to do with these jobs?

Nothing. All but the last thing I applied for required nothing more than a HS diploma. Folks with English degrees get jobs by effectively selling the skills learned in the program and/or by good internship work in field.

I figured I was going to go to law school through my first three years of college so it didn't matter what undergrad degree I obtained.

[gblowfish]

Cut the soles off your shoes, sit in a tree and learn to play the flute....

[Discuss Thrower]

Cut the soles off your shoes, sit in a tree and learn to play the flute....

How about I keep my shoes, kick myself in the ass and call it even?

[BWillie]

Find something you enjoy doing. Do that.

This, exactly.

[Discuss Thrower]

This, exactly.

Still have to pay the bills... And have enough to golf

[stevieray]

brother, I know that if you stick your staff out everyday, something will hit, even if it's only temporary......attitude, gratitude.


...keep pushin!

[mr. tegu]

Nothing. All but the last thing I applied for required nothing more than a HS diploma. Folks with English degrees get jobs by effectively selling the skills learned in the program and/or by good internship work in field.

I figured I was going to go to law school through my first three years of college so it didn't matter what undergrad degree I obtained.

That makes sense. So law school ended up not being what you wanted?

If you are good with logic and numbers you should be an actuary. Ridiculous pay that requires no degree. Just take the exam, pass it, and the offers will roll in.

[vailpass]

Find something you enjoy doing. Do that.

There you go. Exactly.

[DeezNutz]

You have a BA in English? You're plenty qualified for quite a bit, but it sounds like you're not marketing yourself well at all.

Business, PR, marketing, government, etc.

There are tons of possibilities. I'd check how you're presenting your resume cover letter. My guess is that these important docs are not up to snuff.

[KC native]

Antifreeze taste tester

[DeezNutz]

Strong verbal and written skills. Public speaking. Critical thinking and processing. Yeah, all about how you tailor your skill set, but you shouldn't be selling yourself short.

[Discuss Thrower]

You have a BA in English? You're plenty qualified for quite a bit, but it sounds like you're not marketing yourself well at all.

Business, PR, marketing, government, etc.

There are tons of possibilities. I'd check how you're presenting your resume cover letter. My guess is that these important docs are not up to snuff.

I know they're not because I didn't have one until a few months ago.

It was to the point where my work experience didn't seem worth listing as most of it has been short internships or less than part time work -one instance of which was being a hired hand for a relative's wedding business.

My grades were decent, I was in two honor societies and was in a leadership role in my fraternity for 2+ years in a couple of different capacities. Working freelance means I'm used to working on deadline (and, if I were being honest, turning a complete non story into something worth reading 300 words about). I was hoping working at the bar would be a way to show I'm not a total non-factor in a work place but since I'm leaving that at the end the month it won't look good to see that I only was there for four months.

[Discuss Thrower]

Antifreeze taste tester

I'm sad it took a few dozen posts for this to appear. CP has lost its burst.

[DeezNutz]

I know they're not because I didn't have one until a few months ago.

It was to the point where my work experience didn't seem worth listing as most of it has been short internships or less than part time work -one instance of which was being a hired hand for a relative's wedding business.

My grades were decent, I was in two honor societies and was in a leadership role in my fraternity for 2+ years in a couple of different capacities. Working freelance means I'm used to working on deadline (and, if I were being honest, turning a complete non story into something worth reading 300 words about). I was hoping working at the bar would be a way to show I'm not a total non-factor in a work place but since I'm leaving that at the end the month it won't look good to see that I only was there for four months.

Contact your advisor or career specialist wherever you graduated. Get some help with your resume and cover letter. Then, show these docs to professionals whom you know, particularly those who make hiring decisions.

It's not your degree that's the problem; it's how you're marketing yourself.

[TribalElder]

Please watch this inspirational video. It has an uplifting story about getting your swagger back.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pJ0xFdZQaVM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

best of luck to you

[Third Eye]

That makes sense. So law school ended up not being what you wanted?

If you are good with logic and numbers you should be an actuary. Ridiculous pay that requires no degree. Just take the exam, pass it, and the offers will roll in.

It's not exactly that easy. First of all, there are multiple exams, not just 1. I know a number of people who have passed the first and not found employment yet. Hell, I know someone who has passed 3, but didn't find employment, though he has certain mitigating factors working against him. Additionally, while a degree might not be technically required, I've never heard of anyone getting into the field that didn't have one. Plus there are educational requirements called VEE that you do have to take. Myself, I'm taking the 2nd exam this fall and a class that prepares me for the 3rd while concurrently finishing a BS in Math and a certificate in actuarial science program.

[mr. tegu]

It's not exactly that easy. First of all, there are multiple exams, not just 1. I know a number of people who have passed the first and not found employment yet. Hell, I know someone who has passed 3, but didn't find employment, though he has certain mitigating factors working against him. Additionally, while a degree might not be technically required, I've never heard of anyone getting into the field that didn't have one. Plus there are educational requirements called VEE that you do have to take. Myself, I'm taking the 2nd exam this fall and a class that prepares me for the 3rd while concurrently finishing a BS in Math and a certificate in actuarial science program.

I believe there are nine exams in total. Obviously passing the first guarantees nothing but it is a great start since getting into the field doesn't "require" anything more than one of the first preliminary exams.

The overall point is that it is one of those fields that cares more about your skills than earning a degree. They don't make you jump through unnecessary hoops, and for a field that pays well into six figures once established, that is pretty dang good.

[stevieray]

It's not your degree that's the problem; it's how you're marketing yourself.

:clap:

[Discuss Thrower]

Contact your advisor or career specialist wherever you graduated. Get some help with your resume and cover letter. Then, show these docs to professionals whom you know, particularly those who make hiring decisions.

It's not your degree that's the problem; it's how you're marketing yourself.

Any field related advice you can dispense?\

Update: Just got a text from the family friend who went to bat for me on the job in SEMO that said the HR manager she's spoken to her passed along a good note, FWIW.

[Discuss Thrower]

Oops for the bump, but I'm a week away from classes and I'm beginning to think it's not a good idea.. but I'm still in the same spot.

[Kiimo]

I couldn't find a job in my degree (advertising) in KC at all after 9-11 so after about 5 years of chasing BS jobs I picked option five and moved to California. Got a job almost instantly because the job market here is so much better, especially for hard-working midwesterners with no aspirations to act. Haven't' stopped working since.

So...pack your bags. P.S. no bugs or humidity here. Just sayin.

[Discuss Thrower]

I couldn't find a job in my degree (advertising) in KC at all after 9-11 so after about 5 years of chasing BS jobs I picked option five and moved to California. Got a job almost instantly because the job market here is so much better, especially for hard-working midwesterners with no aspirations to act. Haven't' stopped working since.

So...pack your bags. P.S. no bugs or humidity here. Just sayin.

But there are crazy people out there.

[Iowanian]

I hear rumors the Missouri State Fair is looking for a new Rodeo Clown.

[Discuss Thrower]

I hear rumors the Missouri State Fair is looking for a new Rodeo Clown.

So.. you're saying...

...

I can't do it.

[saphojunkie]

But there are crazy people out there.

What do you want out of life? Just paying bills and having a house you can get drunk and eat nachos in?

Do you want adventure?

Do you want travel?

Do you want to create something that will affect people or live on in posterity after you're gone?

Do you want to achieve massive financial success? Or help shape public policy? Do you have any ambition whatsoever?

Getting a "job" is about as pointless an existence I can fathom. I despise having jobs. I despise working for someone else, and having the service I offer to "be present" at their place of business.

Start your own business. That's what I'd suggest. Find something you're passionate about and go start your own business. You will never work harder than you do for yourself. Additionally, you're young, you have no mortgage, no kids, no responsibility. You can afford to fail right now more than any other time in your life.

Go for it.

Or fucking pack up and move to Thailand. Teach english and bang the hottest girls you've ever seen two at a time.

Insurance underwriter? Are you fucking kidding me?

Youth is wasted on the young.

[Mike in SW-MO]

Interesting congruence in that technical people can't write for crap. Especially writing so non-technical people can understand.

The niece of a co-worker is making big money (don't know exact dollars but she seems happy with it) doing tech writing for Cerner in KC. My sister years back was a big hit at McDonnell-Douglas because she could program and write, too.

If you can read tech and write in English, you might market yourself that way.

[Chief_For_Life58]

Option F: Go back to college and get a real degree like an engineering or finance degree

[Ace Gunner]

*law asst

*back to school, get the MA

*work for gov't (more like show up, do nothing, turn a blind eye and get paid)

*start your own company


really just depends what you want from life

[Chief_For_Life58]

I couldn't find a job in my degree (advertising) in KC at all after 9-11 so after about 5 years of chasing BS jobs I picked option five and moved to California. Got a job almost instantly because the job market here is so much better, especially for hard-working midwesterners with no aspirations to act. Haven't' stopped working since.

So...pack your bags. P.S. no bugs or humidity here. Just sayin.

I did the near identical thing and got a good job in the field I wanted in 3 weeks of searching

[Discuss Thrower]

What do you want out of life? Just paying bills and having a house you can get drunk and eat nachos in?

Do you want adventure?

Do you want travel?

Do you want to create something that will affect people or live on in posterity after you're gone?

Do you want to achieve massive financial success? Or help shape public policy? Do you have any ambition whatsoever?

Getting a "job" is about as pointless an existence I can fathom. I despise having jobs. I despise working for someone else, and having the service I offer to "be present" at their place of business.

Start your own business. That's what I'd suggest. Find something you're passionate about and go start your own business. You will never work harder than you do for yourself. Additionally, you're young, you have no mortgage, no kids, no responsibility. You can afford to fail right now more than any other time in your life.

Go for it.

Or fucking pack up and move to Thailand. Teach english and bang the hottest girls you've ever seen two at a time.

Insurance underwriter? Are you fucking kidding me?

Youth is wasted on the young.

I want to golf and afford the life I live now affluence wise. Be able to buy the season tickets at Arrowhead off Discuss Dad in a few years. Stay within reach of KC or live in KC itself. Pen the Great American Novel.

Beyond that I have no desires.

[saphojunkie]

I want to golf and afford the life I live now affluence wise. Be able to buy the season tickets at Arrowhead off Discuss Dad in a few years. Stay within reach of KC or live in KC itself. Pen the Great American Novel.

Beyond that I have no desires.

Go to law school.

[Discuss Thrower]

Go to law school.

A crisis is looming in legal education. Last month, a notable group of legal educators who call themselves the Coalition of Concerned Colleagues released a letter declaring that law schools have spewed forth more graduates than the legal market can absorb, resulting in rising unemployment among young lawyers, who cannot pay off colossal student loans. -Source (http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/view_from_chicago/2013/04/the_real_problem_with_law_schools_too_many_lawyers.html)

[DJ's left nut]

Go to law school.

Good luck.

I've told anyone that's asked me - go into law school with both eyes open and realize that it's not the field for everyone and that some days will really suck. In that regard, it's like most jobs really.

I know you're probably being mostly facetious, But here's a nasty little secret - lawyerin' ain't exactly the most lucrative gig these days. Oh don't get me wrong, it pays alright, but if you're looking at going to law school and stepping into a six figure job, you're going to have to be in the top 10 of your class. And I don't mean top 10%, I mean top 10 period. You'll probably also have to be a stellar writer because most of the firms that are going to pay that much that soon are the silk stocking firms that will be using you to pen briefs and write research memos for them. You'll probably hate your job because you'll be working 80+ hours/week, but you'll make good money. Then after 5 years, if you aren't on partner track, you'll be stuck writing briefs for your whole life and you'll probably end up hanging a shingle of your own (because nobody wants to be the 40 yr old in a room full of 20 somethings banging out memos for 80 hrs/wk).

I think of myself as a pretty articulate, sharp guy. I'm a good, not great writer. I didn't come anywhere near the top 10 of my class and didn't make law review. I got butt-lucky to end up in the job that I have and ascend as quickly as I have. I look at some of my junior associates and realize they're probably better than me (but fuck 'em, my timing was better...) and I know they're fighting uphill.

I got lucky. Positions opened above me right as I was ready for them and I slid seamlessly into them. In my firm, those positions are filled now.

Law school isn't the ticket to easy riches it's often viewed as. For most, you're likely looking at a decade or more at the 50-70K/yr range. Well shit, you can get that being a claim rep at State Farm and with a lot less stress. And being an average law student makes still makes you a very smart person...that's trying to wedge into a saturated market. You'd be among the most qualified applicants in many fields, but if you're in that 50th percentile or so from most law schools, you're likely looking at a pretty mediocre job market. And that's assuming you can even get a job that requires the degree.

My recommendation is the masters - learn to communicate. It's quickly becoming a lost art. The tech degree makes you valuable until the next wave of guys with tech degrees come in with advanced training on the new tech and lower price-tags. The comp-sci majors of 15 years ago are all jammed into cubicles, working for Cerner right now and desperately wishing they'd have taken some basic management courses that might have them able to lead a department.

If I were 18 right now, I'd major in English and use it to get a masters in something like business finance. Know how to shuffle money and communicate well and you're ahead of most of the work force right now.

[Brock]

I would agree money management is probably where it's at. Money doesn't change, like tech and other bullshit like that.

[saphojunkie]

This just isn't true at all. I think it's what people who don't get those jobs like to say.

My firm starts associates in 6-figure salaries. None of us were in the top 10 percent of our class. None of us work anywhere near 80 hours a week. This is also true of many of my friends at other firms.

It comes down to the same shit of every field.

1. Connections.
2. Luck.
3. Hard work.
4. Talent.

Probably in that order.

[DJ's left nut]

This just isn't true at all. I think it's what people who don't get those jobs like to say.

My firm starts associates in 6-figure salaries. None of us were in the top 10 percent of our class. None of us work anywhere near 80 hours a week. This is also true of many of my friends at other firms.

Where are you located?

You would be very very much the exception in this region.

[saphojunkie]

Wait wait wait...

How have we gone this long without asking...

Can he play quarterback?

[Hoover]

I'd by a 2004 Cadillac CTS!

[Discuss Thrower]

Got the email three hours ago. No interview with the SEMO job.

As of now I'm batting 1-7 on interviews and 0-1 on jobs.

[Discuss Thrower]

Bump (Neg reps expected here):

Withdrew from school Sunday night and went back and forth with a RantSports.com supervisor about blogging about the Chiefs. Sent an email a few minutes ago turning down the opportunity.. namely because there's no way I can write to their minimum quota and expect to make more than $.50 a word.

My goal now is to move out of Springfield for "greener" pastures in the KC area. Any suggestions on where to look and how I can best market myself to employers is graciously accepted.

[DaneMcCloud]

Go to law school.

That's what I tell every young kid who asks me what to do with their life

[DaneMcCloud]

It comes down to the same shit of every field.

1. Connections.
2. Luck.
3. Hard work.
4. Talent.

Probably in that order.

I think one and two are the same: It's up to you to make connections and to make your own luck.

[DaneMcCloud]

Where are you located?

You would be very very much the exception in this region.

I think you'd find you'll make a shit ton more money on the coasts or even in cities like Dallas and Chicago than in Columbia, MO.

[DaneMcCloud]

Dane has a six car car-port bud. The weather is nice though.

LMAO

[Discuss Thrower]

I think you'd find you'll make a shit ton more money on the coasts or even in cities like Dallas and Chicago than in Columbia, MO.

Even factoring in cost of living?


And is your garage comfortable?

[DaneMcCloud]

Even factoring in cost of living?

Oh hells, yeah.

And is your garage comfortable?

It will comfortable as soon as you clean it out.

It's a disaster. :D

[DaneMcCloud]

Even factoring in cost of living?


Here's thing about becoming a lawyer: There are SO many avenues of the law to explore if you live in a city like Los Angeles, New York, etc.

Real Estate law, entertainment law, copyright law, tax law etc. You can become a sports agent or work as an agent for an entertainment agency, a movie studio, a real estate development firm (large or small) and so on and so forth.

Plus, even if you get a law degree and don't practice law, you're a very attractive candidate for other jobs within varying businesses. Firms of any kind always want intelligent people and a law degree speaks volumes, IMO.

Now granted, most of the lawyers I know and work with are either Ivy Leaguers or guys that went to law schools in SoCal (Southwestern, USC, UCLA, etc.) but as long as you're accepted by a prestigious university and do well, you're pretty much set for life and will always, under any circumstance, be able to find a job.

[Discuss Thrower]

Here's thing about becoming a lawyer: There are SO many avenues of the law to explore if you live in a city like Los Angeles, New York, etc.

Real Estate law, entertainment law, copyright law, tax law etc. You can become a sports agent or work as an agent for an entertainment agency, a movie studio, a real estate development firm (large or small) and so on and so forth.

Plus, even if you get a law degree and don't practice law, you're a very attractive candidate for other jobs within varying businesses.

Now granted, most of the lawyers I know and work with are either Ivy Leaguers or guys that went to law schools in SoCal (Southwestern, USC, UCLA, etc.) but as long as you're accepted by a prestigious university and do well, you're pretty much set for life and will always, under any circumstance, be able to find a job.

See, everyone I know in law has wound up at SLU, UMKC or Washburn which means you have to be the 1% in your class as well as have great connections to make some good money. It was their counsel and my own self-awareness I couldn't score higher than 130 on the LSAT at the contributed to where I am in life now.

Conversely, one of my pledge brothers worked a restaurant during undergrad and then two years after getting a business degree and is studying law in the Ivy League.

[Dayze]

That's what I tell every young kid who asks me what to do with their life

there's no way I could do that. Not saying it's not sage advice etc,

Just personally, man...I can't see how people can do it. I suppose if I were super interested I 'might' be able to. I'm confident I would have failed out of college if I attended. I don't think anything interests me to the extent of dedicating that many hours to it. My brain must be broken.

[DaneMcCloud]

Conversely, one of my pledge brothers worked a restaurant during undergrad and then two years after getting a business degree and is studying law in the Ivy League.

I have quite a few friends that graduated as undergrads, then went to law school a few years later, after they had saved money.

I have one good friend that took advantage of Paramount's extended schooling program. They paid for any and all schooling, so she worked 40 hours a week and went to night school for seven years and got her law degree. I think she was around 30-31 when she finally earned it and now she's head legal council at a rather large publishing company.

I have another friend that graduated from the University of Miami School of Music, played cruise ships for 4 years, then went to Southwestern University in SoCal. He's now a VP at Warner's.

I have lots and lots of stories like that. :D

[DaneMcCloud]

there's no way I could do that. Not saying it's not sage advice etc,

Just personally, man...I can't see how people can do it. I suppose if I were super interested I 'might' be able to. I'm confident I would have failed out of college if I attended. I don't think anything interests me to the extent of dedicating that many hours to it. My brain must be broken.

It depends on your passion.

Most of the people I know had a passion for the field of law in which they wanted to work. So for example, if you're a drummer but not good enough to a be session player or touring sideman but want to work in the music industry, being an entertainment lawyer is the perfect in.

Same goes with any field, really. The problem that I see with young kids is that they don't have a passion for something OR (and this is even more important), they don't know what's actually available to them AS options.

[Dayze]

It depends on your passion.

Most of the people I know had a passion for the field of law in which they wanted to work. So for example, if you're a drummer but not good enough to a be session player or touring sideman but want to work in the music industry, being an entertainment lawyer is the perfect in.

Same goes with any field, really. The problem that I see with young kids is that they don't have a passion for something OR (and this is even more important), they don't know what's actually available to them AS options.

yep. I had a friend many moons ago up and decide he was going to do the law school route; never heard him express any interest in it. He had a hell of a time. Not sure if he even finished it.

[DaneMcCloud]

yep. I had a friend many moons ago up and decide he was going to do the law school route; never heard him express any interest in it. He had a hell of a time. Not sure if he even finished it.

Yeah, I get it. It's tough if it's not something you want. I've got a friend who is fourth generation Georgetown law grad and the day his son was born, he was estimating the cost of his son's law education in 18 years. I have another friend that's a Georgetown undergrad with a medical degree from UCLA that's a ridiculously successful doctor (and owns a badass Ferrari) and her two daughters, ages 7 & 9, are both planning to go to med school.

Parental guidance and advice is 90% of the battle. If people can't show you an example, it's often a very difficult concept for people to otherwise accept.

[Dayze]

Yeah, I get it. It's tough if it's not something you want. I've got a friend who is fourth generation Georgetown law grad and the day his son was born, he was estimating the cost of his son's law education in 18 years. I have another friend that's a Georgetown undergrad with a medical degree from UCLA that's a ridiculously successful doctor (and owns a badass Ferrari) and her two daughters, ages 7 & 9, are both planning to go to med school.

Parental guidance and advice is 90% of the battle. If people can't show you an example, it's often a very difficult concept for people to otherwise accept.

That's a good point there.

[New World Order]

Companies always need salesmen. Why not apply for inside sales positions and then obtain your MBA? Rockhurst has a program and KU is right around the corner.

[New World Order]

Here's thing about becoming a lawyer: There are SO many avenues of the law to explore if you live in a city like Los Angeles, New York, etc.

Real Estate law, entertainment law, copyright law, tax law etc. You can become a sports agent or work as an agent for an entertainment agency, a movie studio, a real estate development firm (large or small) and so on and so forth.

Plus, even if you get a law degree and don't practice law, you're a very attractive candidate for other jobs within varying businesses. Firms of any kind always want intelligent people and a law degree speaks volumes, IMO.

Now granted, most of the lawyers I know and work with are either Ivy Leaguers or guys that went to law schools in SoCal (Southwestern, USC, UCLA, etc.) but as long as you're accepted by a prestigious university and do well, you're pretty much set for life and will always, under any circumstance, be able to find a job.



Dane,

How important are grades when you graduate law school? I applied a few years ago and was accepted into KU, UMKC and MU law school but I never attended. I never could really figure out if law school was worth the cost, or if I should just get my mba and go that route.

[DaneMcCloud]

Dane,

How important are grades when you graduate law school? I applied a few years ago and was accepted into KU, UMKC and MU law school but I never attended. I never could really figure out if law school was worth the cost, or if I should just get my mba and go that route.

They're obviously very important. If you want to pass the bar and practice law at a great firm, a 3.5 or above is nearly mandatory. I had a friend that after a decade of trying to figure out what to do, got a law degree at the University of Texas.

Her first job, which she got before she even graduated, started $250k in Manhattan. She got a 3.9, IIRC.

[Discuss Thrower]

They're obviously very important. If you want to pass the bar and practice law at a great firm, a 3.5 or above is nearly mandatory. I had a friend that after a decade of trying to figure out what to do, got a law degree at the University of Texas.

Her first job, which she got before she even graduated, started $250k in Manhattan. She got a 3.9, IIRC.

Better than 3.5 AND on campus involvement AND multiple internships AND work on the side will get you a lot of places.

I have none of those.

[DaneMcCloud]

Better than 3.5 AND on campus involvement AND multiple internships AND work on the side will get you a lot of places.

I have none of those.

She was a stoner chick but also a former Rhode Scholar.

But it can be done, if you have a passion for it. If you're doing it for the money with no passion, it'll be extremely difficult.

[New World Order]

She was a stoner chick but also a former Rhode Scholar.

But it can be done, if you have a passion for it. If you're doing it for the money with no passion, it'll be extremely difficult.


I might have missed it earlier in this thread, but what law school did you graduate from?

[DaneMcCloud]

I might have missed it earlier in this thread, but what law school did you graduate from?

I'm not a lawyer. I have many friends in the entertainment business and commercial real estate that are successful lawyers.

Law & Med school will most certainly be on the agenda for my children, unless they happen to display talent elsewhere. But no history, philosophy or other useless degrees for them.

No way.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

I voted for the temp agency . Thats where I get people and make them jack off my pigs.

[vailpass]

Riparian Rights law is a good field that is interesting.

[New World Order]

I'm not a lawyer. I have many friends in the entertainment business and commercial real estate that are successful lawyers.

Law & Med school will most certainly be on the agenda for my children, unless they happen to display talent elsewhere. But no history, philosophy or other useless degrees for them.

No way.



I was a computer science major back in the day and actually dropped out to work at my friend's software company that he started. When I got to the point where I couldn't do it anymore (job sucked ass) I went back to school and majored in English while taking a few philosophy classes. I found philosophy to be almost as challenging as Calc/programming classes. Philosophy was such a hard subject to grasp.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

I was a computer science major back in the day and actually dropped out to work at my friend's software company that he started. When I got to the point where I couldn't do it anymore (job sucked ass) I went back to school and majored in English while taking a few philosophy classes. I found philosophy to be almost as challenging as Calc/programming classes. Philosophy was such a hard subject to grasp.

So did you become a philosopher ?

[New World Order]

So did you become a philosopher ?



I didn't major in philo.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

I didn't major in philo.

Figures. I was gonna ask you for some philosophizing advice. I'm way behind in getting some things done and need a good philosopher.

[New World Order]

Better than 3.5 AND on campus involvement AND multiple internships AND work on the side will get you a lot of places.

I have none of those.



They're hiring inside sales representatives at ADT Security. Looks like solid pay.

[Brock]

Figures. I was gonna ask you for some philosophizing advice. I'm way behind in getting some things done and need a good philosopher.

Read up on Aristotle, Socrates, and Testicles.

[DaneMcCloud]

Philosophy was such a hard subject to grasp.

It's a tough market for a philosopher

[vailpass]

Read up on Aristotle, Socrates, and Testicles.

You mean Testacles? That Greek sage?

[Mr. Laz]

being overqualified is a myth

[Discuss Thrower]

being overqualified is a myth

What has lead you to believe that?

[New World Order]

Dane not to get too personal, but what do you do?

[DaneMcCloud]

Dane not to get too personal, but what do you do?

Manually masturbate bovine for insemination

[CrazyPhuD]

Manually masturbate bovine for insemination

Do you warm up the cows? Or the Bulls?

[DaneMcCloud]

Dane not to get too personal, but what do you do?

I work in the entertainment business

[Discuss Thrower]

Do you warm up the cows? Or the Bulls?

Moooooooooo

[DaneMcCloud]

Do you warm up the cows? Or the Bulls?

Oh man! I meant to say hogs. Blew my own joke.

[CrazyPhuD]

Oh man! I meant to say hogs. Blew my own joke.

Well at least the joke is the only thing you blew!:eek:

[CrazyPhuD]

Dane not to get too personal, but what do you do?

I work in the entertainment business

If you didn't know by now Dane markets and models the best pasties in the business!

[vailpass]

Dane not to get too personal, but what do you do?

Merkin Merchant.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

Oh man! I meant to say hogs. Blew my own joke.

I think it's time to let the cat outta the bag. And by the way your last check is Friday. I've got some dumbass temps coming in for a lot less than what I'm paying you. Sorry.

[DaneMcCloud]

I think it's time to let the cat outta the bag. And by the way your last check is Friday.

LMAO

[Discuss Thrower]

They're hiring inside sales representatives at ADT Security. Looks like solid pay.

In KC?

[New World Order]

In KC?



Yes, North KC.

[Discuss Thrower]

Megabump:

I'm now 1 for 11 on getting job interviews with stuff I've applied for... Not attending school, and have around a month to decide if I want to stay in Springfield or move elsewhere.

Problem being I have no where to go because I have my doubts that I can actually get a job anywhere else unless I start lying about having a degree and working as a fry cook somewhere.