Career Advice

Thanks everyone,

I understand what Ralphie and Mallow are saying about the apprenticeship route and i know it's a long and expensive way to go if I'm not certain. The only thing is I feel like that's all i can do and that it seems a waste to give it up at this stage....but on the other hand if I have a gut feeling that it's not for me it's probably a bigger waste doing it... I know the work isn't all that exciting especially conveyancing and that kind of stuff but I was hping that it would get better but maybe not! I'm just a worrier and too indicisive and if I'm honest scared of getting stuck in a rut or drifting for too much longer.
 
Hi Noelle,

It would seem a shame to have passed your 4 FE1's and then give up on the others. Also, you know the closing date for the next sitting is August, do you plan on doing the others then>? r u working at the moment>
 
Hi,

Thanks, funnily enough I was thinking of the application date this morning. I probably will sit them even though I'm a bit disilusioned at the minute, I appealed two but was only brought up a few per cent in one so didn't make a difference! I am working at the minute in a Solicitor's office, which to be honest is an eye opener and part of the reason I'm now thinking this is not at all what I want to do.
 
I know, im the same, sometimes I think theres a lot of rubbish and falsity involved with the job and i dont like the work, but thats becasue im in a corporate evironment. Maybe it would be different in a smaller firm whre they dio more court work and its not all about billable hours. Then again I worked down the country and there was pressure in that office too and the files were all over the place. I doubt i will stay in it forever but i will certainly qualify since ive put so much into the FE1's

which ones have you done and how many left? would u hope to get blackhall for next september?
 
I've worked in a few smaller firms (on average 3/4 solicitors) and there is a fair bit of pressure there but it's mostly from clients and dealing with financial institutions. It can be monotonous but I don't think I would like working in a big firm either.

I've done land, equity, tort and constitutional. Sept '07 because I wouldn't want to leave it any later.
 
There is no way that that is the only thing you can do with your law degree.

You can go into the Civil Service (which I would love!!)

have you tried any of those temporary research posts they have in the Courts/governemnt bodies?

There are so many things that you can do with a law degree, it won't go to waste.

You should go to a recruitment company and see what your options are.

Sit the FEs while you are thinking about it to keep that option for yourself.
 
I'm only repeating what has already been said here Noelle but i feel like it must be reinforced from as many people possible! DO NOT go into a career that wouldn't make you happy. I'm the same age as you and in an apprenticeship that fortunately I love. I find the work challenging and exciting (not always but i find all the crap worth it). I know this is what i will be happy doing for the foreseeable future. I get paid pittance and the work is not easy but I don't mind going into work in the mornings and I've barely even taken many holidays (which in previous jobs I lived for!) An apprenticeship is too long and expensive to do just because you feel you should. THere are numerous things you could do with your degree. You could get a job in various companies (talking to recruitment agencies is a great idea). THen what often happens is those companies lead you down a particular path you are good at/ interested in AND THEN you can do further study with the company. Please dont continue with those awful stressful FE1s and apprentice applications if your heart isnt in it. It is very important to enjoy your job.
 
Thanks Ralphie and Holly,

I appreciate all your advice. I think I'm just waiting for the answer to fall into my lap, which I realise is never going to happen. I haven't got a clue what I might like to do and the fear of spending a year or possibly 2 doing the wrong thing is putting me off a masters. Unless I'm doing something to distract myself I find my mind going over this and constantly worrying about it. I was probably hoping that someone would have the magic answer or have been in the exact same predicament but that's just wishful thinking! Thanks again though i appreciate all your suggestions.
 
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