To Bail Or Not To Bail
Seriously. I’m thinking about quitting law school. Nobody I’ve so far talked to thinks quitting is a good idea, which is funny, since almost nobody thought going was a good idea, in the first place. People just don’t like quitters.
There are a lot of small issues involved in making this decision, which don’t need elaboration here. The main issue is that I thought I would really enjoy both law school and its subject material, and I don’t. Law school is unpleasant, and the Law can be tedious. I worry that the practice of the law will be even more so. I am also surprised by how much I miss being a system administrator. I certainly did not appreciate it enough, when I was doing it. I also miss the people. Lawyers seem to be a very serious bunch. Professional techies have much better senses of humor.
In favor of staying the course, however, is the fact that a background in law can take a person to a greater variety of places and fields than a background in unix administration. Law school is a long term bet on a more interesting life. Equally important, a law degree can lead to work on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, and others who haven’t gotten a fair shake out of life. A varied life, and a life of service, are both possible as a unix administrator, but getting there would take a lot more creativity.
Thoughts?
Votes so far from the comments and other sources:
Bail: 3
Stay: 3
February 10th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Since I think you’re not very far into it and are that miserable, cut your losses and find something else. However, if you’d had a couple of years into it, I would’ve said to stay the course and finish.
Of course, I am getting to be an old man and my memory fails me quite often and you could be 3 weeks from graduating law school.
February 10th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
My two cents: I’m having the EXACT same thoughts (cent 2); you can’t leave me - there are only so many likable people in our class! (cent 2)
February 11th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
It took until about the third or fourth week of my second year for me to get to my breaking point. Leaving law school was one of the best decision I’ve ever made. http://dhammaseeker.com/archives/7
Thanks for the comment. So … it sounds like it turned out to be a good decision. Why? -SF
February 12th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Don’t take this as a vote one way or the other, but:
If you think of yourself as a unix admin, yeah, narrows things down pretty quickly. But if you think of yourself as an experienced, adaptable techie who can learn the specifics of the job on the job, there are countless non-profits, etc. that need you.
February 12th, 2008 at 7:51 am
I vote for Obama, I mean Paul, I mean for Obama, I mean Paul. Oh hell - dont listen to me - I have never voted for anyone that has won, therefore I dont exist.
Slim
P.S.
The only good bail is the bail that gets you out of jail. (Slim)
And the only good skills are the skills to pay the bills(per SHAQ).
February 13th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Cowboy up, compadre.
It’s a brief 2.5 years of life remaining - which is peanuts considering the longterm benefits of simply having the degree. Sure it will be a hard row to hoe if you don’t enjoy it, but you won’t know what doors it could open if you don’t stay the course (wow that was like 3 cliches in a single sentence). You can always go back to tech when you’re done.
You could also do a combined MBA/JD. That sounds like fun.
Do me proud, boy.
Mom
February 14th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I vote you quit and come to Iliff with me and seal your fate as a heretic!