Should I continue my Law Degree?

[bookboo]

I've reached a pivotal moment in my life and wondered if I could ask for some guidance, particularly from the resident legal beagles. So, as some of you may know I started my (distance learning) LLB a few months ago. Until recently I was feeling confident about progression through the degree. Certainly within these last few weeks I have become increasingly despondent about the prospect of studying Law for the next 4 years and feel as though I'm wading through treacle.

It is an intense degree with vast amounts of research. To feel this way so early on is a huge concern for me. There are 5 out of the 12 subjects which I am certain I am going to detest studying. The truth is that I want so much to like it but I just don't.

Today, after months of searching for a job in the related field I finally have a Solicitor's firm that is interested in offering me paid work experience. 8 weeks ago I would have been overjoyed!! Basically I don't know whether I should work through these feelings, continue with the degree and go for the job or give up and possibly live with future regret for something that could have been?

To quote Robert Frost:

'I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.'

I have always had a love of English and excelled at A Level English but I was in love with the idea of Law.

[ChocolatChip]

Is there anything that may have caused you to suddenly be opposed to studying your degree? Did you not look into it enough before you chose to study it? Or are you struggling with the work/workload? Or are you stressed do to something else in your life? Or something you'd prefer to do?

I think you need to have a serious think before you just throw it all away so flippantly.
I started to struggle with my degree the start of 2nd year, often known as 'second year syndrome'. I think I was finding it daunting that I'd still got so much more to do, whatsmore my Grandmother had just died and I began thinking, 'whats the point?'
I've tried to get more focussed and now I'm pretty much back on track.
It is very common to feel this way.

[Bambiagain]

I'm no leagle beagle, although I'm closely related to one. But since you've got the job offer, why don't you go for it. We all have times, sooner or later when we're studying, when it seems too much. But giving up so early would be a real shame and you have the opportunity to find out how a real law practice works. That is important when considering whether to continue with the law, so give it and yourself a chance.

[Bambiagain]

Er... legal, I meant.

[bookboo]

Thanks Choclatechip, I'm glad you're working your way through your degree. There are many factors in my case. I have a 4 year old (need I say more... lol) and also due to unforeseen circumstances I have been forced to seek full time employment. The Solicitor's firm would only be able to offer me part-time work. This accompanied by my lack of interest in certain aspects of Law.

[tamborine]

A door has opened for you; the solicitors job offer. Dont give up as you're about to step on the first rung of the ladder. Keep going - see where it leads, good luck.

Who knows, Judge Judy might want to retire :)

[ChocolatChip]

Hmm, well why did you choose to study Law in the first place?
I can understand that you would be very stressed at the moment as you're trying to do a lot.
Do you feel that you will be able to return to education in the future?

[bookboo]

Hi Bambiagain, thanks for the positive words of encouragement. My BIL who studied the same degree always told me that if I disliked even one of the modules that I would not be on the right degree.

[Barmaid]

Can I suggest you try and finish the first year? I used to have a crisis every year in my part time degree around March/April time where I was just so overwhelmed and despondent I considered chucking in the towel. I remember one year just bursting into floods of tears on the train and crying on my boss's shoulder. However, every year when I got my results, I realised that it had been worth it.

You are also really lucky to have received an offer of paid work experience. The number of out of work lawyers I know is huge now.

Try and stick with it until the summer - get some results and then reassess.

If it's any consolation, I actually only really liked about three subjects (and I ended up practising them, I absolutely detested some). And yes, it is intense and it is hard work.

One thing you might be lacking is peer support. Does your course provider offer a support group where you can contact other students and discuss ideas?

[bookboo]

Lol Tamborine. I spent the last two years preparing for uni level study by doing my A Levels (as a mature student). I am unfortunate in that it is only now that I have been forced to seek full time employment.

Oh I don't know!! I will have a jolly hard think about over the weekend as I don't need to get back to the Solicitor's until Mon.

[Barmaid]

Oh and for what it's worth, I think your BIL is talking nonsense. I've never met a lawyer yet who said they enjoyed every module of their law degree and believe me I've met a few!!!!

[bookboo]

Thanks Barmaid. Well done for sticking with it. I think one of the hardest things is that I don't have a course tutor or lectures. I do have a study partner, he is great, he doesn't know about my crisis in confidence

[ChocolatChip]

Maybe you should speak to him about it then (your study partner)? He may feel the same as you do?

[Barmaid]

Tell him, you may find he is feeling the same. I'd be very surprised if he wasn't. Even fully fledged lawyers have a confidence crisis every now and again!!!!!!!! (Trust me, turning up to Bogend Magistrates Court on your first day of practice and suddenly realising you have to a) talk to a real life client and b) you've never actually been in a criminal court gives you the sort of confidence crisis you can live without!)

[Barmaid]

I honestly do not think you are feeling anything that anyone embarking on a new (and intensive) subject wouldn't.

Have you had any marks/results back yet?

[Joanne130]

If it's what you want to do KEEP IT UP! nobody likes all of their modules on any degree course, utilise the support of your tutors, fellow students, it won't be easy but then nothing worth having ever is!

[bookboo]

Thanks guys. I will have a good think about things over the weekend.

[bednobs]

hiya bookboo. you used to have another boo name didn't you? i ask because i've been following your post from doing your a levels to deciding which uni to go with. personally i think if you have to get a full time job, you dont have much option than to suspend your studies. living with someone who is doind a very part time masters at the same time as workingm i can tell you its a recipe for a nervous breakdown

[bednobs]

sorry about spelling - i am only using 1 hand!

[TWR]

Bookboo, there is only one person that will make this choice! you have one chance in life & this job with not only give you a good living when you qualify but an achievement many would have loved if only we had the brain, I am interesting in law but I'm afraid I should have gone for this years gone by, I thrive on hearing an injustice been sorted out in the claimant's faviour. I also note that you have a child but that should not hold you back, think about this very very hard because in some cases you do not get a second chance, but whatever decision you come to, think & think again! you only get one chance in life.