Hearing - Part II

I had my very first hearing in front of a Chancellor this morning. And guess what...it wasn't as bad as I had expected. I know everyone was telling me that it wasn't a big deal and that I would do fine, but those people had a significant amount of hearings under their belt. This was my very first one. The chancellor was very nice, I had all my ducks in a row, and she signed off on all the appropriate paperwork. I filed it with the chancery clerk's office and voila, my first case is under way! Oh the little things that bring me joy in life. This was made even more exciting by the fact that when I got to the car, the bf had left me a text message wishing me luck. That really made me smile.

Afterwards, on my way back to the office, I decided to stop by my last office that I left three weeks ago. It seems that I got out just in the nick of time. There was been drama, drama, and more drama, since I left. And let me tell you, I do not particularly like drama. I tend to prefer, peace and harmony. Ha.

Let me not kid myself though, I have not had peace and harmony at my new job either. Well, I take that back, in the office it has been very peaceful and harmonious, but the clients always call in an uproar and want to curse you out. What can I expect...they hired me because they were in a bind in the first place. Ha. However, it has been very interesting and full of experiences since I have arrived and I thank God everyday for making this an easy choice for me. I am super glad that I picked this firm over the others to come work for even if I lost out on potentially ($15K extra a year). Money isn't everything, right? My happiness has to count for something.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! My 3 year old niece is coming to stay the weekend so I am sure it will be interesting and exhausting.

Breathe

I cannot even begin to relay what a big difference this job is from my last job. My last job at the Court was not stressful at all, 35 hours a week, minimal work, slow, easy, and steady. This new job however, is none of those things. It is fast paced, exciting, challenging, mind-boggling, and a whole lot of fun. I have not gotten home before 7:00 after getting in at 8:00 that morning. I have been working non-stop and loving every minute of it. I definitely think that I have picked the right firm to work for and could not be happier with my decision. I now understand what people mean when they say, sometimes you just have to put it down and go home. I could be in this office non-stop for the rest of my life and never take a break. There is just that much to do. And boy does it make the day go by faster.

I LOVE the people in the office. They are helpful, understanding, courteous, and fun to be around. We laugh, joke, and are serious when something is urgent and needs to be done. I have been given my very first client of my own and actually had to call them today. But I was ready. I am ready to gain experience and begin the start of my career. And I am so glad to have family and friends that support that decision.

My father sent me flowers on my first day of work, and what a difference that made. To know that I have his support and that he knew this was going to be a stressful day for me. My mind has been running non-stop. I cannot seem to get a good night's rest because all the things that I have to do the next day are running though my head. Can you tell that I am excited? This is what I have been waiting for!!!!

Starting a New Chapter

Today is my last day at the Mississippi Supreme Court. I am feeling so many emotions. I am thrilled, excited, hesitant, sad, inspired, the list could go on and on. I have had such a wonderful experience at the Court. From making new friends, having a great boss that is laid back and a pleasure to work for, having a great suite of employees willing to help each other out, flexible hours, long lunches, breakfast on Friday. . . you get the point. While I am hesitant to leave this job because it is familiar and I am great at it, I am really excited to start the beginning of a new chapter in my life. What I would classify as "REALLY practicing law." I know that this new chapter is not always going to be grand, but it probably is going to be a roller coaster with many ups and downs trying to find my way. However, that is half the fun - learning about yourself, your capabilities, and impressing others with your willingness to take on any obstacle.

I have the long weekend off to enjoy myself, and I am going to take the time to mentally prepare myself for this next chapter.

Anyone been through a similar experience lately that can lend some advice?

Networking

While I am not as gun hoe about Premier Jewelry as most of the guest at the purse party last night, I did do some good networking. In fact, I met up with a lady last night that I had previously met and chatted with at the jewelry party I attended. She is a real estate agent and is looking for an attorney to close her loans. I told her about my new venture into private practice and we exchanged business cards. Guess what - she stopped by my new office and asked if I had started working there yet. When they told her I would not start until August 4, she said that she would be back. She relayed that my co-workers are really excited for me to come start working, and she is really excited to start doing business with my firm. Not only have I made a new friend, but I have made a new networking contact!

Applying for a Second Job

The law school that I attended is looking for an adjunct teacher to teach a small group class. The class with only meet once and then the adjunct with conduct one-on-one advisory sessions (it is a paper writing class) with each student to discuss their paper and give there corrected draft back for their final edits. I am going to apply for this position today. I like that the class can work around my schedule and that it will be a little extra money for Christmas time. I believe the payment is deposited into your checking account 10 days before Christmas which is a super bonus! Plus, it is a resume builder. (Although I am hoping not to have to use my resume anytime soon seeing as how I will start a new job in August).

Job Update

About 5 weeks ago I accepted my next job. The job search was a long and difficult process and required a great deal of soul-searching. As my current job comes to an end on July 31, I had no other option than to get back in the market and find future employment. While it was stressful, it was exciting at the same time. I was searching for a job that meet all of my specifications in a life-long career. Since I don't plan on switching jobs anytime soon (especially in our economic state), I had to find that perfect job. The right people, the right pay, the right environment. I must report I believe I found that perfect job without compromising a thing.* And that is a great feeling.

Well, my future employer called me today to see if I could possibly start earlier. Apparently he is super busy and could really use the help. Of course, he realizes that I have a commitment to my current employer and it is not mandatory that I start sooner, but it would be nice. There are several benefits to starting earlier. I could knock-out my six month probation period, I could start building my clientele, I could learn the work environment, and I could prove that I am the woman for the job. However, while all of this seems ideal - what do I do about my current employer? Should I just mention the situation to him and see what he says? Should I go about my daily grind and put in my seven more weeks? Should I feel guilty I want to leave and start my new job?

Don't get me wrong. I love my current job. And, but for, the job only be for two years, I would be happy to stay here long-term. That is just not an option. So, it is not like I want to leave my current job, I know that I must leave and I am ready to get that transition underway. I guess it is the unknown on the other side that has be a tad bit curious.

*I say I didn't compromise a thing and by that I mean things that are important to me. Of course there were several compromises - one being on whether to move to the Coast for a job or stay in my current location to be with the bf. There was the compromise over pay - straight salary or salary plus commission. Etc. With every decision there are always compromises.

Feel free to tell me about any situation that you may have experienced that is similar and what you decided to do.

EMPLOYED

I accepted a job!

Although I will not make as much money for the first six months as I would like, I think that I will be happiest with Job Offer #3. I will definitely be in serious budget mode. And I must add a new category - taxes. The employer is not withholding taxes. Thus, I will need to start paying the quarterly. Does anyone know a simple formula to figure out how much I should pay each quarter?

Now, the hard part. . . calling the other offers back. Any suggestions as to what to say. "I sincerely appreciate the offer, but I have decided to go with another firm."

Job Offers are ROLLING in

The time has come. . . possible future employers have made their decisions and I officially have three job offers! Now it is time to weigh my options and trust my instinct.

Job Offer #1: This position is on the Coast, with a BIGLAW firm, making mega money ($38,000 more than I make now) and having little to no time off (even weekends).

Job Offer #2: This position is with the State, great benefits, 8-5, but pays $4000 more than I make now with little chance to earn much more than cost of living increases.

Job Offer #3: This position is in Jackson, 8-5, exactly what I make now, but in six months I will be promoted and have the opportunity to make as much as I would make with Job Offer #1 with the flexibility of less hours.

Job Offer #3 is the one that I am leaning towards. What really is six more months at the same salary? Not that long. Plus, I will gain great experience and have the opportunity to make as much or as little as I would like seeing as I will get paid 40% of my billable hour. So, the more hours I bill, the more money I will make. It is completely dependent on the amount of work I am willing to put in to it.

I will let everyone know what I have decided, when I decide. Such major life decisions . . . I need time to pray and sleep on them.

Spoke Too Soon

A few minutes after writing the below post, the possible future employer telephones me. He says that he still has not come up with a proposal, but he has another possible canidiate that can start immediately; whereas, I cannot start until August. He said he hasn't made a decision yet, but would get back to me.

This stinks. I really, really want this job and I wish that I could start tomorrow so there wouldn't be a problem. I understand that he needs someone immediately, but I was really hoping that he would be able to wait on me. I know he hasn't decided, so I should not get down about it... but, let's face it - my odds don't look great.

Looks like I may be back to square one.

Too pushy?

It has been exactly one week since I called a future employer and tried to negotiate the salary package. The conversation ended by him stating that he would crunch some numbers and get back to me. Well, a week has come and gone and I haven't heard anything back yet. Is it too soon to call him back and just touch base with him? Or should I be a little more patient and wait to see if he is going to call me back? I really want this job. And, in fact, would take it even if he doesn't agree to my proposal, but I am biting my nails waiting for his response. How would you handle this situation?

Decisions

Some really hard decisions are coming up, and money is a HUGE factor!

I heard back from the BIGlaw firm on the Coast. Once they get approval from the main office (it is a regional firm), they are going to make me an offer. It is not a down deal yet, but there should not be any problem getting it approved. That starts decision #1. The bf has major concerns with me moving to the Coast without him. He is concerned that he may not want to move down there for another 2 years and we will be apart that time. But, the opportunity is incredible. I will get major experience, get paid double what I am making now which will go a long way in debt repayment, and I will be where we discussed moving.

Next, I went on an interview yesterday in Jackson (where the bf wants to stay for now) with a very small firm. The offer was quite interesting. He wants to hire someone and pay them 40% of their billable hour. Basically, I would not have a base salary. I would be an hourly employee. This scenerio could work for or against my benefit. For example, if I billed at a rate of $150/hour and worked 40 hours a week - I would take make 2400 a week. However, if I wanted to take time off or a vacation - I would be paid absolutely NOTHING. Otherwise, in I get a lot of experience and be in Jackson with the bf.

I also went on an interview in Jackson last week, but still waiting to hear back from them.

Now, I don't know what to do. Do I keep sending out resumes and going on interviews to find that perfect job in Jackson, do I move to the Coast and risk my entire relationship with the love of my life while working my *ss off but being greatly compensated, or do I take a job making hourly pay? HELP!!!! We are taking about a MAJOR life decision. And I am going to have a meltdown.

Another Interview

I know this blog is supposed to be about money and finances, but I just cannot help but talk about my luck in getting interviews lately. I am starting to feel the decision to go to law school and spend two years clerking was the "right" decision, even with the market decline. I have not "officially" had on offer yet, but atleast I am being given the opportunity to prove myself.

That being said, I have an interview this Thursday! It is a very small firm (in fact only one other attorney). I am finding that pretty exciting. I will get a lot of first hand experience because it will only be the two of us to do the work and . . . maybe, just maybe, one day the practice can be bought out by me when this attorney is ready to retire.

The drawback - I don't know how much a sole practitioner can actually pay me. I am confident that my skills are worth more than I am being paid now. I can not afford to take a paycut with a student loan minimum payment of $807 due every month. Not if I ever want to pay it off, buy a "new to me" car, or purchase a house...all of which I want in the somewhat near future.

Nonetheless, I have the interview and I am excited about it. I put all my faith in God that one of the many opportunities that are presenting themselves to me is going to turn out to be the right decision for me. Prayer works miracles!

The week started off with a bang and will hopefully end that way!

This week has been VERY busy and it is only Wednesday. Monday I had a lunch interview with two gentlemen at the firm in Gulfport that I went down to interview with a couple of weeks ago. These two men would be who I would directly work for so it was enlightening to speak with them. Both guys seems really nice and people that I would enjoy working with. It was also a plus that they drove to Jackson to interview me instead of me making the 3 hour trip back to Gulfport.

Then on Tuesday I had another interview. This interview was actually in Clinton, MS - about 15 miles from where I live. I wasn't as impressed with this job. While it is a government job, the facilites were horrible. The place was run down with people working all in one room at tables. Additionally, they are looking to hire someone immediately and I am not available until August. Needless to say, I don' t think this is the job for me. But, I would never have know if I didn't go on the interview.

On other news for the week:
I have gone over budget in gas this month by$24.56. I was praying that I would be able to keep this section under budget. It just didn't happen. I had to drive to Gulfport for the interview and make the 3 1/2 hour trip home for Easter. All in all, I did good in that category considering. I will have to try next month to really not drive as much.

I have also now sold 7 DVDS and 1 book for a total of $37.13. All of this money is being placed in a camera fund.

Last night the bf and I and some friends went and watched a baseball game. Ole Miss and Southern Miss were playing as Trustmark Park. It was a lot of fun! But kinda expensive. Beer gets you everytime. That means that this weekend is probably going to be one spent at home planting flowers, cleaning house, and watching movies...not out! That is okay though. We had a blast last night.

And last but not least, I have another job interview on Friday! This job is in Jackson working for a law firm. I am really excited about this opportunity and will let everyone know how it went. Keep your fingers crossed and all prayers are welcomed. Life decisions are stressful.

Two Interviews and a Lunch

As I sit hear, I am grinning from ear to ear. Within the past 30 minutes I have had two phone calls asking for job interviews. One is actually with the law firm that I interviewed with last Tuesday. They wanted to schedule a second lunch, but this time in Jackson. Hooray! This is a PF blog so I will start off by saying that is great news for me. I will not have to make the drive to Gulfport ($40 saved in gas) and I am going to lunch (free). But, what I am really excited about is the second interview in general. The budgeting portion of the interview is not even entering my mind. In fact, I would have GLADLY driven my happy butt back to Gulfport for a 30 minute lunch. The thing that speaks volumes to me is that they are driving HERE. They are making the 3 hour trip to come and interview me. Plus, I GOT the 2nd interview. Can you tell that I am excited????

The second interview is also exciting. It is at a state agency here in Jackson. That is thrilling for me because as my previous post suggests the bf is probably not interested in moving to Gulfport for another year. That would mean that we would be separated for at least a year if I take the job in Gulfport, but could go on a merry way if I get a job in Jackson.

The point being is that I may have options. And options are better than no bites at all. I am really looking forward to my second interview and my interview at the state agency. I pray to God everyday that I know that right decision when I am faced with it and no that he will guide me along the way.

Today is a great day!

Job Interview #1

As of yet, I have not properly explained my current job situation. I am currently clerking for a judge and have been doing so for almost the past two years. In fact, my two years ends on July 31, 2008. That means that I am actively searching for the "perfect" job. That is not as easy as it sounds. Before I ever started sending out cover letters and resumes, the bf and I sat down for a serious life-changing talk. Do we move???? I am at the perfect time in my career to make a move and the bf is too. The bf wants to open his own law firm and I just want to practice for an established law firm. So we made the joint decision to move about three hours south of where we are currently located in Jackson, MS to a city called Gulfport. Gulfport is on the Mississippi Coast and is absolutely beautiful. I couldn't complain when he wanted to live on the water. I am originally from Louisiana. That being said, I don't have a preference.

The decision was made that we would move to Gulfport and I relentlessly started doing research on the law firms located in Gulfport, choosing the ones in which I thought that I might like to work, and sending out cover letters and resumes. Then the big blow comes, one of the guys that the bf is setting up his law firm with recently got engaged and the guy doesn't know if "they" want to move to Gulfport. "They" are not getting married until January. The bf wants to wait until after January to move now because he is still hoping that he can start his own firm. But, I have ONLY sent out resumes to Gulfport. What do I do? Do I keep searching for a job in Gulfport, do I start to look in Jackson?

I have decided to look in both. I don't particularly want to stay in Jackson if I will be constantly looking for a job in Gulfport because we will be moving there in the new year, but I don't want to move to Gulfport without the bf since he is the one with friends there and wanted to move there. All that being said, to state that I actually had an interview in Gulfport yesterday (because of course, that is where all my resumes were sent). The firm was wonderful. They are a regional firm with offices in four states, but only have about 20 lawyers in their Gulfport office. I really like working with a somewhat smaller law firm, but with resources of a larger law firm. It seems to be the best of both worlds. The interview went smoothly and I look forward to hearing back from them. While I am taking it one step at a time waiting to see what offers I may receive before making my final decision of staying in Jackson or moving to Gulfport, it is still nerve racking making life decisions. Whoo.

On the financial side, I spent $30.65 in gas driving to Gulfport and back. I was lucky enough that my roommate let me borrow her car which gets 34 miles per gallon instead of driving my own car which gets about 15 miles per gallon. The only other money I spent was $14.49 at a little fruit stand on the side of the road. It was too good to pass up!