I go to paralegal school, and have been looking for some part-time work in the legal field. A couple of other students work in collections for large firms. It's not something I'm interested in doing, but I saw an ad and applied for it because I want law office experience. I just want to get in somewhere. I went to the interview, and found out that the collections agents don't even work in the firm itself - they have a separate office (which was not easy to find, BTW!). Also, the hours conflict with my school - she said they probably will not bend, and those nights are times I definitely need to be in class.
I had another interview this afternoon. This one sounded more promising. I did a little research and found out they deal in probate. I THOUGHT probate involved wills and estates and such - it does, but this corporation works for banks that collect from deceased family members. They told me on the phone that I'd be working with paralegals who work on probate claims. I figured it would be working for lawyers who write up wills for little old ladies. Wrong. He asked me if I'd want to do pre work, which means dealing directly with the deceased's relatives, collecting money from them, I guess. I said flat out NO!, and wanted to add I think that's horrible, but didn't. I have the option of doing post work, which means dealing with the banks - supporting them legally. I think that would be ok, but this whole business is built around basically getting money from dead people's relatives. I know lawyers have a bad rep for being sleazes, but the lawyers that teach my classes at least seem to work for good.
I'm just really depressed right now. I went for paralegalism because I HATED sales - I hated harrassing people, which is what sales basically has become in this sucky economy where no one wants to buy anything.
I cancelled my trip home to see my boyfriend, who is now mad because this is the third time I've had to cancel on him. School keeps me so busy, I've moved to a new city where I know NO ONE. Now it doesn't even seem worth it. Two out of three jobs I've tried out for want someone who is outgoing and pushy, they even said "forceful" - the paralegals of the 2nd business have to do the soliciting, too. I just didn't think the career entailed that, but the impression I've gotten from these people is you do have to deal with people a lot. I knew there would be some people involvement - my grandma also said her attorney (in a small firm) has a paralegal who does a lot of the receptionist-type stuff. I had tried out for a receptionist job too, but they also seemed to want someone who is outgoing, which I understand. It's just not me - I can pretend, but it's evident that I'm quiet. I just want to get my foot in the door. I don't mind stepping out of my shell a little, but I'm just having no luck. Sorry for the rant. I'm just really upset - you probably read on my interview attire thread how nervous I was - now I feel like it was a totally wasted day. My parents have helped me financially, but I want to at least work a little to help them out. I've even applied to some retail positions, but nothing...
Any advice on what I should do? I'm 24 years old, and I feel like I'm about 18. I'm so lost and confused, all i want to do is get in the car and drive back home see my boyfriend and family. If I didn't have my cat, I don't think I could make it.
I had another interview this afternoon. This one sounded more promising. I did a little research and found out they deal in probate. I THOUGHT probate involved wills and estates and such - it does, but this corporation works for banks that collect from deceased family members. They told me on the phone that I'd be working with paralegals who work on probate claims. I figured it would be working for lawyers who write up wills for little old ladies. Wrong. He asked me if I'd want to do pre work, which means dealing directly with the deceased's relatives, collecting money from them, I guess. I said flat out NO!, and wanted to add I think that's horrible, but didn't. I have the option of doing post work, which means dealing with the banks - supporting them legally. I think that would be ok, but this whole business is built around basically getting money from dead people's relatives. I know lawyers have a bad rep for being sleazes, but the lawyers that teach my classes at least seem to work for good.
I'm just really depressed right now. I went for paralegalism because I HATED sales - I hated harrassing people, which is what sales basically has become in this sucky economy where no one wants to buy anything.
