Job Discussion Forums

pdhaas8617 · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 3

Hello,

I graduated law school in May of this year. I have been looking for jobs since March, and have sent out resumes with no luck and few responses. Before I went to law school I was interested in teaching english abroad, and Im thinking now is the time to make that dream a reality. I just want to ask some questions to the experienced teachers on this board:

1) I am debating between Korea and SE Asia, probably Vietnam or Thailand. I have read on these forums that Korea is the most lucrative place to teach, but Im not sure how I feel about living there. I would like to save around $1K per month. Is this possible while living a good life in SE Asia? I dont live lavishly but I do like to go out to eat and drink on a regular basis.

2) Does my law degree make me more attractive as a candidate?

3) I was thinking of taking the CELTA in September and then looking for jobs on graduation. How realistic is it to find something in October?

I have student loans, though my family has offered to help pay them off. I ideally would like to have some money left to pay them off faster.

Thanks very much.

tttompatz

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

pdhaas8617 · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 3

Thanks for the advice guys. To clarify some things:

I have actually been looking since March, in two states to boot (did my JD in another state than where Im from). I have been told by several partners in law firms that they are unable to hire me and the market is grim, including by the firm I worked for in law school. At this point, I really don't even know where to send my resume. I've tried the federal government, non profits, law firms etc. I've also tried to apply for non legal positions with no success.

As far as the student loan thing goes, I would want about $500 per month to go home for that. Coupled with my family help that puts me over what my 10 year payment would be by several hundred dollars.

As far as the gap in my law career, Im not sure I really want a law career at this point. Law School was a huge mistake for me I will admit, but thats water under the bridge. I clerked for 2 years in a firm and I never really got the sense this is a satisfying profession. The hours, the stress, the problems, and most of all the people you encounter on a day to day basis make the potential financial reward (so far as it exists) not sufficient to outweigh day to day misery as a motivating factor.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Can't comment on your aspirations for a law career. As for saving US$500 for student loans, it's pretty easy with most entry level jobs.

pdhaas8617 · Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 3

One more question for you guys... how does a CELTA change my job prospects? Do you think it would be worth it for me to plunk down the cash?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

It might depend on where you end up. In Japan, for example, it probably won't count for much, at least short-term.

Short-term vs. long-term, however, it's worth it.