Another Day, No Dollars

My job search is never ending.  I just want to be gainfully employed as soon as I find out about my Bar Exam results.  But, as the days are counting down (officially 32 days), I am getting very anxious.  I've been doing my best to acclimate myself to the Augusta community, but with this terrible economy, it is proving hard to find someone who is willing to take a chance on you!

As a law graduate, you'd think it'd be a little bit easier to find employment, but it's actually quite the opposite.  Many times when I send my resume off to places that are looking for employees, I don't receive a call back.  I'm guessing that it could be because I am over qualified for any office work jobs, and under qualified for attorney positions.  It's quite the catch 22.  How am I ever going to gain experience if no one is willing to give me the chance?  I've worked in the criminal law field for the past 2 years while in law school, but now I am discovering that I need to expand my legal expertise.  State jobs are hard to come by, and even if you do, it is not the place where you'll become a millionaire.  More and more everyday as I sit at home looking for positions to apply to, I think about hanging a shingle and seeing what I can do for myself.

Although my job search has not been going it's best, I have discovered that networking is key.  I've met with various attorneys here in town, who will likely lead me to another name that I should investigate.  Every time that someone is willing to meet with me, I try to make it worthwhile for him.  If he doesn't have a job for me, okay, do you know someone who may, or if you have any projects coming up, let me know, I'll be your free legal help!  I've learned that when you meet an attorney and he tells you to email him, do it asap!  Don't wait or he may forget who you are!  I've also made a simple business card that I can give to these attorneys, showing them that I do want to work, so much so, that I am willing to put myself out there, even if no one ends up calling me.

Volunteering at the Augusta Bar Association's Golf Tournament was a valuable experience for me.  I got to meet plenty of attorneys in town and have some face time with those that I probably would never come across.  Although it wasn't the best of weather, I put on my smile and made it work.

So as I sit here today, another day with no paycheck, I am optimistic.  I know that I am doing as much as I possibly can for now.  Hopefully once I get my results back from the State of Georgia and praying that it's a passing grade, I can make all these connections believe that they should take a chance on me.

Wear Pink and Eat Cake Wednesday!

Every Wednesday I am going to try to make it a goal to wear pink and eat cake!  Lauren used to do this while working in King and Spalding in Atlanta and got the whole firm involved.  Although I don't have much pink in my wardrobe, I will think of her often as I try to put together my outfits for Wednesdays.  She loved pink and it can be one of the many ways to remember her!  Today I opted for a mauve colored tank with little chicks on it!

Lauren and I at the
Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon!

Georgia Home Opener

Well another weekend has gone, and this week brings much excitement.  We decided to spend a fall Saturday in Athens to root on the Georgia Dawgs in their home-opener against South Carolina.  Unfortunately, they lost in the last quarter, but it was such an exciting game!  42-45 was the final score and it probably was one of the best games they'll play this year!  We spent much of the day attending tailgates before the game started at 4:30.  It was perfect weather for football!

The AUG crew & Riley at the tailgate!

We had great seats (also free!), thanks so some awesome friends!  In the end zone, 22 rows up!  We had a perfect view of everything!  Touchdown Dawgs!  My throat hurt after the game from cheering so much!  I need to break the streak of only going to losing games!  I'm fairly certain if I go to another losing game, not one of my friends will want to take me to Athens ever again!

Touchdown!

This week I've been busy making connections in the Augusta Legal Community!  It's been fun to meet so many wonderful people who are willing to help not only a new resident, but a new attorney.  It's making feel like, yes, I can do this!  Even if I only knew a handful of friends when I moved here!  As I make more and more connections, I really an excited to see where those opportunities take me!  Hopefully I'll be employed within the next few months, and if not, hopefully I'll be volunteering as a law clerk somewhere!  Who wants to hire me?  I'm available immediately!

I also have many prayers being sent to Macon today, as FBI, MPD, and other law enforcement are searching the landfill for Lauren. May we receive some peace soon.