OT: Need to vent...

Avatar for jess9802
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
OT: Need to vent...
24
Wed, 02-11-2004 - 11:20pm
My life has been a little crazy since Sunday, and I'm starting to feel myself stress out. I spoke to my parents Sunday night, and they informed me that they've decided to file for bankruptcy, hopefully by the end of this week. I'm not surprised, but I didn't expect it to happen so suddenly. I don't think they did, either. My dad lost a full-time job (with benefits) nearly two years ago, and since then he's been working side jobs. My mom has had two major surgeries, and she's just finishing up her disability leave. Right now they have very little cash, if any, and they need to pay the attorney before they can file. So my dad asked me if I could lend him some money. I have no idea when he'd be able to pay me back, but I feel AWFUL for not just sending them a check.

Geez, it's not like I'm not stressed out about money as it is. I'm in law school, I haven't worked since August of 2002 (when I started), and I'm living on financial aid, which doesn't go very far. I had serious car problems over Christmas break. I paid $220 in cash; put the other $270 on my credit cards; and my parents chipped in the other $245 (with the expectation that I would pay them back when I got a job). I'm holding my breath that something else doesn't go wrong with my car, counting my pennies, and cutting coupons. I have $600 of available credit left on my credit cards, and if I'm careful, I will have about $60 left in the bank after finals wrap up in mid-May.

Last summer I went to summer school for eight weeks, lived off financial aid, and took a short term loan from the univ. when the financial aid ran out. I can't take an eight week course this year, so the most I could get for living expenses is five weeks, and that's if I take out MORE student loans for tuition. I have also been told by Career Services and a professor that I HAVE to have a legal job this summer, and I should volunteer if I have to and get a part-time non-legal job. Riiight. Apparently, having a legal job on my resume is more important than worrying about things like eviction or being turned over to collections. I've applied for two jobs and have yet to hear anything. One would require commuting 60 miles one way this summer, but it would be a full 40 hours. The other is only 30 hours a week, but it's in town, and since it's a private firm, it probably pays better. I'd love to have it! But I'm trying not to get too excited about it; my grades are not that much above average and lots of us are still looking for work.

I'm just worrying myself sick about everything. I can't eat, I can't sleep, and I'm so exhausted from homework that I haven't had time to go to the gym since Saturday. So if anyone wants to send "positive job vibes"/prayers my way, I'd really appreciate it. Sorry to unload on everyone!

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Avatar for jess9802
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 1:17am
Hey April. I didn't see your message until just tonight! Anyway, thanks for the advice. Just to clarify, my financial aid package is almost entirely federal loans and scholarships. I get only a small portion (about $4k a year) from private loans. Anyway, I ended up finding work for the summer. I split my time between a sole practitioner and a small law firm, and worked as a summer editor for law review as well. Better yet, I will be working at the small law firm this school year, too (and they're talking about hiring me after graduation). So all my financial worries from last winter/spring ironed themselves out. In fact, I've now got a bit of a spending problem. I'm addicted to shopping for new clothes! ;-)

Anyway, thanks for the advice, and believe me, I'm already developing a plan for paying off ALL the student loans so that I can buy a house one day.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-20-2004
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 5:32am
((((Jess))))

I'm sending lots of hugs and positive vibes your way. I hope that everything will work out for you soon. Try to hang in there, sweetie. ***Hugs***


Keeyah

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2004
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 10:30am
Jess....I know going to school is rough, especially if you are doing it alone like you are. I also have school loans to pay back...about 20K worth and its scary to have that much debt. Im glad that you have worked everything out! No doubt you will make an excellent attorney :)
Avatar for jess9802
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Tue, 09-07-2004 - 10:27pm
Ah, you're sweet! My original post was written about six months ago, and things are DEFINITELY looking up!

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