Too much and can't give anything up...

[OhThereYouAre]

That is EXACTLY how I feel. It's been stressful the entire time but I think after we had a bunch of layoffs and I was given this new position, it's increased my stress level exponentially. Suddenly, it was like, giving 100% at work wasn't enough. They expect 150%. I am hoping when the economy recovers a bit more that maybe 110% will be enough and I can breathe a bit.

I'm sure a lot of the frustration does come from lack of sleep, and the inability to just relax at times. I know I have it in me to do it. I just am deeply looking forward to a break at some point!

Take a moment to reflect.

Think about your family and how helpful they've been.

Think about your friends and the good times you guys have, and their support.

Think about how you are able to pay your bills without worry, and live comfortably...warm and safe.

Think about how you will soon have so much freetime on your hands, you won't know what to do with yourself!

Think about your degree. That eventually will bring you financial rewards.

Life is easier to live when you put things in an appropriate perspective.

Good luck.

[WildChild]

Assuming you don't go to summer school, you have a year and a half left? This school year and next? Do you take summer off so you have a few months with just work to deal with? I admire your dedication but it does sound like you are fighting burn out? How critical is this job to your future? Do you see yourself staying in it after you pass the bar?

How employable will you be in your particular area of law?
Just wondering how does all this weigh in and compare? Sometimes when we get overwhelmed we lose our perspective and have a harder time keeping a sense of what is most important. We will assign equal importance to things that really aren't. How hard would it be to unload the car and pick up something cheaper? If the job isn't a keeper with a future is it worth the now extra hours, which allow you to pay for the car and other extras?

[kygirl]

Assuming you don't go to summer school, you have a year and a half left? This school year and next? Do you take summer off so you have a few months with just work to deal with? I admire your dedication but it does sound like you are fighting burn out? How critical is this job to your future? Do you see yourself staying in it after you pass the bar?

How employable will you be in your particular area of law?
Just wondering how does all this weigh in and compare? Sometimes when we get overwhelmed we lose our perspective and have a harder time keeping a sense of what is most important. We will assign equal importance to things that really aren't. How hard would it be to unload the car and pick up something cheaper? If the job isn't a keeper with a future is it worth the now extra hours, which allow you to pay for the car and other extras?

Well, summer school for the law school is not the same as regular summer school. They offer a VERY limited number of classes at our school and even if I took a class every summer, it wouldn't have gotten me out earlier. I have considered taking one this summer, but they are only offering 4 classes because of funding so it depends and it won't affect it overall.

I don't see myself necessarily staying at my job forever, but everywhere else I'd go right now as a legal job would be paying me 1/3 of what I make hourly now and the positions are only available usually for 12-20 hours a week which again, won't pay the bills.

I still owe a decent amount on my car, so even if I traded it in, my month amount might decrease slightly but not enough for it to be efficient. That's just not a real feasible option right now. It also gets great gas mileage and I drive about 50 miles a day bc of work and school. (no, the bus or public transportation is not feasible at this time)

At this point, I am trying to save up some money so if I am lucky by this time next year, I can afford a job. I am paying off debt, cut out lots of extras every month, etc. but quitting my job is not an option. I live well but I share an apartment and drive a Hyundai, so I'm not exactly living the high life either

[sperosi]

i feel your pain. you are a strong woman and i admire your resilience. try to find some little thing that makes you feel good or relaxed, like a walk or bicycle ride or something. then do it regularly.