Monday, August 24, 2015

Income based repayment

It's been so long since I've checked this website that I had forgotten the login information. Go figure.

Income based repayment, or IBR, is everywhere these days. For example, this:
https://lawschooltuitionbubble.wordpress.com/2015/08/21/wsj-more-afraid-of-ibr-than-student-loan-defaults/

I am not on IBR. However, several individuals I graduated law school with in 2011 have told me they are. I suspect a larger percentage of my graduating class is on IBR, honestly.

I have met a few younger attorneys in the local area who are. Some with staggering amounts of debt.

I recently found out a legal secretary I work with is on IBR. She does not have a law degree, but she cannot obtain adequate income in the legal field to cover her student loan debt. I honestly do not know what her total debt is, her monthly payments, nor her annual income at the firm. I could ask, I suppose, but I'd prefer not to. It was not something she seemed particularly happy about.

Shocking is the word that comes to mind. Just shocking. I had not realized that even the support staff in this idiotic rat race were barely making it. That was a first for me.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

2015 at the halfway point

Seems I recall this blog exists and become motivated to post an update around July. No idea why.

I hit in the $70k range last year. On track to do it again, if I can hold it together for the rest of the year. I've been at a small firm for a year and half. It's been pretty limited, actually. Not much room to grow, learn new things, etc.  All the usual complaints we've all heard before. If you want to improve your situation, you must do so yourself.

I'm looking at new things, keeping an eye on the job postings, speaking with attorneys about short-term contacts and small projects. Anything to turn a buck. I've got two kids and a house payment. That's all the motivation I need to stay in the grind.

Am I making it? Yes, Crux is making it. For now.

Edit: I forgot to mention that I make an effort to check the other scamblogs and news to see if any law schools have closed, particularly the one I attended. I think that speaks volumes.

Best of luck to all of you.