missfrifri

I tend to get life crises sometimes (as you might have noticed before?) But this week there’s been a really big one! Because, for the first time ever I don’t know in July what I’m going to do in October. (I know what I’m doing in September since I’m going on a great holiday with Alex, but that’s a completely different topic…!) And apparently I’m not alone. I had a coffee with my friends that confirmed that the life crisis is creeping up more or less on everyone. And to be honest, it makes you slightly bitter when you think that we’ll all have two degrees (one LLB and one LLM) at the age of 23 and still we utter the words “we really need to speed this up because we’re not getting any younger. Before you know it people are gonna think that you wanna go on maternity leave and if you haven’t established yourself by that time you’re screwed!” (Not to mention what would happen if you actually WOULD GO on maternity leave at some point…)

The daunting task of starting to find a job, or perhaps even a job that you like and are qualified for, proved such a daunting task that I ended up hiding under my duvet with a 200g Swedish chocolate bar, some fudge that me and Stephanie had got in Harrods’ food halls and a bag of crisps that I found hidden in a drawer. I watched the Apprentice and thought, maybe I can start an own company? MAYBE I’M AN ENTREPRENEUR? Maybe I should apply to the Apprentice? (I know, but can't I pretend?!)

The next day I booked an appointment at the Careers Service as any responsible person would do. I was greeted by an older lady who, it turned out, had absolutely no answers for me whatsoever.

“So, I was wondering, apart from x and y, what sort of jobs would you recommend that I apply for if I do not want to qualify as a lawyer yet or at all?”

“Well, that’s really difficult to say. It’s really difficult to get a job right now.” *Pushing a box of tissues forwards towards me* (Me: *Does she think I'm gonna start crying..?*)

“Yes I’m aware of that. That’s why I was wondering if perhaps you could give me some tips?”

“Not really anything apart from what you said. You could qualify of course. But it’s really difficult.”

“Do you have any recommendations for how I could fund my studies if I choose to do the BPTC or LPC?”

"Can't your parents pay?"

“No.”

“Mm.”

“Can you perhaps have a look at my CV?”

*Silence* “I’d perhaps change the subtitle “Personal profile” to “Key achievements.” *Looks at me* Although obviously at this stage you haven’t really achieved anything.”

Ironically, rather than making me upset her comment almost made me laugh. After having worked towards one goal since about the age of 13, trying to get in to the best A- level programme, getting into the best possible universities, getting the best possible grades, spending hours and hours on doing extra curricular activities, volunteering and pro bono, this woman, who I've never met before, sits here and tells me I haven't achieved anything. And it turns out that was the slap in the face I might need. Because just like any obstinate 3- year old, in my head I thought "And who are YOU? What do YOU KNOW? (Because she obviously didn't know that much about anything...)", excused myself, picked up about three bags of brochures and left. Because at the end of the day you yourself know what you've achieved and what you've sacrificed to get there. And only an idiot would stop half way or let trivial things such as a global financial crisis or funding get in your way. Believe it or not, everyone has once been in their early 20s.