I don’t really know why I went to law school. A mixture of a lot of things, I suppose. Family pressure, a sense of personal achievement. But really? I was unhappy and unsatisfied with myself after college. Although I’d studied hard, and worked to support myself, I never landed a decent job. So there I was, still bartending in my college town and waiting for my boyfriend to graduate with his engineering degree. I knew I something had to change.
So I went to law school. I never really enjoyed the competitiveness and harsh cold calling, but overall I liked the study of the law and the friends I made. I somehow survived six semesters, and suddenly saw myself facing graduation. Guess what else comes with graduation? Some hefty loan repayment plans. Three years in a private school is nothing to laugh about.
Every time I looked at my loan amount, I had a mini panic attack. My friends all told me not to worry, everyone was in the same boat. My family told me that a student loan is necessary these days. Attorneys would give guest lectures, and preach that a student loan minimum is just something you live with for the rest of your life.
It was about this time that I discovered personal finance blogs. I realized there was an alternative movement out there, a group of people actually paying their loans off early. Although intrigued, I had no clue how to attack such a large payment amount. Honestly, I still don’t really know. However, I’ve read numerous success stories from people who started blogs to keep themselves accountable. I’ve decided that’s the first step for me.
I don’t really have a specific goal, like paying my loan off in three years, or being able to retire at 35. I really just want to create a balance between my loans and my life, because right now I’m stuck and feeling pretty helpless.
So, wow. There you have it…my first post.
The Debty Swan 