NaBloPoMo #6: Why did I decide to post every day?

Because I have no inspiration, so what you're likely to get, people, is the blow-by-blow of the crud that continues to gunk up my lungs and sinuses. (That's because I'm of the "When I'm sick, everything is about MEEEEEE" persuasion, plus I don't get sick very often, so I think it's much more fascinating than it is.) Stupid cough. Stupid throbbing sinuses.

I'm also completely losing my voice, and what voice I have is a few octaves lower than normal, but at least this means I sound completely sick and everyone is very nicely impressed and sympathetic.

Oh, wait, I know what else I can complain post about. My school co-sponsored a career fair this week. I'd never been to one of these things before, and it turns out, such a thing is just not my idea of a good time.

First, it was really crowded. (Me + crowds = claustrophobia.)

Second, because of the first, it was really hot.

Third, because of the first, it was INCREDIBLY loud, and I couldn't hear much of what the few people I talked to said. This is probably because employers were seated at tables, and students milled around and stopped in front of tables staffed by employers that looked interesting, so they were sitting down and we were standing up, which is just NOT good acoustics.

Fifth, what with the "losing my voice" thing, it was killing me to croak loudly enough for them to hear me.

Finally, I have NO idea what the fuck to say to these people. This is especially the case because I'm a 1L, which means I can't actually apply for summer jobs until after Dec. 1 (it's an ABA regulation - they want 1Ls focusing exclusively on their studies until then), which meant that talking to potential employers felt a little futile. ("Hi! I'm a 1L! I have 10 whole weeks of law school under my belt and have no experience! Wanna hire me in the future?") I mean, I think I'd have hated it if I were a 2L or 3L, too, but at least then I might have a spiel to try to get them to take my resume or something.

You know, now that I think about it, part of the problem is that I am so unused to thinking I have any choice in where I work, that an employment fair just kind of befuddles me. I have to unlearn my academic job market skills/mindset and learn new ones. It's fairly confusing.

Anyway. I doubt that I am ever going to love walking up to strangers and trying to make a connection under the circumstances I encountered this week. But perhaps once I've done more than 10 weeks of law school and have some actual interests it will get a little easier.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go dose myself and hope this crud goes away.

Comments

[shrinky]

Ugh - I'm sick too. I haven't lost my voice yet, but it's coming.

[Notorious Ph.D.]

Not an employment fair, but I've long thought that there should be a post-market market for academics who got jobs: "I've got an MA-comprehensive in Great Location! Anyone want to trade for a rural SLAC?"