Do I have enough time?

[H S]

Hi!

I'm struggling with feeling like I don't have enough time to make these applications

I started networking all of October, decided what firms I wanted to apply to and initially thought I'd do an application a week starting November, which would stand me in good stead re the number of apps to complete. In previous cycles I always applied to too few firms (literally a handful) and they were all rushed almost on the day of the deadlines. This year I thought I'd start "earlier" (let's face it, November still isn't even early right) but since the beginning of November I've only applied to 2 so far - I have a full-time job and various other things have got in the way in November itself. I just feel so behind seeing that others have applied to a good 10 or more firms all the way since the beginning of September!

Just need some reassurance or practical advice please thank you

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

It’s only mid December - plenty of firms don’t close until January (or even later). It’s worthwhile continuing with your strategy of aiming for one a week and just trying to stick to that goal going forward.

 

[H S]

It’s only mid December - plenty of firms don’t close until January (or even later). It’s worthwhile continuing with your strategy of aiming for one a week and just trying to stick to that goal going forward.

Thank you Jessica! I haven’t been able to stick to the one a week goal thus far but I guess all I can do is keep trying.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you Jessica! I haven’t been able to stick to the one a week goal thus far but I guess all I can do is keep trying.

Exactly - you may find you have more time with the holidays coming up too. Although it is difficult with restrictions, I’d maybe take half a day each weekend, so somewhere quite but away from the frustrations of home like a little cafe and work from there. I know a few people I know have been able to work from hotel lobbies /dining rooms where they are quiet - they treat themselves to a nice breakfast or lunch while they are out too!

 

[Ellis Finch]

Exactly - you may find you have more time with the holidays coming up too. Although it is difficult with restrictions, I’d maybe take half a day each weekend, so somewhere quite but away from the frustrations of home like a little cafe and work from there. I know a few people I know have been able to work from hotel lobbies /dining rooms where they are quiet - they treat themselves to a nice breakfast or lunch while they are out too!

Great idea, Jessica. I think I might do just that tomorrow!

 

[H S]

Exactly - you may find you have more time with the holidays coming up too. Although it is difficult with restrictions, I’d maybe take half a day each weekend, so somewhere quite but away from the frustrations of home like a little cafe and work from there. I know a few people I know have been able to work from hotel lobbies /dining rooms where they are quiet - they treat themselves to a nice breakfast or lunch while they are out too!

Ah that's a good idea! It's been hard to separate actual work from applications work at home so thank you for that idea!

 

[DonnieDarko]

10 firms?

I had a FT job and went to school FT. I applied to 6 firms total - 3 AC, 2 offers. I’m sure I’m an exception, and to each his own, but I found it much more useful to spend more time on a handful of applications vs stressing out with so many. I also was only interested in a handful of firms based on what I want to do / type of life I want so there weren’t 10 firms on my list to start with.

To give yourself a break can you re-examine your list and focus on those you’re most interested?

 

[H S]

10 firms?

I had a FT job and went to school FT. I applied to 6 firms total - 3 AC, 2 offers. I’m sure I’m an exception, and to each his own, but I found it much more useful to spend more time on a handful of applications vs stressing out with so many. I also was only interested in a handful of firms based on what I want to do / type of life I want so there weren’t 10 firms on my list to start with.

To give yourself a break can you re-examine your list and focus on those you’re most interested?

Thank you so so much for this!! Yes I’ve definitely decided to whittle down my choice of firms and once vac scheme deadlines are up, just gonna do some TC applications and make them the best they can be! I have a FT job too and though I have graduated already, I’m starting a pro bono role alongside work in Jan/Feb which will keep me very very busy and pandemics are stressful enough! So thank you for reminding me to give myself a break - it’s always so nice to hear that once in a while

 

[Dheepa]

Don't get too caught up in what you think other people have managed to do! I'd agree especially with what Dominic has said, focus on the quality of your apps rather than quantity. While to some extent applying is a numbers game, 4/5 couple of good quality apps will go a lot further than 10 apps someone's rushed to get done by the end of the year.

Also here's a thread with some really good advice on applying while on a full time job. https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....idence-working-full-time-while-applying.2623/ I hope it helps!

 

[Alice G]

Just to echo what has been said, I did about 6 apps each cycle and really made sure they were as good as they could be and I only didn't get past the app stage with one firm in my second cycle. It is definitely better, in my view, to prioritise quality over quantity but I appreciate this is an area for debate and I do understand the desire to have a bit of safety in numbers.

 

[H S]

Sorry I've been MIA for the last week - took the entire week off from both work and apps! It's been really nice to just allow myself to relax (especially with some current health scares I'm going through and having almost had a panic attack last weekend!). Taking the time off has also helped me take a step back and reassess which firms I'm genuinely interested in.

Just wanted to say (a belated) thank you @Jessica Booker @DonnieDarko @Ren97 and @Alice G for your advice on this thread! It's really helpful and so nice to know I have the support