For many students, law school can be a financial burden. Not being able to work while still affording to pay rent and buy groceries is challenging. I’m here to tell you that having a job is not completely off the table while in law school. Below, I have laid out some tips on how to balance a part-time job while in law school.
1. Wait
Your first year is about learning the ropes on how to navigate law school. A job could put too much pressure on someone adapting to this demanding environment. I found it helpful to wait for my 2L year to find a part-time job that suited me and my workload.
2. Flexibility
Look for a job that is flexible with your schedule. An employer who knows about the demands of law school might allow you to work less hours. For example, I work anywhere from 6 to 15 hours a week. I am able to decide my hours based on the amount of schoolwork I have for the given week. This allows me to have a steady amount of income flowing in without overwhelming myself. I like to think of my part-time job as another three-credit class to help manage my time.
3. Be Open and Honest
Communicate with your employer about law school and let them know that school comes first. Be open about when you have papers or exams to allow for flexible work times during that period. For me, I take off work the week before finals to adequately prepare for my exams without having to worry about my job. It is important to set boundaries for yourself. I have a bad habit of saying “yes” to everything asked of me. Sometimes you need to step back and know that it is okay to say “no” if you don’t have the time.
4. Take care of yourself
Law school can be overwhelming, and adding a part-time job on your plate might add to the stress. You have to remember to take care of yourself by eating, exercising and getting enough sleep. Be kind to yourself in this challenging time and know when to step back and take a break.
Law school is a marathon, not a sprint. By carefully crafting your schedule and managing your time, anything is possible, including having a part-time job. I suggest looking for a job on campus, browsing simplicity for legal positions or using your connections. Overall, having a job in law school is 100% doable and will help you build valuable skills for your future.
– Izzy Watkins is a 2L KU Law Student Ambassador from Overland Park, Kansas