#postbarlife

#firstpost 


I was drinking a Mexican hot chocolate in that picture. Ironic right? Especially since the mug itself implies I was having coffee. The tiniest things always seem to amuse me and that’s why I love the saying “It’s always the little things.” On that specific day, I was spending time with one of my dearest friends, Priscella. I was visiting her in San Diego, California after having finished a grueling 6-month study course for the California Bar Exam. Fortunately and unfortunately, she is currently unemployed like me so we decided to make it a day of brunch followed by a joyous bike ride along the water. 


For so many reasons, I’m grateful for the life I live. I’m able to go anywhere I want and be with whoever I want (within reason of course). The only reason why I’ve been able to live this kind of lifestyle is because I had the opportunity to work remotely. Not only was it unexpected, I was able to live the lifestyle I always dreamt for myself by working remotely. Working in coffee shops, making my own schedule, meeting new people, and networking along the way gave me a sense of independence that I always wanted for myself. Now since those days have passed, my plan to return to work remotely will become reality come May 8th when bar results are expected to be released and I can work remotely as an attorney. I’m not saying I cannot return to working remotely only if I’m an attorney. But what I am saying is working remotely as an attorney appears to be my soonest opportunity to be able to work remotely with the highest pay compared to other legal positions and my skill level.


You may now be asking, “How do you think I did on the Bar Exam?” Simple answer: I think it went well. I walked into the exam knowing I did everything I could to prepare and I came to terms with whatever the result may be. Regardless, the best thing I did for myself was begin my bar studies early. Instead of the usual 2-3 month bar prep timeframe, I gave myself 6 months because of my lifestyle during that time. Not many people know this, but depending on your current situation, it’s highly advised to adjust your bar studies to your situation unless you can truly afford to do it the other way around. It’s similar to fitting a square peg to a circular hole. Reason being is because maybe you need to work full-time, you’re unable to take out a loan to cover your expenses during bar prep, you have other responsibilities you need to tend to, etc. There are many reasons why and all are acceptable reasons. For my situation in particular, I was working full-time and I had obligations to tend to. I also knew myself as a law student and I knew I never did well under pressed timed-conditions. So one of my main goals was to avoid feeling rushed throughout my 6 month bar prep. I know it may sound impossible to feel rushed, but time does creep up on you. I also heard it once too many where people didn’t pass because they didn’t get enough study time and/or they felt rushed by their bar prep course along with any additional supplements they decided to tack onto their schedule. So with that in mind, I planned out the next 6 months of my life and committed to a great routine schedule that worked for me. No regrets.


As of today, it’s been about a month and a half since I took the CA Bar Exam. Needless to say, I’m still really happy the exam is done and over with, but I’m also starting to feel anxious about results. For those who don’t know, what I’m feeling is normal and every bar exam taker goes through this. As my Dad and everyone else in this world says to “Focus on the positive” and “What’s done is done”, it’s still a scary thought. I usually allow myself to let my feelings be for a few minutes and then I redirect my focus to something else. Fingers crossed.


**If you read this far, first off, thank you for reading this far. Second, if you have any questions regarding law school or bar prep, feel free to reach out. I’ve been told by many classmates I’m a good “counselor” to speak to. Hopefully I can do the same for you.**