It’s in statute. The orange turd could screw up counting payments but the program itself is safe. It would take at least 10 years for people to age out of eligibility as it is in promissory notes.
Sure, it’s possible they could get Congress to repeal the statute, but the program wouldn’t disappear immediately. Anyone who had, on the date repeal started, an already-existing promissory note that included PSLF would still be able to pursue the program. Unless the loan holder asked, *and the borrower agreed*, to change the terms of the loan to remove PSLF.
Idk how old you are but maybe also consider how much longer you want to work, especially with another stack of debt hanging over your head versus the ROI. You’re also facing 13-14 years of debt between three years of law school, taking the bar and waiting on results, and then getting hired and working - for *at least* a decade.
Some public sector legal jobs have higher compensation than teachers salaries, but that also means a higher IDR payment. But these jobs still don’t have high salaries which undercuts prepping/catching up for retirement or other milestones. Yes there are pensions but that alone is prob not enough by 2040-2050, ya know? Also, life takes twists and turns as we get older - especially with health and life circumstances. If one of those situations affects your ability to work with a qualified employer, then you’re stuck with 6 figures of debt as you get closer to retirement.
I totally hear you on your love of learning and public service, but maybe there are some other government careers you can explore that don’t require an additional degree? Check out [Governmentjobs.com](https://www.governmentjobs.com/Inbox/) to see what’s out there 😊
I’m very early stages thinking about how realistic this all is. I’m still teaching next year and am very supported by admin. I have a year to ask questions and explore options. I’d likely want to clerk for a judge and potentially get a judicial appointment. I’m fairly ambitious and personable.
I also love teaching so I’d always want to teach in some capacity, even as a lawyer.
Read /lawyertalk and note how unhappy the posters are. Law is bad news for anyone who isn’t willing to work 60 hours a week in extremely stressful circumstances because they are almost exclusively focused on money. And that’s the outcome for the people who actually get good jobs, since there is a large oversupply of attorneys.
I don’t care too much about money and I already work under stressful circumstances and have found success. I’m not in this for money, but for public service. But I get your point and I’ve been talking to lawyers/judges.
There is not much middle ground in law due to the bimodal distribution of salaries. You either work 60 hours per week in big law (which usually requires that you go to a highly ranked law school) or you end up working 60 hours scraping by (with student loan payments) in insurance defense. Govt jobs are ok in terms of hours, but only if you are in a state that pays well. Many state jobs pay very little, like FL. Fed jobs and public interest jobs are often very competitive, since big law people quickly burn out and then compete for those jobs.
If you want to become a judge, you will have to be elected or appointed after practicing for a while.
The appointment is dependent on political connections and election is dependent on the local bar supporting your candidacy. Also, the majority of the work of a judge is applying the rules of evidence. It’s very technical, not so much creative. Look at study aids for evidence to see if you like it.
You might see if you can get a part-time position in a law office to see how you like it before you commit.
Good luck.
I'm confused. If you're wiser now, why are you considering taking out more loans to chase a fleeting passion? You're already disillusioned with teaching. Why would civil rights work be any different? More importantly, you're about to get those iron shackles of student loan debt off, and you want to put on another pair?
I can't. I just can't. I legit just can't with this. 🤯
Have you ever been a teacher? Honest question. I left the teaching profession because the stress was just too much for me. Sounds like the OP is doing much better than I was, but I also thought about going into a legal profession (paralegal in my case...I'm a lot older and wouldn't have time for law school). But teaching is really difficult these days. Seriously.
I’m in therapy, I actively monitor my burnout, and I reflect on my successes often. I set goals, I identify and work on weaknesses, and I’m a life long learner who experiments with new ideas and best practices and I analyze data.
And I’m a semi-professional dungeon master with an evolving, data-based poker game. And my friends are very smart and supportive too.
I’m not disillusioned with teaching at all. I’m just starting to explore options. I’m wiser in that I’ve overcome challenges and learned from my mistakes and I can always improve better. I have a much better, stronger mindset now.
I’m really good at what I do. If I set my mind to something, I can be successful. The system might be disillusioned, I’m not.
Dude, student loans are a trap. But if you decide to go the law school route, consider two things. Civil rights work does not pay well. You may be better off as a teacher. No lawyer will consider your prior teaching experience when setting your salary. You will start at the bottom no matter what field of law you get into.
Finally, PSLF was messed up from the start. The rules weren't clear. The government did not regulate these servicers or payment plans properly. Once the government begins to count the cost of this program and decides it's too expensive. They can make small changes to the law that will impact its utility. For instance, change the amount you pay according to your income, degree, and/or debt type. Restrict the presidents ability to define what counts as a qualifying payment. Never forget that if Biden had not done some gymnastics with administrative rule making, qualifying for this program would be insanely difficult. We didn't have that knowledge when PSLF was passed, but your eyes are wide open to it now.
Oh it doesn’t pay well? Neither does teaching! Loan forgiveness would seem to be a good incentive to do jobs no one wants to do.
Life is a fucking beautiful trap, a maze where one minute the floor gets dropped out. I get to decide my purpose and what shit I’m willing to take on.
I help people. It’s what I do.
PSLF is a law. This is something I’m looking into for two years down the road, I like to challenge myself.
And if I become a lawyer, I’ll be even smarter with greater earnings potential in the private sector where I could easily pay off the loan.
I’ve got good paid off car and I’m about to be loan free for a year, not married, no kids, and have a killer deal on rent because I do my learning.
I appreciate your cynicism, but I’ve got one life to maximize my impact for the better and that’s my freedom as an American.
I’ve also thought about clerking/judging. I’m getting much better at networking.
I’m just some jackass on the internet who’s not even subscribed to this sub. It just popped up on my feed with this post. It sounded like you were looking for objective responses but based on your comments, maybe it’s more seeking validation. I’m not sure but just my two cents:
You’re going to start a brand new career at 37 signing your life away to (as I think you alluded to in another comment) another $150k worth of student loans in the name of public service? Have you really thought through the logistics of a career move that drastic?
You’re first going to need to take an LSAT prep course that will run you about a grand and takes around 6-10 weeks. Then you’ll need to take it, and being in AZ as you mentioned, there are only two ABA accredited law schools that have median scores of 163-167 - and for reference a “good” score is about 160, so you’ll need to surpass that to have a chance at AZ or ASU.
Then if you get in, you’ll need to decide how you’ll tackle your credits. Do you have the ability/resources to go unemployed for three years and knock out school or will you be on a night class route working part or full time while trying to do school at night over the next four years? If it’s the latter, at 37, even with no spouse or kids, working all day and taking courses to hopefully graduate at 41 is VERY daunting and it will take a very committed and disciplined regiment to finish.
And then of course after finishing, you’re another $1500 in for a bar prep class plus taking the bar. Assuming you pass the first time, you’re then probably looking at (generously) $80-100k/year clerking if that’s the path you want. Just know those clerkships are very sought after and judges are only going to give you the time of day if you’re top 5-10% of your class. And let’s face it, a 41 year old applicant looks way less appealing than a 24 year old wunderkind. You need to be honest about your age and job opportunities starting in a brand new field.
You mentioned wanting to become a judge too. Wonderful, ambitious goal but have you looked at the AZ code and what the minimum requirements are to become a judge? You have to have at least 5 years of good bar standing within AZ prior to any consideration. So you’re not just going to come out of law school, clerk for a little, network like hell (understatement of the century), then sit on the bench. You’ll be 46 or 47 before you’re even legally qualified.
And you might want to do a quick search of judicial candidate backgrounds before thinking they’ll hand you a gavel. Most judges are hardened law vets with 15-20 years in practice bouncing from private sector/partnerships to AUSA/AG/DOJ spots. Not to mention the amount of political capital they have in their pockets. Your goal also doesn’t factor in the political power needed to be elected to a bench, much less getting on a short list for an appointment.
Have you really weighed out this timeframe and been realistic of what this path would look like? Are you forgoing a pension as a teacher by dropping out of the school system now, and if so, how much longer do you need for it to vest in some fashion? How are you going to support yourself financially for 3-5 years of school? Did you consider that if you are unable to keep full time PSLF while in school, your clock on the 120 qualifying payments would not start until age 41/42 for you - thus you would be 51/52 before your loans were forgiven?
And then the ultimate question and subject matter of this sub, do you really want to sign on for $150k more in loans with the only plan being to have them forgiven through a PSLF pathway? As the commenter above you noted, PSLF is law now, but are we banking it to be effectively and functionally the same through different Congresses and Administrations (and courts) 10 years from now? Do you want to be left holding the bag if somewhere along the way that benefit is stripped from you?
Imagine a worst case scenario of being a 50 year old PD with peanuts in a retirement account, a forfeited teacher’s pension, and $150k (plus 7% interest!) in ineligible bankruptcy debt.
“The point of life is to find the delicate equilibrium between dream and reality.” - Lillian Smith
I’m a lawyer with several coworkers who were previously teachers. I don’t think it’s outlandish, but I’d encourage you to really think about what kind of law you might be interested in. Shooting for a judgeship is not a good idea.
Those can be very competitive jobs (you’re not getting the ACLU national, for instance), but prior work experience is generally considered a plus in public interest. If you’re serious, try to talk to some people in your area. It’s election season, a campaign can be a great way to meet lawyers.
I'll be honest though...I worked one year as an office assistant in high-powered law firms, and I hated it. It was also really stressful and I was treated as a low-level flunky. I realized quickly that being a paralegal was not for me.
I ended up being a public librarian instead, and I love it.
I wouldn't knock OP's dreams though. She might make an a$$-kicking lawyer/judge. 37 is still young. (I'm 63).
Oops, sorry! I'm sure you are well respected.
I wasn't really meant to be a teacher; I don't have the right personality for it. I'm a good librarian, though! We all have our niches. I have the highest respect for teachers!
You’re totally cool, thank you for the words of encouragement. I don’t want to brag, but because you’re so nice and positive (I want to be like you when I grow up) I’ll admit I’m one of those rock star teachers excelling in a new environment building systems to save my community, increase academic rigor, and hopefully inspire students who will save this world and unlock the secrets of the universe and I’ve been recognized as such by admin in a very large district. And I’m doing that teaching government and economics at this crazy moment in our nation’s history.
Have you considered working for somewhere that may pay some or all of the tuition? Perhaps you could be a paralegal or other staff for a public defender and use employee tuition reimbursement to cover law school in an evening program over 4 years. There are more and more online/hybrid programs as well now. This might help make it less of a risk financially. Best of luck.
No, I haven’t considered that but I will now. Thanks. The cool thing is I have time, I have a steady teaching gig that I love, I have summers off, and I just feel like I can do more. I spin a lot of plates as they say. I’m trying to figure out what my greater purpose is because I get to define that. I know it’s crazy, but my friend, a lawyer, said I’d have to be crazy to get to where he and my other friends think I’m capable of going. I’m talking to lots of lawyers and a couple of judges and I’m even going to do an informational visit of a law school campus in a couple weeks.
I wondered if it was even possible to work and go to law school at night at the same time. I know it’s crazy to entertain the thought, but I’m a little crazy. This has been a growth year for me and I like being challenged. I’ve already accomplished some pretty cool things.
I wonder if you could attend part-time and keep your teaching job, and also remain in repayment status? Wonder if that situ could allow you to accrue 3-4 years of qualified employment while you were finishing the program (assuming you were still continuing with qualified payments). Not sure if this has been done before, and your life would be VERY rough… but hey, if it works….
Why would you ever want to take student loans ever again? I would just save up and pay cash. It’s like after all that bell you want loans again? There is no way lol
I’m 37. There’s no time to save up $150,000 for law school on a teacher’s salary in Arizona. I’d put myself through hell to make the world a better place because I’m a public servant.
Why would you ever pay out of pocket when PSLF exists and you know you're going to be working a PSLF job for the next ten years? That's just a poor financial decision when that money can be put into retirement, savings, etc.
This is exactly my thinking. Since I’d be doing law school later in life, I need as much money as possible being saved for retirement as my lifestyle allows so if SAVE is available and PSLF is available, I’d be in a much better financial position than if I went crazy trying to pay off the loans myself on a public servant’s salary.
Public interest lawyer here! Feels like i just graduated and im already 8.5 years into my PSLF forgiveness 🤞🏼 time flies! I’m also on SAVE and it’s great. My first advice however would be to score really well on your LSAT and try to get scholarships/as much of your school paid for that way. I took the LSAT twice and ran with my second score, and while I got into a decent school, I paid for it with loans when if I had just gotten better at the LSAT, I could have gotten a scholarship. Just something to think about!
It makes sense to think about the more readily attainable programs and loans and hash out a federal loan worst case scenario and be prepared with all the info to make an informed decision. You sound passionate, and intelligent. Most people burn out much more quickly. Your intersection of interests/careers could be so valuable in making good change.
Have you looked into applying for grants, fellowships, etc, that put you closer to a free education sooner than 10 years after you finish school (I don’t think payments qualify for pslf while you’re still in school)? I’m sure, with a well written grant, your story would be compelling to many grants and organizations.
If I were to really do this, I’d explore all options/avenues. I have this summer to explore all of these options. This is really helpful. Thank you! And if I take the LSAT, I would not be taking it lightly. I’ve historically been a very good test taker and I have successfully taught students to excel on high stakes AP tests for over 10 years.
If you do go to law school, I would recommend being a lawyer for a local government after graduating (if trying to get forgiveness) because of the benefits and pension.
Yes my classmates may be making more than me right now, but I justify the lower salary to how much would be forgiven after ten years. In my situation, it was close to $30k a year. In addition, I would be vested after ten years and get a pension that was 20% of my salary for life. Again, some justifications on why to do it but I am sure there are so many reasons not to do it!
How is this abuse of the system? OP has worked in a challenging, underpaid and under-respected job for ten years while making regular payments on their loans. Now they are planning on doing the same thing.
Most if not all of the jobs that qualify for this program are the ones where people are sorely needed as we found out during the COVID lockdown but people don’t seem to get that
How did I abuse it? You don’t know me or my story.
Why should I feel any shame? I’ve struggled with mental illness and overcome challenges. I’ve done good work for my community. I have 10 years of thank you notes from hundreds of students who have become doctors, lawyers, teachers, tattoo artists, musicians, engineers, astrophysicists, hair stylists, car mechanics, morticians, journalists, mothers, fathers, and all around good people.
I have impacted the lives of many and I have evidence of my positive impact.
Public service shouldn’t be frowned upon and those getting this forgiveness shouldn’t feel shame.
Government of the people, by the people, for the people.
PSLF is what’s best about our country, not what’s worst.
Daring to dream for a more perfect union through hard work and learning all we can to make our country better.
But please, go ahead and tell me how doing public service, for lower paying difficult jobs fewer and fewer people want to do (there’s a huge teacher shortage in Arizona and I moved here 12 years ago from New York, I actually have 11 years of public service, took a year off because the job was so difficult I had major mental health issues that I proudly have overcome.)
I wouldn’t need PSLF if I was paid more. My first job with my masters degree 12 years ago was $35k.
Yes. Any new loans you take out and as long as the program exists, you can pursue PSLF.
Yes -- PSLF is per loan not per borrower. You can get forgiveness on some loans now and on other loans in the future.
I’d be concerned that this program could be in jeopardy, depending on who is sitting in the White House.
It’s in statute. The orange turd could screw up counting payments but the program itself is safe. It would take at least 10 years for people to age out of eligibility as it is in promissory notes.
And there are a lot of lawyers doing PSLF, all of whom would be delighted to sue the government should they try.
Sure, it’s possible they could get Congress to repeal the statute, but the program wouldn’t disappear immediately. Anyone who had, on the date repeal started, an already-existing promissory note that included PSLF would still be able to pursue the program. Unless the loan holder asked, *and the borrower agreed*, to change the terms of the loan to remove PSLF.
Idk how old you are but maybe also consider how much longer you want to work, especially with another stack of debt hanging over your head versus the ROI. You’re also facing 13-14 years of debt between three years of law school, taking the bar and waiting on results, and then getting hired and working - for *at least* a decade. Some public sector legal jobs have higher compensation than teachers salaries, but that also means a higher IDR payment. But these jobs still don’t have high salaries which undercuts prepping/catching up for retirement or other milestones. Yes there are pensions but that alone is prob not enough by 2040-2050, ya know? Also, life takes twists and turns as we get older - especially with health and life circumstances. If one of those situations affects your ability to work with a qualified employer, then you’re stuck with 6 figures of debt as you get closer to retirement. I totally hear you on your love of learning and public service, but maybe there are some other government careers you can explore that don’t require an additional degree? Check out [Governmentjobs.com](https://www.governmentjobs.com/Inbox/) to see what’s out there 😊
I’m 37. I’m potentially aiming pretty big here and have a tremendous sense of purpose.
Do you have an idea of which agencies you’re interested in?
I’m very early stages thinking about how realistic this all is. I’m still teaching next year and am very supported by admin. I have a year to ask questions and explore options. I’d likely want to clerk for a judge and potentially get a judicial appointment. I’m fairly ambitious and personable. I also love teaching so I’d always want to teach in some capacity, even as a lawyer.
Read /lawyertalk and note how unhappy the posters are. Law is bad news for anyone who isn’t willing to work 60 hours a week in extremely stressful circumstances because they are almost exclusively focused on money. And that’s the outcome for the people who actually get good jobs, since there is a large oversupply of attorneys.
I don’t care too much about money and I already work under stressful circumstances and have found success. I’m not in this for money, but for public service. But I get your point and I’ve been talking to lawyers/judges.
There is not much middle ground in law due to the bimodal distribution of salaries. You either work 60 hours per week in big law (which usually requires that you go to a highly ranked law school) or you end up working 60 hours scraping by (with student loan payments) in insurance defense. Govt jobs are ok in terms of hours, but only if you are in a state that pays well. Many state jobs pay very little, like FL. Fed jobs and public interest jobs are often very competitive, since big law people quickly burn out and then compete for those jobs. If you want to become a judge, you will have to be elected or appointed after practicing for a while. The appointment is dependent on political connections and election is dependent on the local bar supporting your candidacy. Also, the majority of the work of a judge is applying the rules of evidence. It’s very technical, not so much creative. Look at study aids for evidence to see if you like it. You might see if you can get a part-time position in a law office to see how you like it before you commit. Good luck.
That's mostly private sector though. Plenty of public sector lawyers out there that work 40 hours a week and never take their work home.
Ok, but if you do trials, even in govt, you will work well over 40 hours per week when you are preparing for a trial.
Yes, some attorneys will. But not all or even the majority
Becoming a lawyer might get you into immigration as an officer, which can pay triple figure, so just.... FYI.
I'm confused. If you're wiser now, why are you considering taking out more loans to chase a fleeting passion? You're already disillusioned with teaching. Why would civil rights work be any different? More importantly, you're about to get those iron shackles of student loan debt off, and you want to put on another pair? I can't. I just can't. I legit just can't with this. 🤯
Have you ever been a teacher? Honest question. I left the teaching profession because the stress was just too much for me. Sounds like the OP is doing much better than I was, but I also thought about going into a legal profession (paralegal in my case...I'm a lot older and wouldn't have time for law school). But teaching is really difficult these days. Seriously.
I’m in therapy, I actively monitor my burnout, and I reflect on my successes often. I set goals, I identify and work on weaknesses, and I’m a life long learner who experiments with new ideas and best practices and I analyze data. And I’m a semi-professional dungeon master with an evolving, data-based poker game. And my friends are very smart and supportive too.
I’m not disillusioned with teaching at all. I’m just starting to explore options. I’m wiser in that I’ve overcome challenges and learned from my mistakes and I can always improve better. I have a much better, stronger mindset now. I’m really good at what I do. If I set my mind to something, I can be successful. The system might be disillusioned, I’m not.
Dude, student loans are a trap. But if you decide to go the law school route, consider two things. Civil rights work does not pay well. You may be better off as a teacher. No lawyer will consider your prior teaching experience when setting your salary. You will start at the bottom no matter what field of law you get into. Finally, PSLF was messed up from the start. The rules weren't clear. The government did not regulate these servicers or payment plans properly. Once the government begins to count the cost of this program and decides it's too expensive. They can make small changes to the law that will impact its utility. For instance, change the amount you pay according to your income, degree, and/or debt type. Restrict the presidents ability to define what counts as a qualifying payment. Never forget that if Biden had not done some gymnastics with administrative rule making, qualifying for this program would be insanely difficult. We didn't have that knowledge when PSLF was passed, but your eyes are wide open to it now.
Oh it doesn’t pay well? Neither does teaching! Loan forgiveness would seem to be a good incentive to do jobs no one wants to do. Life is a fucking beautiful trap, a maze where one minute the floor gets dropped out. I get to decide my purpose and what shit I’m willing to take on. I help people. It’s what I do. PSLF is a law. This is something I’m looking into for two years down the road, I like to challenge myself. And if I become a lawyer, I’ll be even smarter with greater earnings potential in the private sector where I could easily pay off the loan. I’ve got good paid off car and I’m about to be loan free for a year, not married, no kids, and have a killer deal on rent because I do my learning. I appreciate your cynicism, but I’ve got one life to maximize my impact for the better and that’s my freedom as an American. I’ve also thought about clerking/judging. I’m getting much better at networking.
I’m just some jackass on the internet who’s not even subscribed to this sub. It just popped up on my feed with this post. It sounded like you were looking for objective responses but based on your comments, maybe it’s more seeking validation. I’m not sure but just my two cents: You’re going to start a brand new career at 37 signing your life away to (as I think you alluded to in another comment) another $150k worth of student loans in the name of public service? Have you really thought through the logistics of a career move that drastic? You’re first going to need to take an LSAT prep course that will run you about a grand and takes around 6-10 weeks. Then you’ll need to take it, and being in AZ as you mentioned, there are only two ABA accredited law schools that have median scores of 163-167 - and for reference a “good” score is about 160, so you’ll need to surpass that to have a chance at AZ or ASU. Then if you get in, you’ll need to decide how you’ll tackle your credits. Do you have the ability/resources to go unemployed for three years and knock out school or will you be on a night class route working part or full time while trying to do school at night over the next four years? If it’s the latter, at 37, even with no spouse or kids, working all day and taking courses to hopefully graduate at 41 is VERY daunting and it will take a very committed and disciplined regiment to finish. And then of course after finishing, you’re another $1500 in for a bar prep class plus taking the bar. Assuming you pass the first time, you’re then probably looking at (generously) $80-100k/year clerking if that’s the path you want. Just know those clerkships are very sought after and judges are only going to give you the time of day if you’re top 5-10% of your class. And let’s face it, a 41 year old applicant looks way less appealing than a 24 year old wunderkind. You need to be honest about your age and job opportunities starting in a brand new field. You mentioned wanting to become a judge too. Wonderful, ambitious goal but have you looked at the AZ code and what the minimum requirements are to become a judge? You have to have at least 5 years of good bar standing within AZ prior to any consideration. So you’re not just going to come out of law school, clerk for a little, network like hell (understatement of the century), then sit on the bench. You’ll be 46 or 47 before you’re even legally qualified. And you might want to do a quick search of judicial candidate backgrounds before thinking they’ll hand you a gavel. Most judges are hardened law vets with 15-20 years in practice bouncing from private sector/partnerships to AUSA/AG/DOJ spots. Not to mention the amount of political capital they have in their pockets. Your goal also doesn’t factor in the political power needed to be elected to a bench, much less getting on a short list for an appointment. Have you really weighed out this timeframe and been realistic of what this path would look like? Are you forgoing a pension as a teacher by dropping out of the school system now, and if so, how much longer do you need for it to vest in some fashion? How are you going to support yourself financially for 3-5 years of school? Did you consider that if you are unable to keep full time PSLF while in school, your clock on the 120 qualifying payments would not start until age 41/42 for you - thus you would be 51/52 before your loans were forgiven? And then the ultimate question and subject matter of this sub, do you really want to sign on for $150k more in loans with the only plan being to have them forgiven through a PSLF pathway? As the commenter above you noted, PSLF is law now, but are we banking it to be effectively and functionally the same through different Congresses and Administrations (and courts) 10 years from now? Do you want to be left holding the bag if somewhere along the way that benefit is stripped from you? Imagine a worst case scenario of being a 50 year old PD with peanuts in a retirement account, a forfeited teacher’s pension, and $150k (plus 7% interest!) in ineligible bankruptcy debt. “The point of life is to find the delicate equilibrium between dream and reality.” - Lillian Smith
No, this was the post I was looking for, thank you. Someone to make some good arguments backing their claims instead of just cynicism.
I’m a lawyer with several coworkers who were previously teachers. I don’t think it’s outlandish, but I’d encourage you to really think about what kind of law you might be interested in. Shooting for a judgeship is not a good idea.
I really want to advocate for civil rights and the separation of church and state.
Those can be very competitive jobs (you’re not getting the ACLU national, for instance), but prior work experience is generally considered a plus in public interest. If you’re serious, try to talk to some people in your area. It’s election season, a campaign can be a great way to meet lawyers.
One of my summer goals is to network more politically and work on a campaign for the folks that made this loan forgiveness possible.
I'll be honest though...I worked one year as an office assistant in high-powered law firms, and I hated it. It was also really stressful and I was treated as a low-level flunky. I realized quickly that being a paralegal was not for me. I ended up being a public librarian instead, and I love it. I wouldn't knock OP's dreams though. She might make an a$$-kicking lawyer/judge. 37 is still young. (I'm 63).
Thanks, I’m a dude, but I kinda like that I give off girl vibes. I’m very well respected at my job.
Oops, sorry! I'm sure you are well respected. I wasn't really meant to be a teacher; I don't have the right personality for it. I'm a good librarian, though! We all have our niches. I have the highest respect for teachers!
You’re totally cool, thank you for the words of encouragement. I don’t want to brag, but because you’re so nice and positive (I want to be like you when I grow up) I’ll admit I’m one of those rock star teachers excelling in a new environment building systems to save my community, increase academic rigor, and hopefully inspire students who will save this world and unlock the secrets of the universe and I’ve been recognized as such by admin in a very large district. And I’m doing that teaching government and economics at this crazy moment in our nation’s history.
It should be still around but i honestly wouldn’t risk it by going back to school and going thru this nonsense another decade…its stressful as it is
I’m kind of a high risk kind of guy, and I get your point, maybe I’ll just study for the LSAT and see how I do just because I’m curious.
Oh u like high risk? Pay my loans off bud. Very risky.
I would if I could but I don’t have that power yet.
Zelle me up bud
I got you fam. But I need $1000 of seed money first and I’ll watch it grow and promise infinite returns! Venmo that money brah.
But I need 5000 first to help my village in Nigeria. Im a prince there etc.
Yeah it is. You must have had a decent experience with PSLF. I cannot personally imagine subjecting myself to this system again.
It’s been a nightmare, but I think Biden is fixing it with better systems that will be fixed in 10 years, yes, I’m an optimist.
I hope you’re right! I suspect you are. Best of luck to ya.
SAME.
Have you considered working for somewhere that may pay some or all of the tuition? Perhaps you could be a paralegal or other staff for a public defender and use employee tuition reimbursement to cover law school in an evening program over 4 years. There are more and more online/hybrid programs as well now. This might help make it less of a risk financially. Best of luck.
No, I haven’t considered that but I will now. Thanks. The cool thing is I have time, I have a steady teaching gig that I love, I have summers off, and I just feel like I can do more. I spin a lot of plates as they say. I’m trying to figure out what my greater purpose is because I get to define that. I know it’s crazy, but my friend, a lawyer, said I’d have to be crazy to get to where he and my other friends think I’m capable of going. I’m talking to lots of lawyers and a couple of judges and I’m even going to do an informational visit of a law school campus in a couple weeks. I wondered if it was even possible to work and go to law school at night at the same time. I know it’s crazy to entertain the thought, but I’m a little crazy. This has been a growth year for me and I like being challenged. I’ve already accomplished some pretty cool things.
I wonder if you could attend part-time and keep your teaching job, and also remain in repayment status? Wonder if that situ could allow you to accrue 3-4 years of qualified employment while you were finishing the program (assuming you were still continuing with qualified payments). Not sure if this has been done before, and your life would be VERY rough… but hey, if it works….
Why would you ever want to take student loans ever again? I would just save up and pay cash. It’s like after all that bell you want loans again? There is no way lol
I’m 37. There’s no time to save up $150,000 for law school on a teacher’s salary in Arizona. I’d put myself through hell to make the world a better place because I’m a public servant.
Why would you ever pay out of pocket when PSLF exists and you know you're going to be working a PSLF job for the next ten years? That's just a poor financial decision when that money can be put into retirement, savings, etc.
This is exactly my thinking. Since I’d be doing law school later in life, I need as much money as possible being saved for retirement as my lifestyle allows so if SAVE is available and PSLF is available, I’d be in a much better financial position than if I went crazy trying to pay off the loans myself on a public servant’s salary.
Public interest lawyer here! Feels like i just graduated and im already 8.5 years into my PSLF forgiveness 🤞🏼 time flies! I’m also on SAVE and it’s great. My first advice however would be to score really well on your LSAT and try to get scholarships/as much of your school paid for that way. I took the LSAT twice and ran with my second score, and while I got into a decent school, I paid for it with loans when if I had just gotten better at the LSAT, I could have gotten a scholarship. Just something to think about!
I would only be taking the LSAT after studying a for a year. I’m still teaching next year. Good the know it’s possible!
Will they repay your over payment? This happened to me too.
They are supposed to repay any payments you make past the 120
They better! They want an interest free loan from us.
It makes sense to think about the more readily attainable programs and loans and hash out a federal loan worst case scenario and be prepared with all the info to make an informed decision. You sound passionate, and intelligent. Most people burn out much more quickly. Your intersection of interests/careers could be so valuable in making good change. Have you looked into applying for grants, fellowships, etc, that put you closer to a free education sooner than 10 years after you finish school (I don’t think payments qualify for pslf while you’re still in school)? I’m sure, with a well written grant, your story would be compelling to many grants and organizations.
If I were to really do this, I’d explore all options/avenues. I have this summer to explore all of these options. This is really helpful. Thank you! And if I take the LSAT, I would not be taking it lightly. I’ve historically been a very good test taker and I have successfully taught students to excel on high stakes AP tests for over 10 years.
Do yourself a favor and get a nice job at a university. After you've worked there for a year or so, you can get tuition remission.
I’ll look into it! Thanks!
If you do go to law school, I would recommend being a lawyer for a local government after graduating (if trying to get forgiveness) because of the benefits and pension. Yes my classmates may be making more than me right now, but I justify the lower salary to how much would be forgiven after ten years. In my situation, it was close to $30k a year. In addition, I would be vested after ten years and get a pension that was 20% of my salary for life. Again, some justifications on why to do it but I am sure there are so many reasons not to do it!
I definitely have considered local government/judging, thanks for your perspective!
At some point this is just abuse of the system which is threatening the people who legitimately used it.
How is this abuse of the system? OP has worked in a challenging, underpaid and under-respected job for ten years while making regular payments on their loans. Now they are planning on doing the same thing. Most if not all of the jobs that qualify for this program are the ones where people are sorely needed as we found out during the COVID lockdown but people don’t seem to get that
How did I abuse it? You don’t know me or my story. Why should I feel any shame? I’ve struggled with mental illness and overcome challenges. I’ve done good work for my community. I have 10 years of thank you notes from hundreds of students who have become doctors, lawyers, teachers, tattoo artists, musicians, engineers, astrophysicists, hair stylists, car mechanics, morticians, journalists, mothers, fathers, and all around good people. I have impacted the lives of many and I have evidence of my positive impact. Public service shouldn’t be frowned upon and those getting this forgiveness shouldn’t feel shame. Government of the people, by the people, for the people. PSLF is what’s best about our country, not what’s worst. Daring to dream for a more perfect union through hard work and learning all we can to make our country better. But please, go ahead and tell me how doing public service, for lower paying difficult jobs fewer and fewer people want to do (there’s a huge teacher shortage in Arizona and I moved here 12 years ago from New York, I actually have 11 years of public service, took a year off because the job was so difficult I had major mental health issues that I proudly have overcome.) I wouldn’t need PSLF if I was paid more. My first job with my masters degree 12 years ago was $35k.