I actually started this job in the winter, the cold dead of winter. At this point, I had already waited an entire year to hear back from the graduate school I wanted to go to; obviously, I needed to work and not wait. I started working at a law firm after leaving a terrible receptionist job at a dental office. I went from one office where I walked in, bracing myself for the abuse I would receive from my boss that day, to an office where I was welcomed with donuts and witty sarcasm.
I didn’t expect this to be a summer job, to be honest. When I was hired I toyed with the idea of forgetting graduate school and staying in the office to work my way up. I figured with enough experience in a law firm, I would definitely get into law school in my future. I love the women I work with; think "The Office" but with an all female cast and the occasional on screen appearance from our two male attorneys. "The Office" meets "Broad City." Our office limited catfights, bitchiness and healthy eating and preferred to indulge in cupcakes, coffee and closing early.
I’ve liked few of my summer and part-time jobs in my limited experience in the working world. My favorites being, when I worked at a tequila bar, and when I worked as a nude model -- I enjoyed those jobs, learned a lot about myself and made a bunch of money while I was at it. Now I can add, ‘being a receptionist at a law firm” to the list of ‘cool jobs I’ve worked.’ This job set a great example of what it means to be a part of a successful practice and I will bring the skills I’ve attained at this job to positions in my future.
I am thankful for the women that taught me the finer details to working in public service. I now know more about the ins and outs of the legal system than I understood before. I am thankful for the friendships and the support I have from my coworkers, now and in the future. It’s easier when you go into a summer job with only the promise or three and a half months or so. Uncertainty shakes things up sometimes, and ten months at a job creates comfort and community.
With one week left, it is time to say goodbye to my summer job. It’s exciting to move on, but bittersweet to be leaving a job I’ve enjoyed so much. With little experience in the legal field, this office put their trust in me, and I have learned so much that will carry me through the rest of my life. It is a special thing when you can find a workplace that you enjoy; a workplace that doesn’t tear you down, like my last job. The enjoyment in the job makes it harder to walk away, but I know I can always call on them if I need to.
Thank you to the women that took me in. Thank you to my bosses that trusted me. I won’t miss the awful people that walk in at 8:00 in the morning and demand to speak with the attorney. I will miss our lunch parties and break room banter.
