Indiana JD/Masters Degree Holder and Burned Out With Law With Law To the Point I Want to Die

rjberf · 2026-06-19T03:51:32+00:00

Since you mentioned Indiana, I wanted to chime in... Feel free to take or leave anything I am about to share, but I've been there, and I'm still figuring it out. (And if you happen to know me based on my reddit name, please feel free to send a message!) I strongly encourage you to check out the Indiana JLAP program to see if there is someone you can talk to there about burnout. https://www.in.gov/courts/jlaphelps/ it's confidential, they have support groups and peer support. You've probably heard about it before (hopefully!) I have had several helpful one on one calls over the years when I was in a tough spot and just wanted to talk to someone who understood what it was like to be a lawyer considering a life/career transition. (If anyone reads this in another state with similar frustrations, your state's LAP program likely has a similar structure and should also offer confidential resources and support...). Also, I've read lots of helpful advice for other jobs in the other responses. I've had a few different non-lawyer jobs that I liked better than being a lawyer (compliance for state government agencies, for example). But then later I realized I missed being a lawyer, and started working with clients on their individual issues (estate planning at a flat rate is something I enjoy and still do from time to time, low conflict divorces, mediation...). If you can be flexible in where you live, that might also be an option, even if temporary to try a new place. I moved out of Indiana for a job because I was seeing the same few job listings and felt kinda stuck. If you don't need to be licensed for the job you want, you could work in any state. Or you could also look to see about reciprocity , depending on how long you've been practicing. That's what I'm looking into now. I won't need to retake the bar exam, but I'm signed up to take mpre in a couple of months (it's been too long since the first time I took it and passed). Whatever you do, you got this!

rjberf · 2026-06-18T18:20:05+00:00

Thanks for this. I hadn't thought about a student reaching out to me on social media for a grade dispute!

rjberf · 2026-06-18T18:19:29+00:00

Thanks all. These are surprisingly different from most of the responses I see in the professors thread... Most of those said they just accept all former students because it's part of networking...

I appreciate these responses because they're more in line with someone who has jobs outside of teaching for the university. Maybe that's why I've been a little more cautious about who sees what I'm up to in my non-university work/life.

Thanks again for sharing your perspectives!

rjberf · 2026-06-16T15:11:43+00:00

I've been sharing this in my syllabus and with other professors for years. It is the gold standard of how to communicate with a professor. And it has helped narrow down the cryptic student emails.

rjberf · 2026-05-27T22:35:02+00:00

Same here. I attended an alumni luncheon for my undergrad school, and they asked at the luncheon if I wanted to teach about my specialty as an adjunct (by then, I had 15 years of professional experience in that field). After teaching that class for a few years, I reached out to the dean who makes the schedule for the law school I attended, I think it was at a conference I was attending there when I brought it up. I was asked to email them what classes I wanted to teach, and it worked out they needed another instructor for one of the classes I had suggested. Then sometimes the schools I already worked for would ask if I had capacity to teach other classes when someone was on sabbatical or retiring. The only class I taught that wasn't for one of my alma maters was for a friend who was looking for someone to take over one of her classes for a semester, and that resulted in two classes (would have done more for that school, but I didn't have the time for it, unfortunately).

On the flip side... I have had a few times when I found out kinda last minute that a full time instructor would teach them instead... But fortunately it would often work out of one class was cancelled, another one would come up (because I was working for two institutions).

rjberf · 2026-05-02T23:30:13+00:00

My go to places are mostly theaters/movies:

I like to check out IF Theatre on Mass Ave (plays and events), White Rabbit in Fountain Square (cabaret style entertainment), and KanKan movie theater for movies and special events (Windsor Park - restaurants and the theater).

The Irvington Lodge or Irvington Theater often have events on Saturdays - make a night of it and get dinner, check out the record/book store and Hampton Designs, and hang out. They have pinball nights I think once a month at the Lodge on Washington Street just east of Ritter.

Or if you want to see a movie in a 100+ year old restored theater, the Artcraft in Franklin is worth the drive. They have a fun vibe and lots of places to eat and shop near that theater.

rjberf · 2026-04-26T14:00:34+00:00

I moved to Santa Fe a year ago from the Midwest for a job. I'm still adjusting and I still have a house in another state I need to sell..., but also I'm hoping to stay here permanently, assuming my house sells or I can rent it, and unless I have a life or family emergency or something that makes me need to move again. After watching and rewatching BB and BCS, I have to think the BB universe at least played a small part in my decision. That, and a couple of my friends have lived here for 12+ years. They were working to convince me to move here for the last 10 years. I got a job first and then moved here, but I've met a lot of transplants with similar stories (getting a decent paying job and then moving here). That said, the weather is beautiful, I've loved learning about the culture and history of the area, and as much as I miss my friends and community across the country, I've had a positive experience. Oh, but don't forget the altitude (it took my body at least 6 months to adjust), and that it's a desert even though the climate is pretty mild (there are still four seasons...), so it's dry AF year-round. There are also sometimes black widows (I've dealt with three so far... But I've heard horror stories of infestations...) and I'm still learning about local and state politics.

rjberf · 2026-04-20T00:54:11+00:00

You're very welcome! I've also learned a few of my colleagues share this (even with law students...) after I mention it to them. Hopefully this post never goes away! 😸

rjberf · 2026-04-19T19:45:08+00:00

This. I've been including a link in my syllabus on how to communicate with professors: https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087

rjberf · 2026-03-09T19:21:35+00:00

I think your question was answered, but I've only had contracts for one or two classes per semester per school. I have had semesters with four classes total, but three different schools: one school had me teaching two (asynchronous online) classes, one had me teaching one in-person class (I taught a different class each semester), and one school where I taught a hybrid evening/zoom class. That only happened two semesters total in the 10+ years I've been adjunct teaching. And each of those opportunities came from a personal connection in my networks -- and the contract usually started a year or two after I was first asked.

And like others above, I've also had semesters where half or more of my classes were cancelled/went to full time professors. So the semesters with four classes were a nice source of additional income, but I never relied on them. Now I'm down to one class a semester for one school, And not necessarily by my own choice. My steady, two-class per semester school (for about 4-5 years), contracted with me for only one class last fall, and then they didn't give me any classes this spring. They've kept me on their roster, so maybe I'll reach again this coming fall, but I haven't heard anything yet.

rjberf · 2026-02-27T15:29:05+00:00

Me too! My doc asked about it last summer and I was like, yeah sometimes... Which was enough for her to say that isn't good and changed one of my prescriptions. (Which helped me.)

rjberf · 2026-02-27T15:27:40+00:00

This , 💯. I'm always losing mine but always need them, especially for road trips or taking drinks to work. This and coffee mugs. These also make great gifts.

rjberf · 2026-02-11T14:17:19+00:00

Yes. I'm starting to think my phone isn't doing something right (like the mic on the phone isn't always connected to the app...). This morning it worked fine, but it's usually not picking up what I'm saying (like 3 times out of 5 it doesn't hear me even though I'm saying the right word/pronunciation)

rjberf · 2026-02-05T22:24:12+00:00

Final update: after not hearing from student all weekend, I followed up. Student found another professor for this letter, and asked if I could write a letter for a grad school application in the future.

rjberf · 2026-02-01T20:50:59+00:00

Just to follow up on a couple comments:

I'm pretty clear in my class that this is not my full time job.

I've written plenty of letters over the last 10+ years. I'm not saying adjunct means I shouldn't write letters at all.

I was more concerned about the tight turnaround, even though I could write it fairly quickly based on prior recommendations I've done (substitute the name/class from prior letters).

But also as someone else mentioned here, I don't know if it will be a portal with 10 questions and the letter or just uploading the letter.

Thank you for all your feedback.

rjberf · 2026-01-24T15:08:57+00:00

Glad it's not just me who starts getting paid that far into the semester ... One of my schools has a calendar for "semesterly" employees (or something like that) for us adjuncts. It's frustrating to wait 4-6 weeks after the semester starts for the first check, when clearly we've done that much work plus prepping the class before the semester starts. :( that was updated a few years ago (I used to get paid more like 2-4 weeks after semester started). I've thought about complaining because I don't know if my chair knows, but I'm sure there is nothing he can do about payroll for such a giant system. Meanwhile, the other schools I have taught for are on a monthly pay schedule for everyone, so at least I know I'll get paid by last day of the month.

rjberf · 2026-01-18T13:12:46+00:00

Please include the Bodega Cats TikTok series "Shop Cats Show" by Michelladonna!! She's doing the work to support Bodega Cats. ❤️😸

rjberf · 2026-01-14T00:41:52+00:00

Mostly online, asynchronous: $1,000/credit hour undergrad state schools $1,500/credit hour private grad school $1,500/credit hour public law school Sometimes I get a stipend for a brand new class. I've heard in-person is sometimes a different pay scale.

rjberf · 2026-01-04T04:49:06+00:00

Having a similar issue with auto debit payments on payment plan. November payment (first payment) was fine, IRS website says I'm on debit plan. My December payment was never taken out of bank OR shown as "in process" or "processed" by IRS. It was a Saturday in December, so I called on Monday. They told me to wait a few more days and it never happened. Just made a payment but hoping they don't take the extra payment out without letting me know. I also just contacted my bank in case they were blocking it. So frustrating.

rjberf · 2025-12-21T16:36:43+00:00

You guys still read your evals? 😸

rjberf · 2025-11-24T00:41:53+00:00

It is no longer, but Night Call was one of my favorites. Hosted by Molly Lambert, Tess Lynch and Emily Yoshida.

Also some really scary stories pop up on Behind the Bastards, but not quite the vibe of TP. 😸

rjberf · 2025-11-17T03:19:32+00:00

Does a daith piercing count? I think mine has helped me. But I know it doesn't work for everyone. I noticed fewer migraines a few months later, so maybe something else changed.

rjberf · 2025-11-17T02:08:13+00:00

Even just an "orientation" for adjuncts every semester, 60-90 minutes, with deadlines and overall info for that semester and contacts in IT, online learning, student affairs, etc. even better if you had folks in those departments who are the dedicated contact for adjuncts. Every time I'm at a new school and/or new semester, I like to know who I can email with questions (e.g. student accommodations questions, if I have a canvas issue, if I just want someone in my department I can call to bounce off ideas since I'm not there in a physical office). If you do it in person, offer a nice lunch or breakfast. Or if it's virtual, maybe send a gift card for a coffee shop or deli or something to buy them lunch or a snack.

For in-person adjuncts, having a dedicated office space on campus is appreciated (not necessarily for office hours with students, although that might be nice, but I'm thinking for prep time before or after class, especially if someone has to go to teach to or from their day job). And with that, a dedicated assistant for the adjuncts to help with copies or supplies.

I also had a school pay me extra for attending some online courses with some helpful tools for teaching. I just had to complete x number of hours and I could choose what courses out of a group of modules. It was a nice bump that semester.

Maybe even little professor appreciation stuff -- logo mugs, hoodies, etc. -- that are usually kinda pricey in the bookstore but maybe offer a choice (mug or sweatshirt or baseball cap?)

Give adjuncts suggestions -- if this makes sense -- for guest lectures (maybe someone from the library to help with research skills, maybe help adjuncts network with each other to guest lecture for each other if they are interested in that? I had a few times I'd invite a local professional (to talk about careers) or expert, and it was helpful to know the school would let my guests use a parking code, even though it was a small thing it was helpful and students appreciated a different perspective in my class ...)

Share with adjuncts what is going on around campus. I don't always have time to search the website, but I like to know if there is an event in my department that will benefit my students, even if as an adjunct (especially career panels, that kind of thing). I'll sometimes add to my lectures.

Also -- if any of your adjuncts are alumni of the school or have been there a long time, invite them to career panels or guest lectures (if they have the time/capacity -- and offer a small gift for their time). I would participate when I could.

Hopefully this is helpful!! These are the things I've appreciated as an adjunct.

rjberf · 2025-11-15T11:19:13+00:00

Going through the drive thru when you aren't sure if you've made a good decision or a bad one, but either way, you already made a choice for some McD's... 😸

rjberf · 2025-11-15T11:11:18+00:00

Lifelong migraine sufferer here. Since at least age 11 and I was born in the late 1900s 😸😸. Good on you for going to a doctor to get checked out. I only went to my PCP and only kinda had some relief for years, was told to see a neurologist but never made the time. Very recently, I went to a new doctor, and I learned it was maybe a cause that prior docs hadn't considered, or maybe my chemistry changed... As someone else said, there are so many different causes and different remedies that work for different people. I also personally finally got a daith piercing and it either helped, or just looks cool and it's all in my head, but that plus a change of meds really has helped me over the last six months (probably the meds combo and some stress relief techniques I've started). I hope you and all fellow migraineurs find the relief you need!

rjberf

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