Posted on
June 28, 2010 by
Benito Mario

It’s obvious that Above The Law is required reading here at Debtor’s Prison. In fact, I think it’s unfortunate that the blog is dominated primarily by lawyers BECAUSE if say, American Legal work can be outsourced, what can’t? Without further ado here is the link:
First my two cents. The title is fitting because indeed those in the know DID know this would happen…and it’s a classic example of the “scam blogger” effect where even if you utter a highly watered down version of the truth most people not in the know think you’re at best crazy and at worst a cynical, whining, fingerpointing lay about. Is this pathetic? Yes. Would I take this job? Maybe and here is why: shame. It might be worth poverty wages, stomach parasites, and leaving everything I’ve ever known to look myself in the mirror and know that I am surrounded by individuals who are staring at me for a very different reason.
Read on to hear what the gang thinks
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Tags: billablesIvy LeagueStudent Loansunemployment
Category
Commentary, Round Table
Posted on
June 07, 2010 by
Benito Mario

For the second article in a row I am posting a link to a story that might be the beginning of the end of our suffering
http://abovethelaw.com/2010/06/could-law-school-loans-become-more-easily-dischargeable-in-bankruptcy/#comments
Could it be true? I am like a Goat in Narnia that’s just seen Santa’s sleigh. Perhaps the endless winter is coming to an end. Now before we get all giddy, let’s explore the two reasons why this isn’t likely to happen and analyze the BEST option for beating the odds and finally getting out of this hell hole.
The first reason this isn’t likely to happen is of course lawyers. Remember, it was their bankruptcy declaring asses on the second day after graduation that got us in this damn mess in the first place. The second reason is the fact that an educational loan has no collateral. There’s no car or home to repossess in the event you can’t pay…or is there?
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Tags: Ivy LeagueStudent LoansTuitionunemployment
Category
Advice, Commentary
Posted on
May 20, 2010 by
Benito Mario

Hi kids. I am sure each of you are familiar with the two individuals in the title, known collectively as “World’s Finest.” Last week I was sitting in my mother’s basement connecting different wires in an attempt to…let’s say maximize the number of channels that make up basic cable, I stumbled upon some old cartoons featuring none other than the DC Comic flagships. Four hours later I had a new analogy to describe the unique dilemma of the student debtor. We thought our fancy degrees would make us Superman, but they made us Batman instead.
The whole reason we maximized our education was in order to command super salaries and be immune to things like downsizing, layoffs, unemployment and in certain cases even be free from the need to send out resumes, interview, network…after all I went to [ ] and graduated with a []. I should be entertaining recruiters not begging for an audience. This degree wasn’t supposed to simply open doors, they were supposed to empower us to kick those doors in permanently and with the greatest of ease. If we’re talking about prospective employment I should be the one promising to call, looking bored, etc. Similar to Superman, the only thing motivating me to do a good job, or indeed a job at all, is out of the philanthropic goodness of my own heart. Sure, there’s kryptonite in the form of student loans but hey nobody is perfect.
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Tags: Ivy League
Category
Commentary
Posted on
March 03, 2010 by
Erin Samus

Benito wanted me to pen another article on debt and relationships based on a date I had last night and the ensuing conversation I had with him. Obviously if I am talking to Benito at the end of the night it did not go well. Instead, I have decided to scoop him and write the follow-up to his Ivy Veil Post. I should have written it in the first place because after all I am the one who peaked behind and paid the price of going back. I have more to offer than relationship advice, remember my motto: “I am NOT Lisa Scottoline.”
The catalyst for this post was a piece found at ATL (link before the break). The piece and the ensuing comments illustrated the peculiar plight of the ivy-unemployed, a secret previously as well kept as the private failings of our public figures before the late 60’s.
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Tags: Ivy LeagueStudent Loans
Category
Advice, Commentary