quick question

I'm thinking of attending this career college in my city, but the problem is that I can't decide whether I'm more interested in Dental Assisting or Legal Assistant/Secretary. The cost is a couple thousand more for Dental, but more of the classes seem to fit my abilities/desires for the Legal. I know nothing of the law etc (but...that's why they teach you), but I am very, very interested in it. I just have no idea if it pays well, or if it's an enjoyable profession.

This particular college is fast paced (they cram everything into eight months), and that excites me (of course, it has the potential to be stressful, but...so is life)...and I like that it's a superfast, indepth, serious rigorous program (I'm less likely to slack, because of that). I just don't know which would be "better". Which field.

Has anyone ever worked in the legal field before? Or know someone who has? Just wondering what it's all about.

I haven't worked in the legal field but i know it would be a lot better than staring at people's mouths all day. It sounds okay, but the thing i would be interested in is whether you can, once you have completed the 8 months, extend your course to a degree course, where you get a better qualification. In the job industry, if i were you, i would be looking at areas which will be 'alive' in decades to come, in other words, areas that will not become superseded with our fast economy. For example, i would avoid IT (computer stuff) as most of the systems are now set up and many IT people are becoming redundant. I would also avoid telephone assistant jobs of any kind as automation is becoming the norm with big companies. I know this is off the point because you actually posted about legal secretary work, but im being praga's with you.

The two things that always spring to my mind with regard to issues like this is cooking and hair-dressing. Dentistry will never become obselete either. It's your call, keep doing your investigation.

Sorry, excuse my slang. Praga's = 'Pragmatic'.

Hey Phoenix,

My son (scorpio) started out in the Med. field and then changed to Law. If I am not mistaken, I believe that Law is one of the wonderful skills that a Scorp prevails in. My son took to it like a duck takes to water. He made the Chancellor's and Dean's List ending up with school paid for him this year.

He didn't really know this about himself till he took some classes. Maybe if you can, try taking classes and see where YOUR interest lies. Only you know this answer.....

Good luck to you dear Phoenix 🙂 I think whatever you choose you will be very successful.

A legal secretary earns big bucks and there are always jobs going. It would depend on what you want to do really. If the law really interests you, then choose the dental...lol, b/c after 6 mths as a legal sec you will find it tedious and frustrating and probably despise law forever more...lol.

But if you REALLY are interested in law...then do LAW not legal sec. The two fields are completely different and while you will learn about 'laws' you won't be taught about law.

Ultimately, ask yourself where your passion lies and then follow your dream.

THANKS ladies! Thank you for both the information and the encouragement. I'm pondering all of it, and will keep this thread in mind. I've got a close friend who is also taking my arm and patting my head through all of this, for which I'm very grateful. Thank you thank you!

I think I've decided against legal...but I'm not "firm" on that, yet. I'm seriously looking at options in the healthcare field, but not necessarily the dental anymore. Because I realized I'd much rather be a Dental Hygienist than a Dental Assistant, but Dental Hygiene is a highly selective field (and the schooling is very expensive), so...thinking more practically and still staying in the healthcare area, I'm now very much considering Phlebotomy as a definite possibility. It's not too expensive, it pays very well, one of our local hospitals will train on-the-job, and it offers wonderful benefits for full time.

*when I said both, I meant "all" lol.

It's late.