After Law School: Life on The Hill?

Anyone who knows me knows that I secretly dream of someday working on the Hill (yes Capitol Hill). It's not a fantasy because it is completely unattainable but because it seems a little unrealistic for me. First, I don't have any kind of connection to anyone in DC and we all know politics is more who you know than what you know. Also if I took an entry level position, say for example a job as a Congressional staffer, I would probably not be making anywhere near enough money to be able to afford to live in DC while paying back my student loans. At one point I was seriously considering applying to be an attorney for either the House or Senate Legislative Offices then I discovered that you can't work for either of them if you've ever worked for a political party and of course, I have. Guess they take that non-partisan thing seriously.

A part of me knows that if I really wanted to be on the Hill, I would find a way to make it happen. The truth is I've been away from home for 2 years now and I desperately miss my family. DC would only be about 4 hours from home which is much better than my current 14 hour distance but I would still be away from everyone and basically on my own. I'm also worried about getting caught up in the DC lifestyle. I don't want to wake up at 40 and realize I spent my life chasing a career at the expense of having a family. But I love politics. I went to law school to make a difference however corny that may sound. I'm the girl use to dream about the day I would get to testify at a Senate Committee Hearing. Now I'm not sure what I want.

There are so many decisions I have to make in this last year of school. I'm so worried about making the wrong one. Maybe one day I'll face my fear, conquer living in DC and pursue my dream job. But for now, I'll keep planning on moving back home. And who knows. Maybe I'll find another dream.