Nick Altopiedi, Esq.

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be working full-time in the corporate world, studying for two bar exams, and planning a wedding simultaneously, I might have laughed. But that was my reality. It was exhausting, relentless, and, at times, overwhelming. Yet, looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The experience sharpened my discipline, taught me the value of time, and ultimately helped me transition into a career as a personal injury attorney.

For anyone out there grinding through law school, bar prep, or even just juggling multiple responsibilities, here’s how I made it work and how you can, too.

1. Staying Organized with a Clear Plan
The first and most crucial step was developing a detailed plan. The trick was understanding that I couldn’t tackle everything at once. Each goal, whether it was preparing for a bar exam or organizing the wedding, needed its own dedicated time and space. I used calendars, apps, and even spreadsheets to keep track of my study schedules, work commitments, and wedding tasks. Breaking each major task into smaller, more manageable steps helped me stay on track and not feel overwhelmed.

2. Prioritizing and Time Management
When you have multiple big goals on your plate, prioritization becomes your best friend. I made it a point to focus on what was most urgent and important at any given time. Some weeks, studying for the bar exams took precedence. Other times, I had to shift my focus to wedding details. It wasn’t about trying to multitask but knowing when to dive deep into one task and when to let go for a moment. For example, during peak bar prep, I took a break from wedding planning and vice versa.

3. Embracing Flexibility and Being Realistic
While I had a plan, I also had to accept that things wouldn’t always go as expected. There were moments when my work schedule demanded more of my attention, or I got sidetracked by unexpected wedding hiccups. At times, I had to adjust my study routine or push back wedding decisions, but I stayed flexible and realistic about what could be
done in a given week.

4. Staying Focused on the Big Picture
It’s easy to get bogged down in the details, but there’s so much to manage in both wedding planning and bar exam preparation. The key was always reminding myself of the bigger picture. This sense of purpose kept me motivated when things felt too much to handle.

5. Lean on Support
I had an amazing support system throughout this time, and I realized how crucial it was to lean on others. My wife was there for me every step of the way. From helping with wedding decisions to encouraging me during my bar studies, she kept me grounded. My family, friends, and colleagues also offered support when I needed it most, whether it was helping with wedding preparations or offering words of encouragement during tough study sessions. Never underestimate the power of a strong support network.

6. Taking Care of Myself
It might sound cliché but maintaining my physical and mental well-being was key. I tried to eat healthily, sleep enough, and squeeze in some workouts when possible. Even though I was stretched thin, I realized that taking care of my body and mind allowed me to be more focused and productive during work, study, and wedding planning. Stress
can easily take over during times like these, but a quick walk or a few minutes of meditation kept me centered.

7. Celebrating Small Wins Along the Way
Throughout the year, I celebrated the small wins. Whether it was passing a mock bar exam or crossing off a wedding task from my list, these moments of accomplishment gave me the motivation to keep going. Recognizing progress, no matter how small, kept me feeling positive and energized.

8. Staying Present for the Big Moments
Even though I had so much to do, I made sure to stay present during the key moments. On my wedding day, I had no more bar exams to study for. I soaked in the day and celebrated with family and friends. The same went for when I passed the bar exams, I took a moment to appreciate how hard I’d worked before moving on to the next goal.

Conclusion
Balancing work, studying for two bar exams, and planning a wedding wasn’t easy, but it was an experience that taught me so much about time management, perseverance, and the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture. Through it all, I’ve come to realize that the most important thing is to keep pushing forward, one task at a time. No matter how challenging the road ahead may seem, with the right mindset and the right support, you can conquer it all.

The post Balancing the Hustle: How I Juggled a Full-Time Job, Two Bar Exams, and a Wedding appeared first on Lawyer Stories.