Struggling to be debt free

Contrary to my previous thoughts, the partner is the Central/South Florida office was not fully aware of the disruption going on in the North Florida office.  So I told her.  I told her about how for the past year my boss (her partner) has not being coming into the office, not working when he did come in and how he was not interested in the firm or litigating the cases that we have. I explained to her our lack of cases and the staffs' fear of job loss.  She likes me and values me as an employee, she wants to work with me to attempt to move things forward.  I don't know if I am interested, but I did not say that to her. She is already taking steps to move forward. This weekend I came across a job listing for which I am qualified.  I would have a great shot at landing the job.  I should definitely get an interview (as long as I don't have any major errors on my application, etc.). There are several women lawyers at the firm. but no racial minorities.  ...

So as I previously blogged about before, the associate in the Central/South Florida office is off on maternity leave.  We have just learned that she will not be returning to the office after her maternity leave, it is not expected that she will be replaced.  (More on this subject in another post).  That leaves me as the only associate for 2 offices.  I am becoming a road warrior.  I had 1 trip in February, 3 in March (1 has been completed 2 more pending), and 3 in April.  Out of these trips 2 will be overnight trips.  I expect several more of these trips to get scheduled. I generally have to travel a bit for work maybe 9 trips a year.  (This does not include day trips to the surrounding cities for small activities.) At this rate, I am scheduled to have about 40 trips this year.  I don't mind traveling for work.  But,again, I hate the extended reimbursements for travel- it takes about 3 months to receive a check.  This is problemat...