Huge sacrifice for future kids and hubby

[shabookitty]

I have a tough decision to make and I need some opinions.

I must make a decision between teaching school or nursing. Nursing school starts in January so I have to decide to jump on the wagon or coast through the opportunity.

My husband and I want to have children within the next year. We have less than 1,000 in savings so going back into teaching would allow LOTS more money than what I would be making part time while going to school.

Also, I think the time off this job has to offer would benefit raising my children. I would get to be there (for days) during the holidays and every afternoon when they arrive home. I could take them to school in the morning. Having afternoons free means that I could attend games and after school functions. Summers would allow family vacation time. Pay is not all that bad...in my state it would be comparable to nursing...

My passion is to become a nurse. But, I feel like I must make this sacrifice. My husband would be 40 (without kids or a house) if I go Nursing school. And he has prostate trouble. This all worries me. We want more than one child so this would be pushing his age and condition even more with the second child.

I LOVE Nursing. It is my passion. Though I wonder if putting it on the back burner for another 10yrs would be wise. I have considered teaching a younger grade level in school and this may appeal to me more...(Ihope so).

I told my husband I am reconsidering Nursing and he sooooo happy and relieved :kiss

What do you guys think of this sacrifice? Wise? What would you do?

[Kikumaru]

I have been in nursing (if you count CNA, LVN status) for over 25 years. I found most of my pleasure performing as a nurse educator. Perhaps you will too.

[shabookitty]

Awww Col :kiss so sweet! You guys won't lose me! I guess when I am 45 and graying a little I will be on here talking about teenagers and which bottle of color to use! haha!

I am 30 (by the way guys!) So, I am definitely ready to have children. I guess what I meant by the $1000 in bank is that if I begin teaching now that 1,000 can turn into 12,000 of savings in a year! (haha) Otherwise I will be working a minium wage job (I live in a small town) and we will only be able to live pay check to pay check until Nursing school is over (no savings there!) Which in this town, Nursing school is at least 4 days a week (all day). And the program lasts 2 years. I think that teaching may be the best for my husband and I now.

I can't explain my "passion" for nursing. It is just a feeling. And the skill comes naturally. Wish I could describe it. My mom was an LPN for years. She worked her tail off in the late 70's and 80's so naturally she is ALL for me to teach. (she was one of the reasons why I began teaching) She told me how sad she was to leave my brother and I to fend for ourselves while she worked days on end. She finally made a sacrifice and left her job:o She loved Nursing, but she did it for us. I kind of find myself in the same situation. Maybe I should listen to mom! Gosh, never thought I would say that! But it saddens me sometimes..Nursing is what made her tick. She was a good nurse. The things ya do for ya kids ya know!:)

My pre reqs are complete. So, It is doubtful I will be able to hold on to a few of them (esp sciences...) but I will do my darndest!

I considered school nursing. But, going to nursing school will just the lil ones hold for two years. Thanks guys for your vote of confidence and honesty. You all work so hard...if anything should ever happen to me...I will have to say "turn on the computer and get me a good nurse!" haha!

[Dr. Kate, BSN, RN]

When you are talking about passion (or what Joseph Campbell called following your bliss) you're talking about something different than the practical world.

You are only 30, and hubby only 40, you are still young. Your eggs will hold another 15 months. With good planning you can do nursing school, have a baby, pass the NCLEX and be a new grad in maybe 30 months.

Since you are set to start the program in January. Why not start. Find out if nursing really is your passion, or if it is some aspect of it that you have yet to discern. Teaching will always be there for you. The chance at a spot in a nursing program won't.

If you do get your RN, then you can look at the opportunities available, and there are many. Not all involve working holidays.

[Teshiee]

What is more important being w/children struggling? Or plan it out where you can eventually have children later? Do what makes you happy! I can't tell you how women always put themselves on the back burner only to resent not setting out for what they want. Choose wisely waive your pros and cons.

[tonicareer]

There are nursing jobs everywhere. But are there teaching jobs everywhere? NO! Now if you live where there are teaching jobs and you already have a license then stick with that (assuming husband won't get transferred). If you don't have a license don't assume teaching school is easier or less expensive than nursing school. Look at a newspaper it is full of want ads for nurses not for teachers. So do some homework about costs and job availability before making this decision.

[Pretzlgl]

Originally posted by Dr. Kate

Your eggs will hold another 15 months. With good planning you can do nursing school, have a baby, pass the NCLEX and be a new grad in maybe 30 months.

Since you are set to start the program in January. Why not start. Find out if nursing really is your passion, or if it is some aspect of it that you have yet to discern. Teaching will always be there for you. The chance at a spot in a nursing program won't.

If you do get your RN, then you can look at the opportunities available, and there are many. Not all involve working holidays. [/quote

I'm sorry, but WHAT? Your eggs will hold another 15 months??? And the chance at a spot in a nursing program won't always be there?? Why not?? Forgive me - and I am certainly not being argumentative - but I'm not sure I agree with this advice.....

I think you should follow your heart, but I also think you should do what is best for your current situation. Ultimately though, I think the decision should be based on what will make you happiest.

[KP RN]

TEACH!!!

[Carleigh]

As someone who left teaching for nursing, first of all what does your heart tell you? Teaching is much harder than it appears and afternoons are not free! You have club meetings to sponsor, faculty meetings to attend, remedial and/or make up work to do after school, phone calls home to parents, papers to grade, lesson plans to do, etc. Even on holidays, I was grading papers! Teaching does have some plusses but so does nursing. Good luck in making the right decision for you.

[jemb]

Sounds to me like your dilemma is not nursing school vs. teaching, but nursing school vs. family. If, indeed you already have a teaching degree and certification, that option would allow you more money to start a family, as wel as time, including weekends and holidays, to spend with them. Nursing school is a full time job, and will require cooperation and compromises on your husband's part. Even after you graduate, it may take a long time for you to get a desirable shift, and find your niche.

So, if you are already able to teach, your decision most likely should be based on which is your choice at this point in your life --starting a family or nursing school.

Just MHO.

[shabookitty]

Well, I can definitely say I am not too worried about my eggs. :) But my husband concerns me. We are really planning on a couple of kids...by the time the second child rolls around he will 45 (with saying I will have no trouble conceiving). I just don't think that is fair to him. In addition, he has battled with an enlarged prostate since his late twenties (believe it or not...most Dr diagnose it in older gentlemen) He is on two different meds to relieve pain and frequent urination. Dr said to have surgery to somewhat correct this may disable him to have children. He suggested that we wait on the surgery. So, I worry.

I realize I am fairly young. And two years of school dosen't really seem that long...but in the best interest of health (esp reproductively) it is. I could be a superwoman like some and have children while in nursing school. But honestly, we could never afford it. We really have trouble making it now. And going to school, having a newborn and working part time...I can't float that.

Teaching isn't easy. I have been there before But, it may give me the time I want for my family. Jemb said it about seniority and nursing shifts.

My husband's job has demanding hours and it is a good distance away. Both of our families live four hours away. : I can already see the chaos!

You guys are really helping me talk this thing out. This is theraputic:D Thanks for your insights and taking the time to show you care. :kiss