driving an hour each way to school while working full time

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jan 29, 2008

I'm with you. Finished my weekend at work and now getting ready to make my weekly 2 hr drive back to my apartment at school. One thing about it... you'll develop a sense of appreciation for the opportunities that you have. Plus, when you're willing to make those commutes, I think it speaks volumes about your dedication and drive (no pun intended).

BethT · Jan 29, 2008

I know what you mean. Before I applied to the program I was really iffy about making the commute and juggling work....and school...but I know it will be worth it in the end. The best things in life you have to work for, I sure know I have.

Good luck with everything...

FutureNavyNrs · Jan 29, 2008

Right there with you. Or, I was, until last semester. I really couldn't handle working full time, taking care of my three kids, and dealing with nursing school and a two hour commute on top of it. So, I quit. I still have the drive though. I have learned, though, that recording your lectures and replaying them while you drive can be a good way to review what you've learned. But don't do it if you're tired. You may end up in a ditch somewhere. :)

Jules A, MSN · Jan 29, 2008

I did a 1 1/2 hours each way while working also. Sad as it may sound those few hours each day were a welcome time for me to take a deep breath, listen to great tunes on the radio and just chill. No cell phones! Good luck. Its doable.

kiss04bam · Jan 29, 2008

Soon I will be moving to florida and have a similar drive. Almost an hour each way. Im willing to sacrifice because the school is INexpensive and the schooling is only 10 months! :balloons:

ltljo32 · Jan 30, 2008

Good idea to record your stuff and replay it on your drive to and from school. The key thing here is not to record lecture, God I tried but never went back to hear that monotonous tone a second time, what you have to do is record yourself reviewing notes and key points that was discussed in lecture. You know your going to pay more attention to yourself then some boring instructor. You can place emphasis on key points and your technically reviewing a third time. Also,working full-time isn't a good idea. Trust me, I never thought those words would come out of my mouth. I'm a hard worker and enjoy my job (im a medical assistant) but I cut down my hours in half in prep for the program. Now that I have to read 15 chapters between one class period to the next (that doesn't include materials for other classes i'm currently taking) I honestly wished I would have reduced even more of my working time. Yes, I do worry about how I plan to pay tuition and this isn't a fun time for me but your decision to be in this program outweighs all the negatives. This is a good choice made, there will be rough times, and you may not always see the silver lining in the clouds but you can make it and it'll be worth it in the end.

Oh, talk about money issues and reducing work hours, I also have to mention that I signed a contract w a hospital and if I fail for any reason (get kicked out of the program etc.) I owe the hospital $16,000! However, working full-time or becoming a nurse? Think about it. There does exit certain things called financial aid and loans.

BethT · Jan 30, 2008

while i agree with you ltjo, i also believe that anything is possible if you want it bad enough. i am going to continue to work full time and go to school, God willing, I will get through it.

Good luck to you.

BeachPrincess · Jan 30, 2008

TFAM I am with you all the way!! I commute an hour to school four days a week, plus 3 12's every weekend. I too believe if you want it bad enough its doable.

I envy all those who do not have to work during school. I do record my lectures and listen to them on the way to class. Great studying tool!!

caliotter3 · Jan 30, 2008

I almost made it doing a 1 and one half hour commute, full time school, full time job, and one or more part time jobs, along with being a single mom to a teenager. It was working until I got overwhelmed by getting laid off from my full time job which was paying the mortgage. That was the end. A few weeks before graduation, and I never went back. There were other unusual cirucumstances that most students don't encounter, such as the Dean of the School, telling me that I wasn't going to graduate and simultaneous serious illness and personal family problems. It all happened at once and I couldn't get around it. However, since I came so close and put up with all that hard work and suffering for so long, I believe that most people can do it most of the time, as long as too much isn't thrown their way and they manage to maintain their physical health. Good luck to anyone who tries it. You need a lot of good organizational skills and a hard work ethic, but it is doable. Just don't get on the wrong side of your Dean! As a matter of fact, I always advise people to leave their work lives and personal lives out of the realm of discussion at school as much as possible. That way you won't become a target of those who target the students with heavy loads to bear. The less you say about yourself, the less you might get on some sadistic instructor's hit list.