When Did Know You Were Ready to Go Back to School?

mamason · Oct 13, 2006

Well, let's see. I went back to school with 2 children ages, 2 and 3. My husband traveled 4 days out of the week. He was generally home on FRI, SAT, and SUN. Good childcare was critical. I was fortunate to have my mother help out. Plus, she only charged minimal $$$ for the childcare. God Bless Mothers!! It was a handful to manage children, work, and school all at the same time. But, I knew that going to school was what I REALLY wanted to do. SO, I managed to stay focused on the outcome of what I was doing. It wasn't always easy, but, it is doable. As far as nursing school being stressful, yes, it was for me. But, some other people stated that it wasn't so bad for them. I guess it would depend on how you manage those stressors and wether they will interfere with your schooling and family life. Nursing school is expensive. SO, think about if you are willing to make that commitment at this point in your life.Because it is a big commitment. Think of the time you are going to have to dedicate to school outside of the classroom/clinical area. From my experience, it was a lot. Some schools, in my area, offer part-time program. It was set-up for people who had families and had to work. It would generally take them longer to graduate than students who were attending school full-time. But, you still could earn their degree. Maybe that could be an option for you? Also, look into financial aid programs in your area. It sounds like these could help you. Grants and low interest student loans helped me get through school.And helped take some of the financial burden off of my shoulders. Also, most hospitals will help pay for your schooling if you are employed by them. Some make you sign a contract stating you will work for them once you get your license. Make sure you read the contract agreement before signing though. I think it's never too late for anyone to go back to school as long as they have the desire to learn. Good luck and I hope this helps.

LMRN10 · Oct 13, 2006

Cheryl, that sounds stressful. And I can certainly comprehend the financial stress...my husband and I are right there too. I hope your DH can get his gambeling problem under control quickly. I'm sorry that you are having to deal with that.

I have a daughter who just turned 1 in September. I began school prior to getting pregnant with her. She wasn't planned, but I wouldn't change my life for the world! Do you have any family in your area or anyone who would be willing to help out? I'd say if you have a support team behind you who are REALLY willing to do what it takes to see you reach your goal, try it!! I understand that you DH isn't too dependable as far as the children go (I am in the same situation right now), but if there is anyone else who can help, I'd talk to them and see if you can figure something out!

As far as knowing when I was ready...I knew I had to do something that would make me happy as my job wasn't...I knew I wouldn't be able to work in an office forever - I need to be out working with people...helping people. Like I said, I began before Amelia was born, but the fact that I have a baby is not stopping me one bit at this point!

Best of luck to you!!

cdietrich404 · Oct 13, 2006

Cheryl, that sounds stressful. And I can certainly comprehend the financial stress...my husband and I are right there too. I hope your DH can get his gambeling problem under control quickly. I'm sorry that you are having to deal with that.
I have a daughter who just turned 1 in September. I began school prior to getting pregnant with her. She wasn't planned, but I wouldn't change my life for the world! Do you have any family in your area or anyone who would be willing to help out? I'd say if you have a support team behind you who are REALLY willing to do what it takes to see you reach your goal, try it!! I understand that you DH isn't too dependable as far as the children go (I am in the same situation right now), but if there is anyone else who can help, I'd talk to them and see if you can figure something out!
As far as knowing when I was ready...I knew I had to do something that would make me happy as my job wasn't...I knew I wouldn't be able to work in an office forever - I need to be out working with people...helping people. Like I said, I began before Amelia was born, but the fact that I have a baby is not stopping me one bit at this point!
Best of luck to you!!

Thanks. I have my grandma who could help me out and most of my family lives close by so i think i may be okay with getting them to help me out.

There isn't a part time nursing school around here unfortunatly otherwise i would be more interested in starting now.

Cheryl

LMRN10 · Oct 13, 2006

Thanks. I have my grandma who could help me out and most of my family lives close by so i think i may be okay with getting them to help me out.
There isn't a part time nursing school around here unfortunatly otherwise i would be more interested in starting now.
Cheryl
Cheryl

I suppose mine would be considered part time. 7 Credit hours for the first two nursing classes and 9 for the second two. I've been taking 2 classes a semester as I work full-time also. So, part time is for me. Take a look around...do some searches. Maybe you can find a school somewhat close that will take part timers!!

Good luck - you will know when it's time to go back!

WDWpixieRN, RN · Oct 13, 2006

Sounds like the most important thing you need will be the family support....since your husband may not be there for you or the kids, they will be crucial....there is a lot of time outside of the classroom schedule that you will need to consider in addition to studying....see if you can find someone at the school (instructors, department heads, students) that you can talk to to get a real feel for what will be required....it IS stressful...I'm 50 with three grown kids and am going rather nuts, but enjoying it for the most part....TONS to learn and remember...

As for the financial end of things...would you be going back to work to supplement your husband's gambling or take care of the kids?!?! Can you get through the 2 (or 4) years of schooling without work or are you willing to take on something maybe part-time...can you get student loans to get you through and help out?

I truly believe the family support will be the most important thing you will need....I have a lot of stress too, due to my husband and financial issues and worry that the stress of NS isn't helping, but I can't sit back and hope that "someday" he straightens up and things will be hunky-dory again...I know I need to plan to be able to take care of myself, and figure it's better to die trying than continue to live stressed out over situations that are out of my control....I would factor that in to your thinking also...

Best wishes....

GratefulHeart · Oct 13, 2006

I have a lot of stress too, due to my husband and financial issues and worry that the stress of NS isn't helping, but I can't sit back and hope that "someday" he straightens up and things will be hunky-dory again...I know I need to plan to be able to take care of myself, and figure it's better to die trying than continue to live stressed out over situations that are out of my control....I would factor that in to your thinking also...

Best wishes....

You betcha, girl. That's exactly where I'm at too (age 47) with a husband who's stuck in a rut that's going nowhere but refuses to do anything about it. We also have 3 sons that are ages 12, 14, and 17. Unfortunately, I *am* Plan B as far as our family finances go, and sheesh that's a ton of pressure riding on my shoulders. I just hope my health holds up to make it through school, licensing and to working.

I totally agree that family support with her children is what the OP will need most, that and a deep inner motivation/determination to make things better for herself and her kids. To my way of thinking her husband's gambling problem needs to be addressed ASAP; otherwise for all of her efforts, she may just become a co-dependent, i.e. working herself into the ground for money that he just gambles away. I would try to get some counseling ASAP, and seek to bring in some accountability for my husband regarding his gambling now - before embarking on the journey of nursing school - for it will certainly take a piece out of you. Whatever you do, don't spend yourself for nothing.