Advice please...moving to California, a mistake?

te1990na · Aug 5, 2012

Hi there,

I was, still in the same situation as your husband for almost two years now. Here's how I did it and continue doing it, there's a two weeks chance of dropping without a W or adding a class in every community college in California. This means I need to go to college for two weeks without guarantee that I might get a class, but I focused on the classes that I needed for my major. So, let us say I need a speech class and a chemistry class, I go early in the morning for the first class meeting to see if somebody did not show up( keep in mind that I was not even on the waiting list because it was full) and if nobody dropped, I continue on the next class meeting knowing that many students are in the same situation- when the class they need is full, they get another class that is open and they try for that class, if they get in, they will drop the class they did not need. Therefor, I have a seat opened. The main point here is to not give up because take my word almost always your husband will get his classes if he keeps going to class to check for open seats, at least I did. If you want something so badly, you will get it.

mihaSK · Aug 6, 2012

Students who have the highest GPA or are involved with different college associations/ programs have the priority to sign up for the classes early; at least my college had this system. Something you might check at your husband college.

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Aug 7, 2012

OMG! Where do I began? Last year, My hubby and I moved to California from Georgia. I have my BSN with 6 years experience, so I had no problem landing a position. I presently have a full time and per diem position at two top notch hospitals. Here is the problem, we moved here so my husband could go to school full time to become a PT while I work full time. The problem is the state of California is so broke that he hasn't been able to attend classes full time. The community colleges are accepting students, but not enough classes are being offered. In the four semesters we've been here, he has completed 5 classes, and 2 of those classes were 1 credit weight lifting classes. At this rate, the man will never complete the prerequisites to start the PT program and he is growing more depress. I turned down a position in Dallas, Tx to move here. Did we make a mistake? Should we cut our losses and drive the hell out of Cali? What a beautiful state, but the financial problem this state is in is really sad. Any advice? With my experience, I can probably work anywhere, but I am not sure how long it is going to take for California to come back to life. In the mean time, I am watching my husband grow more depress.

You have learned Calif's dirtty little secret. While there is great weather and sun, we have lots of people, traffic is horrible, the cost of living is high, and the state is almost bankrupt. Consider your options; if you have to cut your losses and go to another state, then you may have to do it. As for me, I am seriously considering moving out of state--to a quieter area in which you actually know your neighbors.

AAHealth · Aug 8, 2012

As a nurse with 10 years experience I would for sure look for other options for both of you. Depression can be very challenging to a family. Find a school will take him first, look for your job ( with an offer ) before you move. You can still work both angles in California and another state and grab which ever one fits your situation the best. If your spiritual make it a matter of prayer. You will be surprised as what may come knocking at your door literally. I traveled from Michigan with a travel contract that failed while I was still on the road. It took me 18 months to find a per Diem job. And the depression and desperation just about took control. Maintain focus literary lay out your options, pray, work in harmony with your prayers, and stay focused.

Hopes this help ( A little)

stodeee · Aug 8, 2012

I can see where this would be so frustrating for you and your husband. I don't think anyone knows when the condition of California's community college will improve. In the meantime, more and more students are flooding through the doors with fewer and fewer classes being offered. I would consider relocating if you are able, but of course do lots of research before you do.

RNKPCE · Aug 9, 2012

Not sure where in California you are but if he is in a major metro area he is looking for classes at more than one community college. Where I live there are 5 community colleges within 20 miles. I know of students attending up to 3 different colleges to get their classes during any one semester.

vang1127, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2012

I totally agree with the above post - when I did my prereq's for nursing, I was attending 3 different community colleges around the bay area. I would stick it out here since you have a great job! I just moved back from out of state and I gotta tell you, the job market for RNs is a lot worse than trying to find classes. Start applying to various community colleges and take one class here and one there. Good luck!

kimsjc · Aug 10, 2012

Also, look at online classes. Most of the CC in CA offer them, and he will have more options. He can take classes anywhere in the state where they are offered. This of course does not work for science classes with labs, but you can take just about everything else.

And I also agree with the previous poster, try all the community colleges within an hour of where you live.

Columnist · Sep 20, 2012

Moved to CA Nursing for more response.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2012

Threads merged.