Conflict on continuing my education

Closed Account 12345 · Oct 30, 2019

If you already have student loans and will need to take out more, you will likely have to work full time (or more) for a while as you pay them down.

When you think ahead to having a family, are you interested in working full time in a job that often requires weekends, holidays, probably 12 hour shifts at first (which are actually 12.5 hrs + commute time), and maybe working nights?

If not, and if you would rather work part time and have more time at home with your kids when they're little, I wouldn't recommend taking out more loans at this time. Of course, finances may be a non-issue if you have a supportive fiance who is established in a lucrative career and willing to pay down your loans with you working part time, or if you don't mind the idea of working full time for years to come because of academic debt.

For me personally, there is no aspect of my career that I value more than being my children's primary caregiver. Thankfully, my husband shares my beliefs and supports my role in our family. I am fortunate to have completed grad school without student debt before starting a family, so now I only work about 400 hours a year. (This would not be an option if I had large student loans.)

However, if I'd been in your situation, I would've first asked myself what are my goals for a family, and then I would've planned my career accordingly. I love being a nurse, but it will always take a backseat to my family.

Many nurses with young families work full time out of necessity or personal preference. There's nothing wrong with this path either. And to be very clear, I'm not saying these people value their careers more than their families! Each family gets to choose what's best for themselves based on their own needs/values.

You're at a crossroads in planning your future with much to consider - family, career, the type of lifestyle that you'd like to live. What's most important to YOU as you look ahead?

The nursing profession will always be around. Many of my students have waited to pursue nursing careers until they have school aged children or teenagers. They didn't want to miss out on the early years with their kids, even though it meant postponing their own dreams.

Biggest takeaway - There's no right or wrong choice we can tell you! It's such a personal decision, and you'll make the best of whatever you choose!

Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2019

On 10/27/2019 at 3:39 PM, nicole1030 said:
o: I have been with my fiancé for over 8 years and we are getting married this year I am looking to start a family young (26 yo) and nursing will take a few years so I have no idea what to do about that situation and three I already owe so much money in student loans from my previous years. I am so conflicted so if I can get some opinions that would be great I have mixed feelings if I will even like nursing, if it’s worth spending more money, if having a family is more important right no

I do not think you are confused,you know what the best priority is.Education,marriage,save money ,payback loans, children.We all have the baby button, but nursing school and a young family is very difficult,that is if you get in ,graduate,find employment,night shifts,and you are not even sure that a nursing career is what you want.

Grow up ,be able to provide for yourself,then you can better take care of your family.

MLM007 · Nov 17, 2019

On 10/29/2019 at 7:53 AM, nicole1030 said:
Hi so my fiancé is actually a software engineer, he does make pretty good money but it’s more so enjoying my own career and having job security because I don’t know where we will be 5-20 years from now so if we end up having kids I just want to make sure I’m independently stable in my career plus i am only 24 but i have plans on having kids at 26 so I don’t mind waiting til 27-28 to start, but I definitely don’t want to wait too long!

Please get your degree before kids. I didn't and I'm a cautionary tale. I'm 53 and entering this field now. I'm stoked about that part! The reason I am starting now is marriage of long duration, supporting my ex, not being supported in educational endeavors, divorced 15 years out of the job market. It's not sad - but don't let it happen to you. Loss of a partner can devastate you financially. You owe it to yourself. Your degree will fly by and it will set you up for life - even as a fall back.

nicole1030 · Nov 17, 2019

Thank you everyone! I’ve decided to get my dental assisting certificate because i can make decent money over time and I just want something to fall back on. I would love to go back for nursing but I’m nervous financially to take out more loans for something that’s not guaranteed or something I don’t even know I’ll get into again. I’m just happy to have a change of career and job security once I get my certificate. Thank you for your replies!!