feeling alone in this

[redsoxgirl78]

My husband and I decided after we had our son that it would be a great time to finally do what I have always wanted to do. Become a nurse. There was not a job for me to go back to, and said basically go for it. I have always wanted it, but the timing was never right. So I got the financial aid and started doing my pre-reqs for the lpn/rn bridge program. 3 mths after he lost his job. I was already committed to school and raising our three sons, so working was not an option. He has still not been able to get a job and all we do is fight. He didn't realize how much I would have to commit to school to do this. I will have all my pre-reqs done after this semester and I have applied to the lpn program that starts in January. I know that stress is the major problem. He is now 6 mths without a job and our savings are gone. I just don't know what to do. I collect unemployment, but its not enough. I am so lost and tired of me going to school being thrown in my face like its a bad thing. But if I get a job I would lose my aid and child care funds and be working just to put my children through childcare. I know staying in school, collecting unemployment and getting my lpn certificate is what's best. But I am at my breaking point I have maintained a 4.0 gpa through both terms so far. I am just lost and alone with this. I know he is hurting. He can't provide for his family. And I don't say anything although he is nasty over and over again about it. I don't know. I guess I am just looking for words of encouragement right now. Sorry. Please tell me I'm not wrong. Or if I am, please help me understand from a different angle.

[spore2008]

Ouch. You are in a tough spot. I honestly don't know what is best for you and your family. If you are lucky enough to find a job that would cover more than child care and expenses, it may make sense to hold off on school for a bit. There is no guarantee that going through nursing school would end in a job that pays money in this economy. Hopefully, your husband will get a job. I hope this challenge will make your family stronger, more adaptable and, ultimately, happy.

[Nursing24/7, LVN]

Awe hun, I'm sorry you are going through such a tough time. Maybe you guys need to sit down and talk and decide what's best for you as a family...together like really talk about it. Maybe draw/write up 2-3 possible options and really talk them over. There always is a compromise to every issue, just have to really think it through. It won't be easy but you guys will get through it.

[AliF]

That sounds really tough. Hopefully next year you'll be able to take/get more financial aid if needed because he's been out of work. That can help temporarily support your family while you work on your goals.

Has he only been looking in his field, or has he branched out? When my husband was laid off couple of years ago, after about a month he started applying to tons of part time things (waiter, cashier at a bookstore) so that there was some money coming in while he continued his full time job search. My husband was seriously grumpy when he was unemployed too- it was a scary time for him.

Don't let him convince you to give up- your education is going to help provide for your family in the future, and it's worth a little time pinching pennies to get there.

[Saysfaa]

Ditto Calistudent. It will help if he has a vote but ask for an informed vote... ask him to go through the numbers/scenarios and see what is the best option for your family.