FT job and online classes

caliotter3 · Sep 29, 2008

This doesn't apply to me personally, but I have seen many comments from people taking online classes, that these classes were more work intensive than regular classes. With that in mind, I would start with one class, see how it pans out, then if ok, try two, etc. You do have an advantage by cutting out the travel time and class time. But it seems that other requirements of online classes make them more constrictive. I can't imagine myself being in a group online session where I felt forced to contribute. I could always sit in a classroom and not say a word if I had nothing to say. Good luck with your plans. You can make this work for you. Just a matter of finding your comfort level.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 29, 2008

I think it depends on several variables: the student, the class, and the load of the full-time job. I work three 12-hour shifts a week, and that's my version of "full time" ... that gives me four days off for classwork. I doubt I'd have enough brain power to do any schoolwork on my workdays, either; 12-hour shift, plus nearly an hour each way to drive leaves little energy for much besides eating by the time I get home.

With that being said, I'm going to start with 2 classes at the end of October, but the only reason I'm doing more than one is a) to use up my allotted education dollars for the year, and b) because I could seriously teach one of the classes -- it's a computer class all about Microsoft Office. LOL! After this initial semester, I'm going to do one class at a time, both for financial and sanity reasons. If one class at a time ends up being not enough (doubtful!), I will considering adding another.

luv2yoga · Sep 30, 2008

I only do one at a time. But I have 2 kids to pay attention to, and I am a fanatic about getting in my workout every day. I could do 2 or even 3 classes if I didn't have those other things in my life. But doing just 1 is very do-able and usually not much stress except when I am doing a group project (hate those). That is hard on-line.

ivanh3 · Sep 30, 2008

If you work full time, how many online classes do you take per term? How many classes do you recommend? :thankya:

I do full time course work with clinicals, and I work two 12's a week (I was working three 12's before clinicals started). I have a two year old and a wife that helps out a lot, but she works full time too, and the house/child work pretty much gets split 50/50. I do find time to get a run in here and there, one house cleaning, and watch a movie during my week. I am way to busy, but I want to be done. If I lightened my course load I would still be busy, and it would take me twice as long. After you reach a certain threshold of miserable it really doesn't matter. :eek:

Ivan

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2008

It really depends on you. I have gone f/t at night hile working f/t days - not nursing - and then couldn't handle one course on-line.

Circumstances and stamina change.

:)