Help! What are you doing for income while in school?

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2011

garage sale!!!!

apart from that, i'd also ravage through coupons like there is no tomorrow.

get a room mate if you can.

and i'd look into fastweb.com and look for some scholarships. most require an essay but i think its worth it.

windmill182 · Jul 29, 2011

Maybe, not quit your job until you have enough in savings? That's what I did. Cut and trim all the fat out of your lifestyle if you haven't. IE cable, expensive phone plan, etc. Roommate is a good idea if you know someone trustworthy and most importantly, quiet. Scholarships are a great idea too!

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2011

I got married

I'm curious why your school is limited in what loans you can get. Don't they offer federal loans? Is the school not accredited? This kinda raises a red flag for me and I encourage you to double check on your school's status.

As far as making ends meet, can you try to find a PT job that pays more than min wage? Waitressing? Working as a CNA (also a great way to get your foot in the door at a future employer)?

BelleNscrubs04 · Jul 29, 2011

Not all schools offer a lot of loans. The community college I'm attending offers financial aid in the form of government grants but they don't participate in the loan program. They are fully accredited. Some programs ( especially CC don't like to encourage debt).

OP: That is a tough spot! Roomates, and scholarships, budgeting, yardsale, and coupons are all great ideas. My library has lots of books on this subject. Maybe try yours and see if there are any more ideas. After you trim all the fat if part time still won't cover your bills then you'll have to either work more or get loans. You also might could tutor if you are good at a particular subject. You also might could find a babysitting job that would allow you to get some study time such as at night while parents go out and kids are in bed. Or slightly older children like mine ages 11, & 4, where they can amuse themselves mostly with video games and such. They just need someone there mostly incase of emergency and to provide snacks.

BelleNscrubs04 · Jul 29, 2011

Also if you have a dog that you must walk ( or you schedule exercise for yourself regularly) you could walk others dogs at the same time. I don't know what your living situation is but if you live in an apartment, for instance, you might could do laundry for others while you are doing your own and either memorizing, or listening to recorded notes. Similarly, you might be able to find someone who would pay you to do their grocery shopping, each week while you do your own. I don't know if any of this is helpful, I'm just trying to think of ways to make money that wouldn't use that much more of your limited time. Good Luck!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2011

I quit my full time job too ( well beside that fact that I hated it, I knew school was starting in a month so mine as well) , so I will be working parttime.

I also have supportive family and my boyfriend, most importantly God.

I hope to survive as well.

gina197880 · Jul 29, 2011

Thanks for the ideas...I didn't exactly give much information about my living situation but I already live with someone and we are splitting the house payment and utilites and I will have to work part time which I am pretty sure i'll be getting the job I interviewed for, however even 20 to 25 hours a week at this part time job is not enough...all this is soo frustrating..i'm getting stressed out before school even starts. I have only 3 weeks left at my full time job before school begins.

LuckyinKY · Jul 30, 2011

I work. Full time. With kids.

Not working is not an option for me. So far I have stayed on the Dean's List and I am halfway through.

I would look at PRN nurse tech jobs, better than minimum wage pay plus you are gaining valuable experience. You can pick up extra hours when school is out and cut them back when you are busy at school.

link51411 · Jul 30, 2011

EASY ANSWER. become a waiter or bartender

you will work evenings hopefully after your classes are all done but i guess depends on the school, I made 20 bucks an hour in tips on average but i know this varies, for me going through school it was the only way. I needed a job where i could work a few hours and make as much money as possible in that short time to support myself. and i worked over time when ever i had time off from school. that included spring break, christmas holiday, thanksgiving, summer, everything. and i made plenty.

its hard and not fun but its what i had to do. but seriously on holidays such as thanks giving, no one wanted to work it so i always was able to get on and i would make 4-500 dollars in that one night. and that was over a month rent for me right there in one night.

skulskcc01 · Jul 30, 2011

I plan on working full time as long as I possibly can. I just want to have money saved up incase I have unexpected events (i.e. car repairs, school becoming too difficult to remain full time, etc)

MMkai128 · Jul 30, 2011

I'm going from working full time to part-time...It's definitely going to be a huge challenge financially. I'm really going to have to cut corners wherever I can and might try to pick up a babysitting job on weekends. I am lucky enough to split rent/utilities with my boyfriend who's offered to pick up as much as he can while I'm in school and I'm so thankful for that :) I would just eat super cheap meals (rice and beans, whole wheat pasta, frozen veggies, oatmeal). Everyone has a different situation though, so I'm sure you'll figure something out once you get into the flow of the semester! :)