How do you cope with being poor

Nicky30, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2008

The first time I studied I went straight for the change of career from maternity leave, and it was not as bad as it is right now.

I am studying for my midwifery degree, have had to drop hours (from full time to 0.8). I study full time, work permanent night duty (3 per week) and 2 clinical days for uni a week.

I kid you not, this is my first semester and it has been absolute h#ll. I am exhausted and we are barely keeping our heads above water.

My kids are 6 and 7 and I now have to move to the city for 5 weeks for placement. It's hard on all of us as we have had to fund the entire thing ourselves.

It's not all bad though, truly perseverance and determination will see me through to the other side, and you too if you decide that is what you want. Keep your support networks handy and say goodbye to your social life. There are always places where you can save.

Nic.

P.S. Did not mean to sound all doom and gloom. I have just had a headache for 10 days and am soooo very tired. Night duty tonight.

joannep · Jul 10, 2008

It is really, really difficult to do. I have spoken with EN's who would have liked to train to be RN's, but their families could not afford the double wammy of lost wages as well as university fees. But, this is a situation all mature aged students face, not just nursing students.

st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3 · Jul 10, 2008

It is hard, but what I did was let go of some of the things I use to spend my money on, and use it for bills. I can tell you I didn't go out for the whole time I was in Nursing School. I had no life.

It is all worth it in the end, especially when you love what you do. :heartbeat

prendela · Jul 10, 2008

Thanks so much for your posts. I know being a student will be tough but at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 3 years of hard slog for a lifetime of an awesome career. I think the sacrifice is definitely worth it.

Tash4nvyblues, RN · Jul 12, 2008

For the people who decided to do nursing later in life, did you find it hard going from a full time wage to being a student? I really want to do nursing but the main thing that is putting me off is having no money!

I started my nursing as a young teenage mum, my husband earnt next to nothing, hang in there, it will be hard, but it will be worth it, and it is guaranteed work as soon as you graduate.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 12, 2008

I was in my 30's when I went back to graduate school full time for 5 years to earn my PhD. It required that I "become poor again" after having been earning a good living.

I considered it an adventure and as a "break" from adulthood. I was single and enjoyed living "like a poor grad student" again. In fact, those were some of the happiest days of my life. I lived simply ... didn't worry about dressing stylishly ... rediscovered the simple pleasures of life, etc.

Now I have been back in the workforce for 10 years. I have 2 jobs and make a decent amount of money. My worklife is stressful and I spend my workweek looking forward to the weekend -- when I dread Mondays and the start of another work week I am an "adult" again in a leadership position with lots of responsibilites that weigh heavily on my shoulders. I have a nice condo with HUGE monthly maintenance fees. I've added all kinds of expenditures to my lifestyle that I have to work hard to maintain.

I look forward to retirement when I hope to live like a grad student again. I work to save enough money to be able to do that.

Enjoy it while you can.

prendela · Jul 17, 2008

oh thanks so much for that. You have truly inspired me. Work pressures can be tough so sometimes study can be a good break. I am 99% sure now that I can cope with 3 years of study.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 17, 2008

I delayed graduate school for a couple of years because I worried about the money. Once I had quit my job and was poor again ... it felt so liberating and wonderful.

Mind you, I am not recommending being irresponsible with your financial future. Don't dig yourself into dept so deep that you can't get back out again. Always remember that you will have to go back to being an adult and pay your bills someday. I'm just saying that you are young enough that you'll have time to accumulate wealth later (assuming that you live frugally now.) Enjoy the student life while you can. It can be a great lifestyle.

Atheos · Jul 17, 2008

If you aren't living in your car and eating off of the McDonalds dollar menu you are doing ok!

The best thing about spending time poor is that you learn what is necessity and what is luxury.

It will end soon enough. :)

vamparee · Aug 26, 2008

It is really, really difficult to do. I have spoken with EN's who would have liked to train to be RN's, but their families could not afford the double wammy of lost wages as well as university fees. But, this is a situation all mature aged students face, not just nursing students.

Hi

I was an EN for 20yrs then had a senior moment and decided to go to UNI do my RNs. I am single parent of 2 ,buying my house. I worked full time studied full time. Start my study externally but changed to internal within th first week. I wouldnt advise any one to do it this way very hard my days off where my uni days. My kids where older which helped. My daughter went through with me she kept me on the straight and narrow. You have to put your life on hold for 3 yrs and be so orgainsed. I look back now and think how the hell did i survive. Used all my holidays for placements with a bit of long service thrown in. But I dont regret it and I am enjoying being an RN gives you a better scope at work.

you just have to make some sacrfices

Vamparee

psalm, RN · Aug 26, 2008

Joannep,

Celebrating 25 years of Wedded Bliss with my Wonderful Husband

CONGRATS!!

As far as coping with being "poor", it can be done. Budget is the word. Live simple. Bring your own lunch; drink water instead of pop/soda; buy your textbooks used; buy supplies from the dollar store; ask around for uniforms someone isn't using anymore, maybe you will inherit them; use the library instead of buying books and magazines; carpool if possible; cut your own hair or have a trusted friend do it; turn the TV off; use the clothes dryer for 5 min. and then hang up your uniforms (gets the wrinkles out); thrift stores; economy grocery shopping.

When you pass a test or do well in clinicals, treat yourself to a single ice cream or donut, not a whole meal.

Don't think of it as being poor; think of it as practicing restraint!!