How does everyone else survive while you go to school?

AspiringNurseMW · Sep 3, 2014

Budget budget budget. To save time AND money I started meal planning 3 weeks ago (I'm taking prerequisites too, haven't started nursing school but I'm "practicing"). I am in awe of how much money I save going shopping with a list for the whole week. I've also spend half a day, usually the same day I go food shopping and meal prep. I prepare most of not all of my meals for the week (not cooking just chopping and seasoning) throw the meals in labeled zip lock bags and throw it in the freezer. The morning of everything gets dumped into a crock pot and it's ready for dinner without lifting a finger. So it saves me time and money. Also realize that the extras you were able to afford, just scale back or cut out completely, save money in anticipation of having to pay those student loans

HisKonstantine · Sep 3, 2014

I live in Leesburg!! I am in the Nursing program at Seminole State College though. Howdy neighbor!

Currently, I don't work but my husband actually works two jobs. We have an almost-three-year-old so life is pretty hectic.

There is no time for leisurely activities so we don't spend money on eating out, movies, or other kinds of entertainment. We don't pay for cable; we use Netflix and Hulu accounts that our family has been so gracious to share with us.

There is no time in my life to even think about working. I'm actually feeling guilty about being on this site at the moment!

I do know that the people in my class that are working full-time and trying to go to school are already falling really behind. Take advantage of it if you can!

TLizS · Sep 3, 2014

I have been a stay at home mom for the last 8 years sooo it's not going to be a change for us....but we went from 2 incomes to 1 so I could stay home. Cut back where you can...get rid of the bills that aren't essential...cut down you cable or get rid of it and watch your shows online. Don't eat out often....my husband was buying breakfast and lunch 5 days a week it cost us so much. He takes his lunch now (and I will take mine next semester on days I am in class all day). If you have a big freezer USE IT. When I find free able things on sale I stock up. I shop in bulk ...I pre make so meals are easy and I am not tempted to grab take out.

Small cuts all around add up quickly....think about the things you could do with out and get rid of them. Cutting back is never fun but is very doable

RookieRoo · Sep 4, 2014

My wife works too and supports our family of four plus dog, but it's still been hard. We've cut back on anything unnecessary- this includes cable and fancy smart phones, going out to eat, and shopping sprees. She also is working overtime each week to help make a bit more.

I'm going to be looking into couponing- I have a lot of friends who do it, save a ton of money, and get really cheap groceries.

Lean times, for sure, but worth it for this degree! And when times get lean I remind myself that I only have to hold on for one more year... done next August.

Miss.LeoRN · Sep 4, 2014

Start adjusting now. It will be easier. Start living like you have one quarter less of your check every couple of months. This will allow you to adjust your lifestyle and budget to the lower amount, and save more for when you do start.

Also unless your program is really really demanding and makes working an impossibility with class times, you can keep your job. Just budget your time, or work part-time.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2014

How did/does everyone else handle the no job issue in their households?

I have no spouse, so I continued working full-time while attending school full-time.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2014

I am a single mom. My situation is a little different with the money. I don't have a job but I budget correctly and cut back on stuff so I don't have to have one for right now. I can live off of my divorce settlement for a couple of years if I do this right. So, I cut corners where I can and my son and I enjoy nights at home and do lots of fun stuff here, so we are not always going places. I'm lucky that he is a homebody and likes to just be here. Plus, he would rather eat my cooking than go out, so I am lucky there too. He loves just plain pasta which is cheap and he loves my homemade pizzas which literally costs me under $3 to make. We go on walks here at home and just spend time with each other when I am not studying. I try to do all of that when I don't have him. Our entertainment also consists of playing uno and skippo. Those are pretty cheap games to buy and provides tons of entertainment. So I honestly don't spend much in the entertainment and food dept. Once a week I will cook a large dinner like on Sunday or something. But that is pretty much it. He also does judo and our club is very inexpensive for that. I think I pay $40 a month for it. So really I don't have a whole lot of expenses and I feel like my son is having a great childhood because we spend time together. That is really the key. Whether is just a simple walk or playing a game of basketball, it's how I get him to talk to me and he loves it.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Sep 4, 2014

I've had a full-time job throughout nursing school.

blackberry74 · Sep 19, 2014

Wow so many good comments since I wrote this! I see some of you continued to work through school! Interestingly enough, I go to school full-time right now with the finishing of my prerequisites and work full-time but it's at home care and I do find time to study. It's just that the Lake Sumter State college says I cannot work while I go to school and that is what's got me worried. Would they penalize me for having a job?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2014

It's just that the Lake Sumter State college says I cannot work while I go to school and that is what's got me worried. Would they penalize me for having a job?

The officials in charge of most nursing programs recommend that students not work, so this is nothing new. The director at my former school also insisted that students not work while attending the nursing program.

However, these people aren't exactly stepping forward to pay my mortgage and utilities while I'm in school, so they can take their ideals and shove them somewhere.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Sep 20, 2014

Our program highly recommends that we don't work, but almost all of us have jobs and quite a few are full-time.