I feel like quitting...

[Despareux]

My family is deeply affected by my schedule and the amount of homework I have. My kids are always bummed when I study or have to go to clinicals or school. My husband works afternoons and doesn't see our kids until the weekends--that is, if he's not working weekends. I drive my kids back and forth to school everyday because they don't have busing for their school. I haven't cooked or cleaned anything in weeks. My husband doesn't do much housework or cooking either. Our house is a mess. The cost of gas is absolutely killing us. I'm half way through my 3rd quarter. I know I can finish this quarter, but returning for the 4th is something I'm reconsidering.

If I quit, I honestly don't know when I would be able to return, or if I would even want to (I'm kind of old). I have student loans I have to pay back.

I'm truly torn. I miss my family so much and they miss me. I don't work, and not having anything pressing to do for too long actually depresses me, so hopefully having the entire summer off will give me a fresh perspective.

[Despareux]

Against the grain should be a way of life

What's worth the price is always worth the fight

Every second counts 'cause there's no second try

So live like you're never living twice

Don't take the free ride in your own life

These are lyrics to Nickelback's today was your last day.

For my program we had a meeting where we had to bring our support group, (spouse, parents, etc..) it was so they could understand that this was gonna be a difficult program and the wife or husband was gonna need to pick up the slack around the house (cleaning, washing, etc..). They also addressed that the support group can either make or break the student. Please don't give up! many people would die to be in your shoes. Try to make your husband understand the pros of you finishing school (more stable income, a new car, vacations) I bet if you make it through the program he'll understand why you did it.

It's not a matter of IF I make it through, it's a matter of when I make it through :).

After my husband and I settled down, I came to realize that the nursing program is a lot more difficult on him than it is me. And I also realized that because of our schedules, we miss each other terribly and that really is the root of our issue. I hate to see my husband and kids hurting over a choice I made and a choice I could change. So, I feel guilty, and that's something I have been struggling with, and sometimes it clouds that little light at the end of the tunnel.

Yes, support is vital!! We were told this, too, at our meeting with our support group. I often thank my husband and my kids for going through the nursing program with me, and remind them that it's temporary, and when it's over, they will be rewarded for all of their support and hard-work.

By the way, I love that song.

[lizbet86]

Don't quit. You put your family through this much, so why quit and having nothing to show for it? Kids are resilient. They'll hate it for one more quarter, and then they'll have their mom back. And when they grow up, they'll look up to that. You're so close to being done! Stick it out.

[RN_2012, BSN, RN]

If you quit now than all the time and sacrafice over the last three semesters was a complete waste of time.

[Streamline2010]

Well, the husband and kids need to change and start doing more for themselves. Things won't be much different once you go to work, will they? You won't be home all the time, and you may very likely wind up working nights. Kids and husbands can and should help clean and cook and do other household chores. If the husband gripes, ask him whether he wants another $50k - $60k of household income or not, and just how important is that housewife stuff in light of that.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

OP, after reading some of your posts, I'm glad you decided to not give up. If it's possible, try to fit in a time you and your husband have a date night or the entire family have family game night.

You finishing and graduating is benefiting you as well as the entire family and I hope they understand that. I have a few people in my nursing program who also have spouses going through Med school at the same time. I don't know how they make it, but they are.