In need of some advice

[Love2Sleep, BSN, RN]

I am a local girl that moved away 9 years ago. I have been wanting to move home for about 2 years now, but thinking about giving up what I have and starting all over makes me sick to my stomach. I've been worried about the cost of living and having to work acute care to pay the bills (I'm assuming that's where the best paying positions are). Don't get me wrong, I loved acute care, but it didn't work out with my family schedule (I hated missing out on sporting events and holidays with my son). I do plan to return to the bedside when my son graduates High School. I have also heard that the public school system is not as good as the mainland. I can't attest to that because I have only attended Hawaii schools (except college). It worries me that I would be putting my son into an educational system that isn't as good as it is on the mainland. I have thought about private school, but again, that is also expensive.

I guess what I'm asking is what is your take on the educational system in Hawaii? Does it compete with mainland schools? Also, do you think non-acute care jobs will pay the bills?

I am not trying to bash Hawaii, so forgive me if I offended anyone. I am really dying to be home with my family, but I also want to be sure that I am making the right decision for my son.