Live off loans or work during nursing school?

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · May 25, 2011

Even if you do take out loans work all you can work. Never intentionally go in debt to any degree you don't have to and try to avoid even that.

Success isn't so much about being super as it is about figuring out what you need to do in order to succeed. I think a lot of the reason non-trad students do well, like myself, is because they're more attuned to what they're good at and what they're not. I did well with my first degree, but I do much, much better now. If this is your first time and you're younger you may not have figured out how to be the best student you can be yet which is fine. Then again, you could be 60 for all I know.

I only suggest you do some kind of work even if it's only one day a week. I work a lot (or am at work a lot), and I work weird hours. Fortunately, I found an employer that really wanted me so I get to do a lot of hour picking. If I had to put in all my hours in solid chunks, like working through the night, I wouldn't be successful. I'm not the brightest bulb, and am downright cantankerous, if I've been up for 24 hours, lol. I know not to try and work like that although between sleep, work, and sitting in class I have very few free hours so I kill them by doing quick things by lurking on here.

Work. Earn that money. You'll be glad you did.

All that said, I did take out enough money to pay for tuition, exorbitant fees, and books because I had this barrier to spending any percentage of my savings on school. I also changed jobs and make about a third of what I used to make so now I only survive so there's not a lot extra to pay for school. I can't rationalize spending savings like that so I want to keep my nest egg safe, but when I do finish school and go back to work with a healthier income I'll be able to pay it off fairly easily because I don't have any other debt, plus the student loan debt is less than a car would cost so it's quickly "payoffable." If your situation is like this I'd suggest getting the loan......but keep working.

Good luck with school and interpreting my babbling.

travelgurl18 · May 25, 2011

Yeah, I'm only 21 so still figuring out the time management things, but I guess there is only 1 was to learn! I think the combination route of both might be best like you say. Plus maybe during summers I can pick up two or three jobs if need be.

Thanks for the input!

Saysfaa · May 25, 2011

There is a third option... work those weekends and evening like you are thinking of doing while going to nursing school plus a full time job for a couple of years. Get intense about keeping your expenses low while you pile up cash to pay for nursing school. Then go to school while working a little if any. It is a better option than either of the other two, in my opinion.

travelgurl18 · May 25, 2011

There is a third option... work those weekends and evening like you are thinking of doing while going to nursing school plus a full time job for a couple of years. Get intense about keeping your expenses low while you pile up cash to pay for nursing school. Then go to school while working a little if any. It is a better option than either of the other two, in my opinion.

Did you mean work full tiem for a couple of years before or after nursing school? Because I would start nursing school, if I get in, in a month.

lillymom · May 25, 2011

I would say that since you are young and, I am assuming, have no children then go ahead and work some while going to school. You should have sufficient time to study, go to class, and work.

There are many people who are single parents that work and do nursing and still make it so I think it should be possible as long as you keep your priorities in order. You absolutely must have determination and the ability to live frugally and this will be a step to keeping you out of debt. Good luck!

Saysfaa · May 25, 2011

The idea is that you won't have the money to pay for nursing school a month from now.

Save up the money and then apply. Working full time will take longer than working a full time job and an additional part time job (which is what you were proposing in going to school full time plus working part time) but just full time would work as long as you stay disciplined about keeping your expenses down.

lillymom · May 25, 2011

I think she has already applied and is awaiting acceptance. If I was accepted I wouldn't back out unless absolutely necessary. I would just put my nose to the grindstone and work it out somehow. :)