living on your own & school

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Hi everyone,

I need advice. I'm a student who will begin nursing school in the fall. I live with my dad right now but I'd like to move out on my own...with a roommate(s) of course. I'm 24 and I live in the Bay Area and will be in school for the next three years getting my BSN.

THe problem is...how? How do you guys manage to work enough to pay the rent AND go to school? Is it even possible once you begin the program? I am open to ALL suggestions.

Thanks so much!

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When I was 18 I worked during the day, took classes at night, and studied on weekends. It was either that or be homeless and educationless. You live in the Bay area which is very expensive, but you can move to a less expensive area (the desert around Bakersfield comes to mind). But if I was you, I would take advantage of something a LOT of us do/did not have... a supportive parent! Stay there!

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i second that motion to stay at home while you still can.

working and nursing school can obviously be done since others have. but it's soooooo much harder. be nice to yourself and stay with your parent(s).

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Specializes in Float Pool, ICU/CCU, Med/Surg, Onc, Tele.

As a parent of one about to fly the nest, I would like to add the caveat that you should take advantage of the supportive parent BY BEING NICE AND HELPFUL. Rotten attitudes and "entitle-itis" do not enamor you to your supportive parent. We've always told our kids they were welcome to stay at home and save rent (etc) as long as they were in college and trying... but if the attitude doesn't improve I may just rescind that offer. =) Luckily he's still got a few months til he graduates, maybe he'll pull his head out by then... (wish me luck, lol)

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I took out a lot of loans! My husband works, but with day care, gas (50 miles one way), and everything else, there was just no way. I would stay with your parents, if they're willing.

Kristy

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Trust me, while in school, the last thing you want to have to worry about is how you're going to pay your rent and/or study for that 5 chapter exam following an 8-10 hour work day!!!!

Personally, I am at the 'point of no return!' I graduated from college with my first degree and took a job 20-hours away from Mom & Dad!! Now I'm in a position (or shall I say 'comfort zone')where I HAVE to work full-time and pursue my Nursing Degree via a 2.5 year part-time evenings/weekend program.

OH HOW I WISH I LIVED WITH MOM AND COULD RUN THROUGH AN 11-MONTH ACCELERATED NURSING PROGRAM!!!

Heed my word.....STAY AT HOME WHILE YOU CAN!!!!!!

You've got the rest of your life to work & pay bills!!!!! ;-)

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I totally agree with all the posts above...if you can, stay with your supportive parent. Roommates can be great, but if you don't find one that is reliable, you will have additional stress. I would love to have that option, but hindsight is 20/20!

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Ick, living with your parents? I live on my own, bought a house on my own, and up to a month ago lived alone. I just took in a friend as a roommate to help with costs. How do I afford this? When I start my BSN program next year, I'll be taking out mega, mega, mega loans.:)

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Yes, stay at home if you can! It can be VERY stressful having to work and go to Nursing school.

But if you must, I highly recommend a stay at home job (if you can find one.) There are a lot of companies that offer this type of work if you have a little bit of computer/typing knowledge. This is what I do and it is convenient because often I am working late at night but at least I am in my pajamas!

However I am probably making more at home with what I am doing that what I will make as a nurse starting out. (Note to self- why am I in Nursing school?) Anyway, it is very stressful with working to pay bills and trying to get through school. I have my supervisor telling me my priority is my job (they don't understand Nursing school) and then my professors saying my priority should be school.

If you have to live on your own, make sure you picked a good roomate. This could be a nightmare situation if it is the wrong person. My suggestion is to find a roomate(s) in Nursing school. They will be the most understanding and supportive of your need to study and relax.

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Yes. You can take out mega, mega loans. But if your relationship with your dad is good, STAY THERE!!!!!!!!! There would be no really good reason for you to go into debt like that if you don't have to.

Now if it's more of a "privacy" (ahem) issue, then maybe your dad realizes you're a grown-up and you can work out an understanding.

Alyssa

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