Never enough time

[Careerchange35]

I would really like to know how people do it. I am currently working roughly 6am to 4pm, not to mention driving an hour each way to work daily. My day begins at 4am and ends on a normal evening at 8pm, after class/dinner, etc. I am taking A & P 1 and am in class Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8pm. I have a 2 year old and my wife is currently pregnant with our second child. This past week I missed class both evenings because of emergencies at work. I missed a quiz that I am unable to make up and also an important lecture that included material for our first major quiz this week. The instructor gives us a lot of busy work online and in our lab coloring book, which doesn't leave much time to get studying done. I know many people say they stay up until 2am reading the chapters, but that is not an option at all, as there is no way I can function on 2 hours of sleep each night. I get it, it's possible if someone has a 40hr work week and is not commuting 10-12 hours a week. I have come to realize that this is almost an impossibility and am planning in withdrawing from school this week. Sorry for the rant, just needed to vent since I am pretty upset that it has come to this.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Your frustration is coming through loud and clear. We hear you. It would seem that you have an accurate and realistic picture of your current situation and limitations. I have had to do a lot of things and make a lot of adjustments that I really did not want to do at the time -- major interruptions in my 'life plan'. But eventually, things got better - demands on my time lessened & I was able to resume what was still important.

You seem like an honorable and ethical person; placing your family first. This is admirable, and actually pretty rare in today's very self-centered society. It will pay off in the long run. You'll get there - the path will just be a bit longer and more circuitous than you planned.

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

I'm sorry, that sucks. I only worked part time during first year, and had to cut down to PRN in second year. I don't know how anyone can do it and work full time. People do, I just know I couldn't.