Quitting job to go to nursing school

cmw6v8 · Aug 12, 2010

I'm in the same boat, but without kids. My husband works full-time but doesn't make a whole lot, so money is going to be very tight. We just bought our home two years ago, about four months before I decided to start pursuing nursing. If I had known I was going to change careers, I probably would have kept living in my in-laws' basement for free! :) So here's a little about what we're doing to stay afloat:

We are really just cutting back on everything, especially groceries. We keep our expenses down, and we also rent out our basement which is set up as a little apartment to my little brother who is in college.

Also, over the past year or so we've been stocking up on dry goods. We have enough flour, beans, rice, pasta, jarred sauce, and other dry staples and canned goods to live on for about a year. When we see items like this on a really good sale, we buy lots of it. So we have an emergency stash of food that we can also just use along the way to cut back on groceries. We also rolled a portion of my husband's 401k into an IRA, which we then rolled over into a health savings account (so it's not taxed that way). So we have enough in that to cover any unexpected medical bills. Any other emergencies we have to deal with, we will probably have to rely on loans from family, or if we have to, my credit card which thankfully has a fairly low interest rate.

Also, our mantra has become "Make do, or do without." We really just don't buy anything unless there is a compelling need for it. It's really hard, but do-able.

So that's just some things we're doing. Good luck to you!

justbee · Aug 12, 2010

Hey everyone,
I have decided to quit my job to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I'm a mom of two and thought that this sacrifice would pay off in the end, but now I'm starting to have my doubts. Any advice?

My advice would be don't second guess yourself. I left my job at the end of April because my boss wanted me to work five days a week, which would have interfered with school. (She hired me knowing I was a student)

I worked really hard to keep the job and go to school, but when she decided to change my hours, and I couldn't go along, she could have cared less. I decided then and there that I would look for a job that would help with furthering my medical experience.

Sometimes you just have to concentrate on the goal. You didn't say much about your personal situation, will you have any income?

Best wishes to you in reaching your goal. Regards, LB

BTW, my job was lousy and low-paying with a boss who would tell us if we didn't like things, we could just leave because she could hire someone the next day.

RNCEN · Aug 13, 2010

I applaud you for your dedication. This is not an easy decision for anyone, especially those with children. You will never look back and ask, "what if".

My last day at work is August 18th...after nearly 11 years with the same employer. I'm making a change, and nobody will stop me. Good luck!

Courtcatt · Aug 13, 2010

Couldn't help but read this thread and make a post.... I am AMAZED at the strong will of all of you.... HIGH ******* FIVE! I think that if you have enough dedication to quit your job to fulfill your dream of being a nurse...then you'll make a WONDERFUL nurse. The way I look at it.... you guys are the cream of the crop...the people that leave a stable situation to really go for what you want... more power to you and best of luck....

JackieBRCC · Aug 13, 2010

I quit my job to go to nursing school and have never looked back! I'm having so much fun. Nothing like working and being chained to a desk for 12 years that makes you appreciate time off and going back to school! Good luck!

Pmusicinhamony · Aug 13, 2010

it sucks i was pretty much forced 2 quit my job

bonn_bai · Aug 13, 2010

I am very blessed that my nursing program is part-time, 2 nights a week and one weekend day. I can continue to work full-time, which I really need to do because I am a single parent as well. It will take me 2 extra semesters to finish school over the full-time program, but that's not bad. Spreading it out means fewer classes each semester and also lower cost each semester, which is good because I am trying to pay out of pocket.

I don't doubt my decision or have cold feet, but every once in a while I will ask myself, "what if I hate it?" I never really considered a medical career when I was younger, so somtimes I question whether or not I'm really cut out for it. But I think it's more "fear of the unknown" than anything else, and I think once I start I'll be psyched to be in it.

RebeccaV · Aug 13, 2010

I'm also in a similar position, I graduated after studying business and fashion merchandising, and have been in the field for only 3 years but am very unhappy and bored with it. I knew I couldn't work full time and attend school full time, so I left and got a part time job 15 hrs a week elsewhere. It is a huge step, but I can focus on school. I don't have any children though and my husband makes an excellent income, so financially we're fine even if I dont work at all, but I get bored if I dont. I think it's a great choice, you'll be able to focus more time and attention on classes, get better grades and complete more courses... so finishing early.