Should I quit work during nursing school if I can?

[SoCaliGirl]

I am planning on taking my prerequisites this coming fall and next spring (2010) and then I'll be applying to get into a Spring 2011 ADN program. This gives me over a year and a half to save money. I've thought about working a couple days a week during the first semester and seeing how it goes. However, I've heard a lot of people say that the first year is the hardest, which makes me think that I shouldn't overload myself at the beginning in case I get swamped right away. I'm torn because I make good money, but I have a manager who takes everything personally, and once you quit, there "aren't any positions available" for anyone who comes looking to get their job back.

Do you think it makes sense to quit working before nursing school even starts if I have some money saved? Or should I start my classes and then decide?

[Carrie_MTC]

I think it all depends on how many hours per week your working and what kind of job it is. My first quarter I was working a 2nd shift job that was 18 hours per week. After several weeks I was just drained of energy. It was personally too hard for me to get home at 2:30 in the morning and have to get up to go to class at 8:00. I made the mistake of not saving up any money. I ended up getting laid off in January which was actually good because I could put all of my time and energy into school and not have to worry about work. Currently I'm looking for a job in home health care because they are very flexible in giving you hours. I guess it's better to be broke and doing well in school, than struggling to pass. Some people I go to school with have found nursing homes that hire nursing students for every other weekend, which seems to be working well for a lot of people. Long story short...save as much money as you can and work as little as possible.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Starting next week I'll be working part-time. I support my self no help finanical help from anyone. Like the other person said, I rather be broke now and doing well than to be drained and not doing well.