Working full-time while going to school

MT7778 · Jul 3, 2017

I was in the same boat as you are in now. I told myself I can't let my job get in the way of my passion. If I did not do it, I would still be working my dead-end job living paycheck to paycheck! Granted, when it was time to do clinicals, I had to quit my job and take a 3rd shift at Walmart. I struggled with bills, lacked in sleep to take care of my 3 kids, but I knew if I hung in there my life would change for the better. I was bringing my books with me to work and studied during breaks - until my friend introduced me to PDF's (PhlipSide42 at Bonanza - eBooks, Digital Goods) (not a spam). The PDF's made life so much easier! I finally finished! And I look back now at all the times I wanted to give up, and I am so glad I didn't.

As far as tuition goes, get with your school's finance and let'm know. There are so many programs out there. I had school grants that helped pay my bills! All you have to do is talk to your school! There is no shame in needing help. Most of us has been through it! The hard work Will pay off! Goodluck!

anime5an4lyfe · Aug 9, 2017

Thanks again. This has all been very helpful. I start pre reqs this spring at the CC (grant money will pay tuition and books and I plan to save the rest that's left over for when I begin the nursing program.

shabish, CNA · Oct 1, 2017

I am in the same boat. My state passed the same bill allowing adults to return to school to finish their degree if they don't already have one. I am in Tennessee. I'll be taking some pre-reqs this fall/spring and hope to start the nursing program in the fall of 2018. I have a family (husband and four kids) that depend on my income to make ends meet so I'll need to continue working as many hours as possible. I am a medical coder currently and work from home so I do have some flexibility but I know it is going to be extremely tough getting all the hours in. But I feel that if my family can weather the next few years it will be worth it on the backside. I'm a nervous but I'm also determined to succeed.

I'm in the same boat. I work from home (at nights) 5 kids and a husband and although my husband works, his income isn't enough to carry us. I have to work and I'm hoping to read some success stories of people working while going to school. I went to an orientation and the people there were all young and saying they will quit their job when they enter nursing school because everyone is telling them they can't work and go to school. I have to make it work somehow.