Post # 1
Member
4606 posts
Honey bee
I’ve been going to college on the life insurance money that my father left me when he died and now it’s almost gone. I’ve worked since I was 15 and have only ever been unemployed for short period of time. I quit my last job because they wouldn’t work with my school schedule and I was failing my classes and FH and I have really been feeling the effects of my lost income. I recently found out that because I failed one class, I’ve been dropped out of the program I was in and I can’t reapply for another year. Because of this, I’ve decided to use the time and go back to work full time to try and save some money and hopefully go down to part time so I can finish my degree after I get back into the program (I know I will get back in, I’ve spoken to the head of the program).
I’m just worried that it’s going to be really hard to go back after taking so long off. The longest I’ve ever been out of school is one semester, but that was because I had some trouble with my financial aid. I know that I want to finish my degree but I also know that FH can’t keep doing it alone and we need me to be working too.
So Bees, if any of you have done what I’m doing, share your experiences/advice/words of encouragement or anything at all.
Post # 3
Member
7760 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I graduated and was working in my early 20s. Eventually I met my husband, got married, had kids, was a Stay-At-Home Mom for 10 years, then went back to work. I have now taken up part time study (hopefully eventually to a PhD) in my 40s. My grades have been better than my first time round over 20 years before. I think it is because I am more mature, and I have organised myself better; even though I have less time available.
So if I can do it after 20 years, I’m sure most people can do it after 1 or 2! Yes it is possible. I figure that if you’re capable, you don’t lose that capability.
Post # 4
Member
1471 posts
Bumble bee
I went back after stepping out for 4 1/2 years (undergrad then a break then postgrad). It was a challenge, but I’m surviving… The thing I found helpful was keeping up with it in my own time – I never stopped reading textbooks, articles, having professional discussions and working in the field.
Post # 5
Member
1622 posts
Bumble bee
Yes, it’s hard. I left school at 19 intending to come back the next semester and I didn’t return for 9 years. Once my life got started – work, bills, stuff – and I got into a certain routine, it was hard to shake that up. I’m in school now, full time in the evenings and working it around my job schedule. It’s hard, but after 9 years I feel like I just gotta suck it up and get it done.
Post # 6
Member
3092 posts
Sugar bee
Not exactly the same but I worked for about 4 years between undergrad and (current) grad school.
The transition is kind of hard. I got used to NOT having the stress of school looming over my head. I actually prefer work to school. But as far as keeping up, it hasn’t been too much. After a few weeks and a couple of assignments I picked up graduate writing and reading.
Post # 7
Member
4606 posts
Honey bee
@icetea: I think that’s what I’m most worried about. When I’m just working, I’m more calm and relaxed, when I add school, well, let’s just say I’m thankful for my Xanax prescription. I just hear so many people talk about how they took off for whatever reason with every intention of going back and finishing and then they don’t. To add to the mix, FH and I will be getting married shortly after I start back to school.
I’m also nervous about searching for a job again :/
But thank you ladies. I feel better about my decision after hearing your stories.