Kinda long, here we go-
I am currently in the Army Reserves (which only takes up one weekend a month) and working part time at a grocery store, about 16-20 hours a week. I'm also a full time student and a mom to a 5 year old. My husband is currently deployed to Afghanistan, he just left a couple of weeks ago and I just found out I'm pregnant.
I had already enrolled for classes next semester- English 2, Calculus, Chemistry and Chem Lab, and my 1st teachers course, which unlike the easy elective course I thought it was going to be is a heavy core class as well. I know that it is VERY unlikely that I can go through next semester and keep my grades up like I am now, and work, and do everything else that I'm doing. So I'm trying to decide- drop a class and go from 14 credit hours to 11 credit hours which will effect my financial aid money, or drop hours at work so I can handle the course load, which also effects income.
My husband says to drop hours at work- with his deployment pay we will be fine and it won't matter. But when he gets mad all of a sudden it becomes HIS money I'm using(although I do control the finances, so I guess that doesn't really matter). And I know deployment money won't last forever, I was really hoping to save up a good chunk while he was gone, especially with a baby on the way.
My Mom says to drop hours at school, that my GPA is very important and I shouldn't take the chance that being exhausted or (God forbid) complications come up that effect me being able to go to school or do my work like I need to. (I just had a miscarriage in Sept, but luckily it was the beginning of the semester so I didn't miss anything too crucial).
What would YOU do? I'm really in the middle, I'd like to keep on schedule now that I'm Finally back in school, but don't want my grades to suffer due to stress and overloading. I like going to work b/c it gets me out of the house, and I've been working since I was 14 so I'm not used to being supported by someone else, and it doesn't help that he throws it in my face every now and then. Plus I'm worried about our future finances.
Any input is appreciated!
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I agree with your husband. Once you start dropping school, it becomes even more difficult to keep up on it.
If he gets testy about it, reduce some costs first. Go through and find things that will save on expenses every month. (lower the thermostat, buy generic, cook all meals, etc.)
I am going through some what of the same situation. I am almost 11 weeks pregnant, I have a three-yr old daughter, I go to college full-time and I work just part-time at the college bookstore. I keep thinking about how things will happen. I am due like one month after spring semester is done, so really..that is perfect timing..BUT with my daughter I started having pre-term labor at 30 weeks and was on and off bedrest and everything, so that might become an issue.
My job although it is not many hours provides about 300 dollars a month, but on the down side makes me be away more hours. Like I can be done all my classes each day at like 12-2 depending on what day...but then have to work at 4-6, so i never get to have supper with my daughter, and once the baby comes, it would make it so I only see my kids for a couple hours a day. So the big thing is trying to figure out if I should quit the job.
Also I have been looking at what classes to sign up for, Im trying to avoid really early morning or night classes and trying not to bite off more than I can chew. It is hard to choose, because i know later in my pregnancy it would be nice not to have to work and I could be home earlier each night, spending time with my daughter. But most likely I will work up until I have the baby, so I can use that 300 a month to stock up on diapers and everything. Im about 85% sure that I will not return to work after having the baby, and will just take the whole summer off, and then just focus on school in the fall.
This might not make any sense, and I rambled on a bit lol, but I understand how hard it is to try and figure it all out.
I would cut back the work hours. Getting your degree is going to help your family financially in the long run. When your hubby throws it in your face, remind him that he suggested that you keep up with schooling and the sooner you get your degree, the sooner you can contribute more financially. Good luck Girl!
I want one more!!!
- MomNtheRes
on Nov. 22, 2009 at 1:03 PM