NBR: What if...

TJ1979

Instead of looking for a new job when we relocate, or staying home with the girls... what if I went back to school?  I am good at my job, but I miss working with patients.  And I am not really in a lucrative field. 

Who was it that went back to PA school recently?  Was that @eve_angelique?  How is that going?  Any advice or suggestions?

Help decide my life SAIF!

 

kmc84

Do you have a degree already? What do you think you would want to go for?

(Sorry, I feel like I should know this!)

TJ1979

Yes.  I have a science degree.  But it was sort of a pre-med degree, with no med degree to go with it.  So I was thinking about going to PA school.  I had applied and gotten in many years ago, but made a really, really stupid life choice based off of a terrible, terrible relationship.  Live and learn.  So yeah.  That was more than you asked for. 

kmc84

Live and learn is right! I say why not!? Will there a school near you?

I have a friend who is almost done with her PA program. It's intense, but if you can swing it with the girls, go for it!

TJ1979

kmc84 said:

Live and learn is right! I say why not!? Will there a school near you? I have a friend who is almost done with her PA program. It's intense, but if you can swing it with the girls, go for it!

There will be 2 options where we are moving to.  So it's definitely a possibility.  Classes wouldn't start until almost a year from now, so the girls would be a little older at least. 

TJ1979

It was actually MH's idea.  He suggested it this morning.  I hadn't really thought about it, but when he brought it up, I got kinda excited.

Mrs.AmyDylan

I think it is a great idea! That will give you time to get settled in your home home/city/neighborhood. Plus, you don't have to look for a new job!

Ruthie04

I suppose it depends on the program, but I say do it!! With the nature of my profession, most graduate students are already working and my program was very accommodating to non traditional students. They offered tons of flexibility and alternative hours (mini-mesters, night classes, etc.) This was 10 years ago, so I assume things are even better now with the use of technology in learning. I was working, so I took loads of classes at night (6-9, 1x/ week) I studied on nights and weekends and worked during the day. There were clinical options with night and weekend hours. I think, with that sort of flexibility, it could really work.

I'm a big believer in continuing education to meet your professionals goals. And, I think it would be an awesome example to your girls to show them that mom went back to school to make a better future for herself and her family!

BabyKsMommy

I think it's a great idea. I also want to go back to school when the twins get older. I have a BA but there's no field to work in.

While I think it will be a challenge, it will pay off in the long run. Maybe in more money or a happier mommy, maybe both.

Robeano

Do it!! I loved school and have toyed with the idea of eventually going back at some point. Although I'm not sure for what right now!

But honestly, if you think about how many years you have left in the world field, finding a job that will enhance your life is a good call. And on the other side, school is a good place to meet people, I know you said you struggle with making friends.

TJ1979

That is such a good point @Robeano‌! I missed out on making many friends in college, due to the same poor decision making skills previously mentioned. But you are so right! A great way to meet people.

June0609

That sounds like a great plan TJ! I'm excited for you!

Eve_Angelique

Yes that is me that is looking to go back! I say go for it!! I am still working on some pre-reqs and actually over the course of the past two weeks my plan may have changed a bit. I might now go for nurse midwifery. After having a good chat with a PA I know who used to also be a midwife, that may be more my calling! I'm pretty stoked at the idea actually! And the pre-reqs are almost pretty much the same.

I loved the idea of being a PA and how versatile of a profession it is, but my passions might lie a little outside the PA realm.

I'm a huge lover of furthering your education and lifelong learning, so I definitely think you should look into it, especially if you got in before you should be able to again!

TJ1979

But guys... I've been out of school for 12 YEARS!  Omg when did I get so old?!?!  Will I really be able to handle going back?  Do I remember enough stuff?  Would I even be able to pass the GRE at this point? 

Yesterday, this was a bright, shiny, new, exciting idea.  Today, reality is setting in that it's been a long time, and I don't remember all this stuff.

mdiblasi10

You would do great It sounds like you have all the support behind you and you are excited about it, so go for it!!

Robeano

They say matute students tend to do better, you know the whole taking it seriously thing.

Okay I gotta ask, we don't have PA's in Canada, what is the difference between a PA and a nurse? I'm wondering if they are like our nurse practitioners.

TJ1979

@robeano Yes, they are similar to NP's but a little different.

Eve_Angelique

I have found being an "adult" student very rewarding! I think since you have a little more maturity it makes the whole experience so different. I still worried before I had my first tests but it was all good!

Cwhitaker27

I loove this post! Especially since I'm a PA and it's my passion. It makes me really excited and nervous for you all at the same time.

I have to say it's a really rigorous coursework though. Thinking back, I don't know how I'd do it now with kids. Honestly, I don't know how any parents with little ones go back to school. I really admire them!

Please don't get upset about my next comments , I'm totally not trying to be a Debbie downer but if you have any sense of doubt in the back of your mind I wouldn't do it now, not while your kids are so young. And your DH has to be onboard 110% because he'd have to takeover a lot of your duties. There were countless nights I'd be studying like crazy even after a full day of class and it would be tough to miss out on time with your babies Imo.

But if anyone could take on something head on it's you TJ! You seem super determined in all you do.

TJ1979

Cwhitaker27 said:

I loove this post! Especially since I'm a PA and it's my passion. It makes me really excited and nervous for you all at the same time. I have to say it's a really rigorous coursework though. Thinking back, I don't know how I'd do it now with kids. Honestly, I don't know how any parents with little ones go back to school. I really admire them! Please don't get upset about my next comments , I'm totally not trying to be a Debbie downer but if you have any sense of doubt in the back of your mind I wouldn't do it now, not while your kids are so young. And your DH has to be onboard 110% because he'd have to takeover a lot of your duties. There were countless nights I'd be studying like crazy even after a full day of class and it would be tough to miss out on time with your babies Imo. But if anyone could take on something head on it's you TJ! You seem super determined in all you do.

Thank you for some honest feedback @cwhitaker27.  That is what I wanted to hear.  I know that it is going to be really hard if I get in.  I think right now I'm more worried about actually getting in.  School wouldn't start for over a year from now, so the girls would be a little older, and hopefully sleeping better.  And MH is super duper supportive.  He does a large chunk of the evening chores right now anyhow, since I'm usually stuck nursing P several times in the last few hours before bed.  I am pretty worried though that it's been so long since I've been in school.  I've forgotten quite a bit you know.

Cwhitaker27

@TJ1979‌ you can totally get in! I know it. You'd be surprised what you remember. Sounds like your support system is great. You go girl