NWR- Grad school

So I need to vent. I am really excited because I got into grad school for social work which is what I wanted. I am starting in the fall right after our honeymoon. I am currently working as an admin asst which is completely not what I want to do, dont make great money, etc. It's just a job for now. I have another masters in school counseling that unfortunately I could not find a job in. The market was just flooded with applicants. I have been doing admin work for quite a while and I just cant do it anymore hence going back to school. It is a full time program for 2 years so I wont really be able to work during it. I can do it in 4 years but frankly really want to get it done and I still wouldnt be able to work a full time job even if I did that. I am also a little older (31) so I would like to have kids after I finish school. Anyway- I havent told my parents yet about school. I am very close with them but I wanted to make sure I got in before I started telling people. Well now that I got in I'm scared to tell them. I know I sound like a 5 year old but I just know they are going to react in a negative way and tell me it's so stupid to quit my job right now with the economy and to do school with no job. I understand where they are coming from but I cant put my life on hold because of the economy. It's what I want and I am planning on taking out loans for what we cant afford and pay the rest on our own. I dont have any loans for school so I feel like it's my time to finally do what I want. Anyway- sorry it's so long ...I just really needed to vent...I know I should be happy which I am but I just feel stressed about telling my parents and want them to be supportive but know in the back of my head they will think my idea is stupid. Any insight? Thanks for listening!

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Posted by Margarita

Congrats on going back to school! Honestly, I don't see any reason why you should have a part-time job while you are in school. I think it would make it easier for your parents to understand and for you to keep your skills current while you are in school. It is definitely doable - I finished my master's in 2 years and worked about 30 hours a week. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you!

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Thanks but unfortunately its a full time program...you are in school 4 days a week 9-5 pretty much and you have off one day. I could work one day but its honestly not going to make much of a difference once taxes are taken out and I need to have a day that I can actually study and do homework.

I just graduated law school and found myself in a similar bind when I started.

You need to prioritize and see how far are you willing to bend and how much you should ask other people to bend for you.

If your husband is able to support you while you are in school great. That's what mine did. If he is not, then you need to remember that it takes 2 and you chose to be married (doen't mean you should give up your dream, it will just take you a little longer).

As for your parents, unless you are thinking of asking them for $ to help out (which in my honest opinion, you are a grown up now and they should not have to do it), then their opinion about you going to school full time should not really matter.

I am a LMSW. I completely understand about your family stressing you out about the loans. My sister was totally against me going back to school 'because it was a waste of money.'

First what school are you going to attend.

Second their are some field placements that are work study programs.. where you get paid to intern. They are rare, but it is out there.

Also, I attend the MSW program at adelphi. I did it full time. I did work a part time job and it was stressful but it was well worth it.

Tell your family SW have job stability because their is always someone in need.

FM me if you need any more advice or help

CONGRATS and Good Luck.