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female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes: I am in a bit of a dilemma. I work full time and take college classes full time. My days are 'split' my classes are in the early morning - to early afternoon time, and I work a 2-10PM shift at my job. The problem is I need more money. I live with a good friend and we are both in a similar lifestyle with similar struggles, which works out great. We are in a simple 2bed 1bath apt which is as basic as it can get for 2 adults. We have basic tv, etc. I recently got a cheaper car so I wouldn't have any car payments. We split all of our bills. Even though I live basic, I'm still struggling. There are months where I don't have enough for food and gas. I can't take on a second job as I am exhausted enough with 1 job and college course work/studying. Sometimes I feel like college is preventing me from working more, but I really want to get a degree for my future. Next semester I will have to pay out of pocket for a few books and I have no money saved for it. Do I quit school and get a second job? Do I continue to struggle and just stick it out?
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (18 November 2015): Please do not quit school.I've been fending for myself since I was very, very young (mother died) and the only thing that kept me going was the idea that I'm goind somewhere and that the school will pave the way. I always worked and studies at the same time. I have three different degrees now, life's can be funny. But, all of my diplomas helped me put the food on the table at some point. Right now, I'm using two since I have two completely different jobs. It is hard during your studies. I know how it feels like having to chose between buying food or gas.There are ways to reorganize the budget. If you do not cook your own meals, start. It is not only cheaper but healthier too. If your roomate would liek to chip in, it will be even cheaper.Do you know any of the older students? Maybe you could buy their used textbooks? Have you got any skills that would allow you to work from home? E.g. translating, if you speak a foreign language. Maybe you could do some yard-work, house-cleaning from time to time to earn some extra cash. I used to help out at for a catering service.Hold on.It gets better.BEts of luck!
A
female
reader, Honeypie  + ♥, writes (15 November 2015):
 I would not quit school, just yet.
Time to make a new budget. Maybe even enlist your parents in this. Perhaps they have other tips and perhaps they can help out a little here and there.
CUT everything you REALLY don't need. For us for example we can afford cable/internet/phones etc. but since we RARELY watch TV we thought about cutting the cable, though not the wi-fi. But found that it was cheaper to get the basic pack with wi-fi than ONLY getting wi-fi.
So DO call your cable company and see what they have to offer that you CAN afford. And if you two really CAN'T afford cable... CUT it of. No one NEEDS to have TV. There is always Hulu, Amazon and Netflix! (we have a Amazon Prime and it's great.)
Cell phones. Is your plan expensive? Mine is $35 a month. Unlimited text/calls and 3 GB (which I quite frankly rarely use) my cell phone uses out wi-fi when home. And it's pretty rare that I NEED to use it when out and about.
Insurance. SHOP around! We pay HALF what our old company charged (which is still a LOT more up here in the North than it was in the South, still).
PLAN your meals. It actually CAN save you money. Don't toss left-overs. Use them. Again. PLAN your meals on a weekly basis.
Cut the Starbucks and fast food.
Cut the " I need 10 pairs of shoes and matching purses" There will be a time later on when you are DONE and got a better paying job where you can go a little nuts with those things.
suzzzque269 brought up a good point as well, LOOK into grants. TALK to your counselor at school and maybe try using educationconnection.com :
http://www.educationconnection.com/landingpages/Grants-New/?trackid=9ACCDD77-6F27-4903-B125-26C22A2CD3BE&c=Grants&cat=college+grant&est=college%20grant&key=go_college_grant&v=google&a=mscansaroli.finaid%40gmail.com&mt=search&ad=33978849181&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc°Id=&device=c&aid=ec_google_finaid_ads_desktop&gclid=CNe6zbi5k8kCFQiNaQodDbICCA
And over the summer break I'd look into having an additional job and SAVE UP money for books. Don't forget you can BUY a lot of those used/pre-owned.
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A
male
reader, Been there Now over it +, writes (15 November 2015):
Darn. I hate to see you stuck in this dilemma and my heart goes out to you.If your job doesn't pay enough for you to live even a minimalist life style, you certainly understand the value of getting an education.Have you approached your college about getting some sort of financial aid? Perhaps they can suggest ways that you can cut expenses further (such as how you use your credit card).Is there any way you can cut spending even more? You don't say where you live and every place is different in regard to living costs, but it would seem that how you've economized to this point would provide enough for you to continue schooling.With everything life presents us, it can be difficult to return to school once you quit. Try to struggle this one out. In any case, congratulations on your priorities and tenacity.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 November 2015): Do not quit now for temporary gain, when struggling for a degree will bring you better reward in the future.
If anything, you should keep an open mind about your job and look for something that pays better. I had to work while studying, I'm currently struggling like hell to work full time as a trainee teacher and fit in study for half of my Masters degree. I honestly feel your pain, I had to spend my last 100 quid on having some fillings in my teeth and live off of pasta because I couldn't afford food and the dental treatment! But it's worth it, keep your goal in mind and just don't let your degree work suffer. It's good you have someone in a similar position to get you through, you're doing all you can you just have to keep on keeping on.
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A
female
reader, Pureflame  +, writes (15 November 2015):
A very honest suggestion, struggle it out. See if you can get a job that pays you more than your current job. But don't quit school. It's probably gonna help you loads in the future.
A few more months of struggle could mean peace later. Give yourself that chance. You may do with a lil less money, but you might not be able to get over not completing your education. If you look harder you might find someplace you can earn more or save more.
It's gonna work out. Just a few more months.
I really do know how you feel cuz I'm in the same dilemma. I believe you can do it.
Wish you all the very best :)
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A
male
reader, Rockey +, writes (15 November 2015):
i say get a 2nd job because well think about it alot of things need money just like my sis she didnt graduate high school but she has a job a car and a house too so get a 2nd job
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 November 2015): Hi,
I was in a similar situation as you are. I had to pay for everything myself since my parents couldn't help. I ended up taking out loans for the duration of my college. Now I have graduated from college. Because of my hard work, and the loansthat made it possible for me to have a decent life while in school, I have a nice job! I am getting paid a lot more than what I would have if I didn't have a college degree.
I think working full-time and school full-time is too much already, I wouldn't work more than that--just my opinion. Good luck to you!
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A
female
reader, suzzzque269 +, writes (15 November 2015):
 do you qualify for any grants to help pay school related expenses?
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