Hello All
I'm new here. I just turned 30 last week. I have been going to school for 3 years and I'm so darn sick of it. I just transferred to a four year university and my entire family is so proud of me. But I'm not proud. I'm tired. I'm tired of having no social life what so ever. I'm tired of being dirt poor and trying to live on financial aid. I'm tired of not being able to spend quality time with my two little girls. I'm tired of being surrounded by superficial college "kids". I still have a year and a half of undergraduate and I'm planning on going to graduate school. So, all in all before I'm COMPLETELY finished, I've still got four and a half years of school left and I'm already so burnt out and sick of this that I don't know how I'm gonna make it through. Does anyone have any personal stories or anything to share with me? I'm sorry to rant for so long, I'm usually not a whiner like this.
Thanks for reading. I appreciate it.

Hi Holly!

Don't feel down...going to school is rough when you're a single parent, but it's worth it so don't give up.

I was a single-parent attending NYU while working 3 part-time jobs. I understand how difficult it is to be broke, have no social life, and doubt if the effort (and even life sometimes) are worth the effort. But you know what...it is. Once you graduate, you can make more money in the field you have chosen. That degree in a step in the door, when experience is lacking and an added plus when the experience is there. Also, you would never want your kids to quit on school and use your failure as validity for their actions or as a throw-in-your-face argument.

I know it's hard...but hang in there. Find some time everyday to spend precious moments with your child, as well as some quiet time for yourself...even if it's just 30 minutes for each. Give yourself something to be happy and grateful for everyday. Something to make the effort worthwhile. I know it seems impossible, but it's not. You can do it and it will be worthwhile later on...that's a positive reality. If you need advice or encouragement...I'm here.

DON'T GIVE UP!!!!

Thank you so much for your advice and words of encouragement. Thank you for understanding.

hello, m a student currently studying sociology, my coursework is due in in two weeks but i have come to a bit of a hault i need to do research so i wpuld be really thankful if you could e-mail me your thoughts on my question, Is the stereotypical view that all teenage mums are single mums? please e-mail me back on gem_garrard@yahoo.co.uk thanks -x-

Holly,

This post was started awhile back but I felt the need to give you encouragement if your still reading it. I'm a single mom, myself. I spent 5 1/2 years getting through school and, although I was married at the time, I am not now and that education is what has saved me, financially. Yes, our situations are a little different but in the end, you will be SO GLAD you did it. Hang in there girl...time DOES go by and you WILL accomplish your goal.

Good Luck and PM me if you need to vent more!

Hi Holly

I just found this message and wanted to give you a few words of encouragement. It took me 6 1/2 years to get my BS while trying to support my son on my own. Words cannot describe all the emotions that I felt when, as I was receiving my diploma, seeing my 7 yr old son taking my picture at the same time. He was so excited and I am glad that he was able to see what hard work and dedication can get you-even if he may not have realized it at the time. He was the inspiration that kept me going the entire time!! Keep the faith and remember that your working for a greater purpose-improving all of your lives.

Being a single parent is stressful enough. Having money problems is stress all by itself. I want you to know I am a new single mom and this thing is very scary. I am in the process of going back to school. I have three children. A education is the only way to do this thing. Hang in there. When you go through something and it is hard it makes it all the more worth while. No pain No gain..... Hold your head up. The hard part is almost over.

Hi Holly,

I am 30 and new here as well. I know how you feel about being so tired. I have been a single parent for almost 4 years now. It seems like there is struggle after struggle and just when you think things start looking up something else happens that seems to bring you right back where you were. Last year both of my children went to live with their dad's. Both from 2 different marriages. I thought the world had come to and end then. My whole life revolved around my kids. Earlier this year I moved to Florida, 1000 miles away from everyone and everything I knew. In July, my oldest son who is 12 was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and in August I went to get him. I'd spent well over a year alone and had to re-adjust to taking care of someone other than myself. Since then, I work a full time job 50 miles from where I live, am enrolled in college online classes and about to take on a second job due to being so broke I can't pay my bills, afford to drive to work, and hardly feed us. What I earn from my first income is too much for assistance but not enough when your rent on an average 2 br apt is almost all one of 1 out of 2 paychecks monthly. Not too mention I have to deal with my own illness fighting depression and anxiety. Without a support system here it makes it very hard to deal with everything and wears me down.Today my son and I are going to church, its the first time I have been in over 4 years. Next week I have an appointment with my EAP counselor through work. This is to try and begin some long overdue therapy.
Basically, I wanted to share with you that being determined is a great thing to be when you are single and you sound as if you have alot of that in you. My only advice however, is just don't give up, when its over you will be glad you finished. I have also learned that you have to go through the bad and hard times to appreciate the good. When I get to church I will think of you and remember you in prayer.

quote:

Originally posted by Holly:
[qb] Hello All
I'm new here. I just turned 30 last week. I have been going to school for 3 years and I'm so darn sick of it. I just transferred to a four year university and my entire family is so proud of me. But I'm not proud. I'm tired. I'm tired of having no social life what so ever. I'm tired of being dirt poor and trying to live on financial aid. I'm tired of not being able to spend quality time with my two little girls. I'm tired of being surrounded by superficial college "kids". I still have a year and a half of undergraduate and I'm planning on going to graduate school. So, all in all before I'm COMPLETELY finished, I've still got four and a half years of school left and I'm already so burnt out and sick of this that I don't know how I'm gonna make it through. Does anyone have any personal stories or anything to share with me? I'm sorry to rant for so long, I'm usually not a whiner like this.
Thanks for reading. I appreciate it. [/qb]

Hey Rene. I just wanted to say that I think it's wonderful that you have decided to go to church with your son. I am 31 and have been divorced for 4, almost 5, years. My sons are 11 & 6, and their father is not in the picture (by his choice). You sound like you are going through so much, but keep on praying and keep the faith in Him. There was a period in my life, after my divorce, where I didn't go to church for 2 yrs because I resented everything. When I went back, that was the best thing I did for myself AND my boys. Hang in there girl, I'll keep you in my prayers when I go to church later today.

Holly, if you're still reading this, I admire you for your determination. I'm sure everyone on this board understands your frustration. If you're still in school, keep it up! Look, it's already almost 2 years since you started this post. You're that much closer from graduation! Good luck! BTW, where in Cali are you from? I'm in So. Cali in the valley area.