Attending interviews while working full-time

[Phoenixi]

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How did you do it? Did your employers know you were applying to medical school? Were they flexible with your schedule?

Do you advise NOT to work full-time during the med-school application process? If one cannot afford to go half-time, what options does one have?

 

[canjosh]

You gotta do what you gotta do. If you can afford to go half-time, then why not? For me, that was not an option. Thankfully my work (a hospital) was supportive and would give me days off as I needed them (I had a lot of time saved up).

Ultimately, only you can answer your question. Each person's work situation is different, so you're not likely to get very helpful/specific advice here. Many interview days are towards the end of the week, but that's not always the case.

 

[NTF]

I agree with canjosh. Have to make it work anyway you can. I worked at a hospital too and I was lucky enough to have an accomodating nurse manager. But even then there were occasions that a last minute interview came up and I had to scramble/beg to find coverage for my shifts.

 

[MSmentor018]

I worked my ass off 60+/wk then quit everything in end of may for a nice long pre med vacation. I was a nurse supervisor so I had a semi flexible schedule, just made up the time here and there. everyone knew I was shooting for med school but I didn't give them an official notice until apr. its diff for everyone, do whatever it works for you b/c there's no right/wrong but if there's one thing I've learned from med school....having time off is more valuable than money. good luck!

you'll also put in full time work hours during rotations while doing residency interviews. some schools only give you x amount of time off or you have to make up lost time. of course the best scenario is your attending just giving you the time off!

 

[wepio]

I work a full-time job and use my PLA to cover travel. It helps that the office has a flexible work schedule -- just get your projects done, and use th PLA as the personal time it is intended to be. Work/school/volunteering/applying does suck. At my last interview, the interviewer was in shock of my typical week.

As for letting the office know my plans, not a chance. The unfortunate truth is that they will have limited to no RoI once I let the cat out of the bag. I will, however, try and give them as much notice as I feel comfortable when I get an acceptance. You feel bad, but unless you work in a "stepping-stone-to-MD" profession, a double-life is almost a must. You never know when you'll get accepted. Push forward with equal committment on both fronts.

 

[gman33]

Let your employer know at your own risk.
Some will be supportive, others will start looking for a way to show you the door.

If you have tons of interviews, especially requiring long distance travel, it will be hard to keep them in the dark.

 

[MSmentor018]

I work a full-time job and use my PLA to cover travel. It helps that the office has a flexible work schedule -- just get your projects done, and use th PLA as the personal time it is intended to be. Work/school/volunteering/applying does suck. At my last interview, the interviewer was in shock of my typical week.

As for letting the office know my plans, not a chance. The unfortunate truth is that they will have limited to no RoI once I let the cat out of the bag. I will, however, try and give them as much notice as I feel comfortable when I get an acceptance. You feel bad, but unless you work in a "stepping-stone-to-MD" profession, a double-life is almost a must. You never know when you'll get accepted. Push forward with equal committment on both fronts.

very true....isn't the professional thing still 30 day notice? if so, just go for that

 

[lastcall]

How did you do it? Did your employers know you were applying to medical school? Were they flexible with your schedule?

Do you advise NOT to work full-time during the med-school application process? If one cannot afford to go half-time, what options does one have?

If you can avoid working full-time while going on interviews then do it. If not, call in 'sick' (like me) during your interview days at your own risk. Or maybe use up your 'vacation' days if your job offers them. My manager is not flexible and I hated lying but there was no other way.