I just got a job..but now I feel like I should quit to study for the DAT....

[Longcatislong]

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I just got a good, somewhat-relevant-to-dentistry part time to full time job. It's about 25-30 hrs a week and roughly a 45 min commute from my home. I'm very excited to have this position, but I'm worried that between the commuting during rush hours and working I'm going to become too tired too efficiently study for the DAT. I'm going to give it a few weeks and see how I feel, but I'm leaning toward leaving the job and focusing 100% on DAT studying, since the long term goal of dental school is obviously more important. The problem is I feel very guilty at the possibility to leaving 🙁 and also im moving about 70 miles from the job in 3 months so that might mean i have to quit either way...As a non-trad 25 year old student, this is the first time I've been employed in over 2 years and I'm scared that ill have a hard time finding future employment if I quite now.

Anyone have opinions to share of the issue? Should I stick it out with the job for the next few months?

Just venting. End rant.

 

[free99]

I just got a good, somewhat-relevant-to-dentistry part time to full time job. It's about 25-30 hrs a week and roughly a 45 min commute from my home. I'm very excited to have this position, but I'm worried that between the commuting during rush hours and working I'm going to become too tired too efficiently study for the DAT. I'm going to give it a few weeks and see how I feel, but I'm leaning toward leaving the job and focusing 100% on DAT studying, since the long term goal of dental school is obviously more important. The problem is I feel very guilty at the possibility to leaving 🙁 and also im moving about 70 miles from the job in 3 months so that might mean i have to quit either way...As a non-trad 25 year old student, this is the first time I've been employed in over 2 years and I'm scared that ill have a hard time finding future employment if I quite now.

Anyone have opinions to share of the issue? Should I stick it out with the job for the next few months?

Just venting. End rant.

Any possibility you could speak to your supervisors about postponing the job for 1 month? What is your position, out of curiosity?

 

[nondescriptive]

Suck it up and be a man. You can do both. It just means more effort to get to where you need to be. Your long term goal is to be a dentist, so do what you need to do to get in. In dental school its 9-5 for classes and then another 4-8 hours of studying, at least for the first 2 years. If you can't put in 60 hours a week to study for the DAT and work, then you should reconsider your career options.

 

[crashblades]

more than enough time to study. I studied 2-3hrs a day / 4 days a week for like 3-4 months and I got a 23AA. I work full time and drive ~2hrs everyday.

now imagine if I actually used the weekends too. (well I did do some practice problems some weekends)

plus your job is Dental related, so you dont even need to push for shadowing/volunteer which I had to do ontop of my fulltime job + studying.

 

[Longcatislong]

Thanks for encouragement. I realize other people study (and do well) on the DAT with much more responsibilities that me. I'll tough it out for as long as i can. Its just that with moving (a personal, non-dental relatd move) right after my DAT day, ill probably have to end up quitting either way. oh well. For the person that was curious, the job is for a dental practice management company.

 

[yoyomama69]

I own my home & manage my own rental property, work full time, am married and studied for the DAT at the same time as we were renovating our bathrooms. Its not easy, pretty exhausting but you can def do it - its all about motivation.

If you can arrange for your meals to be ready and avoid distractions you will be fine. Dont forget to workout regularly, prepares you mentally and physically.

All the best

 

[yoyomama69]

BTW, I got 21AA/21TS

 

[Longcatislong]

If you can arrange for your meals to be ready...

I unfortunately don't have a wife who can do that for me (everyone could use a wife, right?) 😉 and too frugal to go out to eat too often.

But yes, I get the gist of what you're saying. Thanks!

 

[SES0112]

I was in a similar position last year that you are in. I was studying for the DAT's and an awesome job opportunity in a dental office came up to be an office trained dental assistant (legal in my state). I ended up taking the job for financial reasons but negotiated 3 days a week instead of 4 until my DAT's were done. Just talk to your employer. The experience I've gained from my position is invaluable, as well as the EC's, letter of rec., and general knowledge I've picked up.

 

[jmh018]

You can do both. Dental school will be much harder than a part time job and studying for the DAT. I'm not trying to tell you to suck it up or anything, I'm saying that you can do it. Stick with it even when you're exhausted and get it done. I studied while working in a full time research position and planning a wedding and doing other work on the side at night. The test was also a week after my honeymoon where I didn't study, obviously. If it really doesn't seem like it will work out, ask about taking a month off. Try to stick with it though if you think you can, a challenge is good for you.

 

[UltimateHombre]

If you are going to be commuting 70 miles one way in 3 months and plan on quitting then anyway, i am not sure i would keep the job.

Number one priority should be killing your DAT. Unless you are hard up for cash, i wouldn't keep the job. Furthermore, i would just find the highest paying job i could find, it doesn't necessarily need to be in the dental field.

 

[dskornha]

Make the most of your free time! You can download ExamKrackers on different downloading software for free. Listen to it during your commutes to and from work. It is an excellent and FUN supplement to reading your practice books and really reinforces many science concepts you will encounter on the DAT. There is always time to work and study, just use your time wisely, even if it means not going out on Friday nights!