Need advice!!

[Beckie]

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I'm currently struggling with the idea of become a doctor. I wanted to know if there are any single moms out there that have done it, or that are currently thinking about becoming a doctor, or that are in med school, or residency. Or single dads with full custody that have done it?

I want to know things like: How did you do it financially? Did you get enough money to live off of and pay for school? Or did you have to get a job too? How much did you get to see your kid(s)? Did this affect your relationship with your kid(s)?

If you had to do it over again, would you?

Thank you for any input. This is such a big decision, and I don't want to ruin my time with my daughter since it is so short (18 comes up quick). Right now she is 19 months old.

Take care,
Beckie

 

[dstn2bmd]

Hi Beckie-

I am sort of in the same boat as you...I am married now, however, my husband is not very supportive and since I have been unhappy for awhile I have been thinking of my plan to do it on my own.

At first the idea has been pretty scary for me, but recently, after reading a post in the financial aid forum I realized it can be done. If tuition is say 32K and Stafford gives you 38.5K that is 6.5K left. Then you can apply for alternative loans somewhere upto 12K. I can live off of approx. 19K a year in order to be doctor.

In North Carolina they have a childcare stipend to help pay for Childcare expenses. I did this during my undergrad when both my children were still in preschool. I got them into a 5star facility and only paid $20 a month. The cost was $1250 a month, thus I saved $1230 a month and my children were WELL taken care of. If you are med student there is the foodstamp, etc. services to help pay for those expenses.

As far as childcare on off hours I would see if the medical school you attend has services to watch her while you are in the library, etc., weekends. Also since the services are at the hospital you can take a break and go visit your treasure for awhile, tuck her in for nap, etc. I did that at my undergrad school. Or other mothers in medschool might want to share childcare responsiblities. You can do it!

Another thing that might be helpful is a very inspiring book called "The Abundance Book" author is John Randolf Price and the ISBN # is 1-56170-347-8 (ID# if you go to Barnes and Nobles or go online). It's $7.00 and a great read. Good luck and PM me if you want.

Heb🙂

 

[Beckie]

Thank you so much. You're so sweet!! I really needed to hear some comforting words. I will check out that book too.

Take care,
Let me know how things are going with you.
p.s. Feel free to send me a PM anytime.