Since leaving my nursing program in Edmond, in order to keep the family physically together--and to keep Matt's pilot training as low-stress as possible--I have been on the hunt for some sort of employment. The girls are going to a wonderful Montessori school here and are enjoying the best educational program I have come across yet, over the course of our many moves. It offers a wonderful before and after school program, that would allow both girls 3 hours of playtime together, plus lunch--and a nap for my youngest. Its hours are 7:30-5:30, accommodating an 8-5 job perfectly. However, finding such a job in my new field (nursing) is proving to be quite the challenge.
My first thought was to work at night, 3 days a week, during the 6p-6a shift as a Nurse Tech and eventually an LPN. This would allow me to take the girls to/from school and sleep during their regular session (without adding on extended care) from 8:30-3. However, Matt's schedule is erratic to the point that I would literally be scrambling to determine and arrange babysitting needs the night before or morning of each shift. Not to mention his intermittent overnight flying sessions. Plus, his study load and stress level are high enough as-is that I don't really want to count on him for any sort of regular parenting responsibilities over the next 18 months. Pilot training has a significant washout rate, and if Matt is for some reason unable to complete this training, I certainly do not want it to be because of me. In short, I am definitely feeling increasing pressure to find a position that I can fill independent of his schedule.
I am interviewing for the only 8-5 medical job I have found this Friday (a medical assistant at a nearby clinic), however it is not technically nursing (although its responsibilities are similar to those of the LPN). The pay rate meets my minimum requirements, but there is really no room for advancement, and only the slightest room for a raise. I'm not sure the daily ordeal of getting the girls to school by 7:30am would be worth it, as 8:30am is enough of a challenge for my oldest. However, I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 5 1/2 years and I would like to return to work. My kids enjoy school and extracurriculars and I would like to be able to provide the best opportunities I can for them. Plus, really, while they are in school, there is a certain amount of cooking and cleaning I am freed up to do in the morning, but I like to stay extremely busy and I don't like to feel wholly financially dependent on my husband. There is certainly a reason I've been taking college classes for the majority of the past 12 years.
My biggest challenge right now is deciding between: a) a job with significant room for professional growth, and a bona fide nursing position--but very difficult hours, b) a low-stress job with so-so pay, but great hours and routine skill requirements that may slightly help my nursing career in the long run, or c) capitalize on my finance/business-related degree and military managerial experience, as those jobs are my best paying options around here--it would be work I enjoy (I love busy, organizational, administrative-type tasks) and a great opportunity to save up some money. I am planning to return to nursing school (for my RN or MSN) after Matt is through with pilot training, so it's not as though this is my one chance to capitalize on fresh credentials. Additionally, once I pass the NCLEX-PN, I can take part in volunteer nursing opportunities--there are usually many available through our church. If there is one thing I've learned as a military wife: flexibility is everything.
I really don't know. From the response I've gotten from the apps I've submitted so far, it sounds like a) & b) are certainly viable options. I've only just begun to explore option c) this afternoon--inspired by a friend's suggestion over the weekend--and a potential networking opportunity. We will see...
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