working while in school

[txlioness]

I know that many of us have other training/degrees in other healthcare fields. How many of you are working part-time or per diem while in pod school?

I know that the coursework is demanding but I have read on SDN of some that work a little to augment their financial situation.

I am a Medical Technologist, so I know there is a shortage all over (used to work as a traveler). Finding a job wouldn't be a problem but it probably wouldn't be advisable either unless I knew how the coursework is going to be.

I got interviews set up for Temple and California. I am debating on Ohio, got the invite though. No word yet from Scholl, DMU or NYCPM. I also want to be sure that my hubby has a good chance of finding employment if accepted somewhere. He's in the IT field. I would think California or Philly would be good.

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[Feli]

I would recommend not working if it's financially possible, but everyone is different. I don't know how high your earning potential is or how bad you need he $, but it's a personal decision which probably will adversely affect your GPA to some degree. Some students work or are highly involved in sports and student activities, but everyone is different and some people flunk out or barely pass their classes despite not working or being involved in anything at all. Maybe leaving the first semester free from employment to gauge your relative academic prowess compared to the rest of your pod class is a good idea.

FWIW, I started work about 20 hours per week on my campus this past fall (my 4th semester in pod school), and it was the first semester in which I failed to make Dean's list. It was a fairly tough semester and very few people did make Dean's (3.5 or better), but I was nonetheless disappointed with my marks in a couple courses which might have been better had I not worked. Hopefully my work experience in a leadership job position will compensate somewhat for the slip in GPA if I consider highly competitive residencies, but there are no guarantees. Overall, it is worth it to me because I needed the $ to get a car before I start clinics this summer, but, again, it's a personal decision and I realized I was taking a bit of a risk and putting a time crunch on myself to accomplish a goal.

I can't think of any other students at my school who I know to work any more than ~10hrs/wk at their part time job, and most who work at all don't have a full courseload because they are on the 5yr extended program or came into the pod program with advanced standing due to previous graduate work. Many students do tutoring or TA-ing for a little extra cash, but that is typically on a very limited basis (avg of maybe ~5hrs/wk for students on 4yr program).

 

[txlioness]

i thought so, that's why i'm working my tail off NOW so that I have extra cash for the move, utilities, etc. I live in Houston, Texas. I also have 2 kiddies I have to worry about but they're older (elementary and jr high) so daycare would not be a cost issue. but i would like to keep my standard of living if possible but not at the expense of school.

I am actually looking forward to not having to work (just ask my hubby!)

 

[songaila]

Hi,toioness. I thought that last month you were in the pre-allopathic forum.....Have you shadowed a podiatrist?

 

[txlioness]

Hi,toioness. I thought that last month you were in the pre-allopathic forum.....Have you shadowed a podiatrist?

yes.....point

i am looking for advise from pod students on about working while in school. you're not in school, yet from what i have read, CORRECT?

 

[mchobson]

If you plan on working while in pod school the best thing you could do is get some bartending skills. You can easily make between 400-500 bucks on a Friday or Saturday night at a busy bar. You could make nearly two thousands dollars by working only four days a month. Only problem is the hours are long and dealing with drunks is a pain in the @ss at 3am. Anyway, to answer your question, I work/own a bar and work about 30 hours a week and also attend NYCPM. It aint easy to say the least but its my only option since I have a family to take care of while in school. I do most of my studying on the weekends so I am always playing catch up in most of my classes. If you really want a great residency then you are probably not going to want to work because I will be the first to tell you that my grades have definitely suffered due to the amount of hours i need to put in at work and not to mention the time needed for my family. Perseverance is key! Good luck!

 

[songaila]

WOW, 30hrs . I am a CRT(certified respiratory therapist) but I don't plan to work close to that many hours. You do what you got to do. Good luck in school

 

[txlioness]

If you plan on working while in pod school the best thing you could do is get some bartending skills. You can easily make between 400-500 bucks on a Friday or Saturday night at a busy bar. You could make nearly two thousands dollars by working only four days a month. Only problem is the hours are long and dealing with drunks is a pain in the @ss at 3am. Anyway, to answer your question, I work/own a bar and work about 30 hours a week and also attend NYCPM. It aint easy to say the least but its my only option since I have a family to take care of while in school. I do most of my studying on the weekends so I am always playing catch up in most of my classes. If you really want a great residency then you are probably not going to want to work because I will be the first to tell you that my grades have definitely suffered due to the amount of hours i need to put in at work and not to mention the time needed for my family. Perseverance is key! Good luck!

i'm working hard now to try to alleviate the burden on my hubby. We have paid off everything we own (cars, furniture, appliances, etc). Everything is fairly new. But we are still paying down or off credit cards and putting away any extra. I just save any money from overtime as if I never had it to have for savings, moving expenses, etc.

Since he will be the sole breadwinner for a little bit, it makes things so much easier and nicer when money is not thrown into the mix. School will be stressful enough without worrying about bills

i will definitely see how things go before I think about working. BTW, I have taken a bartending class. I used to do parties in my free time. Yes, you do make some pretty good tips with the right crowd

 

[mchobson]

And you women complain about men! Dont husbands rule! LOL

 

[cool_vkb]

I know that many of us have other training/degrees in other healthcare fields. How many of you are working part-time or per diem while in pod school?

I know that the coursework is demanding but I have read on SDN of some that work a little to augment their financial situation.

I am a Medical Technologist, so I know there is a shortage all over (used to work as a traveler). Finding a job wouldn't be a problem but it probably wouldn't be advisable either unless I knew how the coursework is going to be.

I got interviews set up for Temple and California. I am debating on Ohio, got the invite though. No word yet from Scholl, DMU or NYCPM. I also want to be sure that my hubby has a good chance of finding employment if accepted somewhere. He's in the IT field. I would think California or Philly would be good.

You should join Scholl. CHicago has tons of openings in MT field. You can work on weekends or some night shifts and make $17-18/hr.

Bartending idea is really bad especially for a health professional. It will tarnish your Physician (the holistic/respectfull) image in general soceiety. Unless you want to work in a very liberal state where people are OK in accepting these things. but as such in my 4 yrs of stay in USA. i saw people place Physicians in a very different area. they might love or like a bartender or waiter but they woudnt want to go to a Physician who was before a bartender. Its general perception.

 

[txlioness]

You should join Scholl. CHicago has tons of openings in MT field. You can work on weekends or some night shifts and make $17-18/hr.

Bartending idea is really bad especially for a health professional. It will tarnish your Physician (the holistic/respectfull) image in general soceiety.

i'm still waiting to hear from Scholl. hopefully i will hear from them next week. they're one of my top picks so far!

cool_vkb, do you work at one of the area hospitals?

mchobson....yes, yes I have to give my man his props!

 

[cool_vkb]

i'm still waiting to hear from Scholl. hopefully i will hear from them next week. they're one of my top picks so far!

cool_vkb, do you work at one of the area hospitals?

mchobson....yes, yes I have to give my man his props!

I did my MT but i work as a MRI Technologist plzz dont ask how this is possible Its more money though . But i have many friends who are MTs and i know the job situation here. Its excellent with many part-time and flexible schedules/

 

[Dr. Gangrene]

Man, you guys are crazy!! One of the things I am most excited for is to go to school and not work!! I have worked at least 40ish hours a week and went to school full time for way too long. It will be so nice to only have school to worry about. I am soooo ready to be poor for a while

 

[cool_vkb]

Man, you guys are crazy!! One of the things I am most excited for is to go to school and not work!! I have worked at least 40ish hours a week and went to school full time for way too long. It will be so nice to only have school to worry about. I am soooo ready to be poor for a while

yeah me too. iam not gonna work during my 1st year .My family is going to take care of my expenses as soon as School starts. So iam really exicted abt it. reminds me of those care-free life back in high school days. no worries about rent, mobile bills,etc., mom doing all laundry, 3 times proper decent meal. Cant wait for all that to happen again.

 

[krabmas]

You should join Scholl. CHicago has tons of openings in MT field. You can work on weekends or some night shifts and make $17-18/hr.

Bartending idea is really bad especially for a health professional. It will tarnish your Physician (the holistic/respectfull) image in general soceiety. Unless you want to work in a very liberal state where people are OK in accepting these things. but as such in my 4 yrs of stay in USA. i saw people place Physicians in a very different area. they might love or like a bartender or waiter but they woudnt want to go to a Physician who was before a bartender. Its general perception.

How would someone know if a pod student was once a bar tender?

Do you know all of your physicians pasts?

 

[jonwill]

I actually worked as a tissue recovery tech for Iowa Donor Network from about half way through my 2nd year to half way through my 3rd year. But it was a pretty sweet set-up so it worked out well. I would usually only work 3-4 days a month and it was mostly weekends. Granted, cases lasted 10-12 hours.

 

[VelkaNoha]

Cool,

Perhaps you should re-think your statement regarding a bartending past.

As important and influencial as you might think you will be as a podiatrist, few people will have the time or inclination to investigate your previous employment history.

Moreover, if said employment history does become public knowledge, I severely doubt that there will be substantial "tarnishing".

You are going to be a podiatrist not a clergyman.

Charitably,
BigFoot

 

[funfeet]

Bartending does sound pretty sweet, and since Scholl is right by Great Lakes Naval Base, I'm sure there are bars nearby. I also plan on reffing soccer games on the weekends just for a little extra cash. It will be nice to get out and run in the fresh air at the end of a week.

 

[cool_vkb]

Cool,

Perhaps you should re-think your statement regarding a bartending past.

As important and influencial as you might think you will be as a podiatrist, few people will have the time or inclination to investigate your previous employment history.

Moreover, if said employment history does become public knowledge, I severely doubt that there will be substantial "tarnishing".

You are going to be a podiatrist not a clergyman.

Charitably,
BigFoot

Well a Physician is considered next to God in many cultures in USA. So yeah we do hold a very important position among people.Bar tending is not at all bad and very good line of work. I said some conservative sections of a society might not feel comfortable. You shud have read my post properly. i didnt said whole society.

And how would people know if some one was bartender.If you went to scholl and did bartending around there for the next 4 yrs and then decide to open a practice there. Dont you think your once bar customers will not recognize you if they came to your clinic. Believe me! there are many gossip mongers in world. Word does spreads out and if it was small it becomes very big by the time it reaches other ears. if you were a bartender they might later add so much stuff in it that by the time a patient hears you might be labelled as a person doing more than bartending. People tend to add more and more inflamatory things in middle. These professions are kind of GRAY AREAS. Some people think very bad about these professions. Health care industry is all about credibility and reputation. and if people began to hear bad about you then they might not come to you. GOSSIPS, JEALOUSY, bad marketting all these play a very major role in business setup.

Iam also actively involved in marketting and other stuff for Imaging Center and so far i have seen, lot of chicago's healthcare industry is kind of Snobbish and kind of those higher society people who are very picky. I think these type of jobs can hinder in professional life because people tend to see the person in that way only even after he becomes a Doctor. and doctors and patients who have reserved views on this topic might avoid the person.

iam just saying my experience during marketting with Healthcare providers here

I have no right to say and iam not all saying, this profession is bad or it is this or that. Iam just saying my opinion. if i have hurt someone or somethinks this is wrong, then iam really ashamed of myself and i appologize. But this is the truth that i saw during my experience in work.

 

[VelkaNoha]

Well a Physician is considered next to God in many cultures in USA.

Perhaps you are correct. I cannot say I am familiar such cultures where "a Physician is next to God." Perhaps in your culture such is the case.

In MY culture a podiatrist/physician/dentist is a cat who went to 4 years of professional school and was granted a doctorate degree. I fail to make the God/Physician etc. connection.

I am not advocating bartending while practicing medicine; I am suggesting you do two things: #1. give some thought (prior to suggesting something is a "really bad idea") to the financial status of other students and their potential need to generate income and

#2. Perhaps dont take your future doctor-self so seriously or you just might perpetuate the "snobbish" , "higher society" outlook you have so keenly noticed.

GAAASP!!
Former Bartender
And Future Physician

VelkaNoha

 

[cool_vkb]

Perhaps you are correct. I cannot say I am familiar such cultures where "a Physician is next to God." Perhaps in your culture such is the case.

In MY culture a podiatrist/physician/dentist is a cat who went to 4 years of professional school and was granted a doctorate degree. I fail to make the God/Physician etc. connection.

I am not advocating bartending while practicing medicine; I am suggesting you do two things: #1. give some thought (prior to suggesting something is a "really bad idea") to the financial status of other students and their potential need to generate income and

#2. Perhaps dont take your future doctor-self so seriously or you just might perpetuate the "snobbish" , "higher society" outlook you have so keenly noticed.

GAAASP!!
Former Bartender
And Future Physician

VelkaNoha

OK BOSS as you say!

 

[krabmas]

So should I not pose topless to pay for my education? I'm not sure if that falls into the gray category of bartending. I mean I will not be bartending topless, although that would probably pay even more!

 

[Poddoc]

Perhaps you are correct. I cannot say I am familiar such cultures where "a Physician is next to God." Perhaps in your culture such is the case.

In MY culture a podiatrist/physician/dentist is a cat who went to 4 years of professional school and was granted a doctorate degree. I fail to make the God/Physician etc. connection.

I am not advocating bartending while practicing medicine; I am suggesting you do two things: #1. give some thought (prior to suggesting something is a "really bad idea") to the financial status of other students and their potential need to generate income and

#2. Perhaps dont take your future doctor-self so seriously or you just might perpetuate the "snobbish" , "higher society" outlook you have so keenly noticed.

GAAASP!!
Former Bartender
And Future Physician

VelkaNoha

lol

 

[Cheetos]

So should I not pose topless to pay for my education? I'm not sure if that falls into the gray category of bartending. I mean I will not be bartending topless, although that would probably pay even more!

Whistle while you work

 

[defboy]

I did not fare well doing the topless bar thing, but neither as an escort-must have something to do with smelling like pig soooooooie!
Work+undergrad+good grades=doable
work+med school(any)+good grades=cool_vkb God culture

I ma working extra jobs like some of the other posters to save for med school and the evident financial hardship and exceedingly high study requirements.
Only one of the 20+ MD,DPM, or DOs worked during school and it was as a tutor for biology totaling 3 hours a week MWF evening($10). Not sustainable cash but enought to get a single man groceries for 2-3 weeks.
Best idea-marry RICH!

 

[txlioness]

I did not fare well doing the topless bar thing, but neither as an escort-must have something to do with smelling like pig soooooooie!
Work+undergrad+good grades=doable
work+med school(any)+good grades=cool_vkb God culture

I ma working extra jobs like some of the other posters to save for med school and the evident financial hardship and exceedingly high study requirements.
Only one of the 20+ MD,DPM, or DOs worked during school and it was as a tutor for biology totaling 3 hours a week MWF evening($10). Not sustainable cash but enought to get a single man groceries for 2-3 weeks.
Best idea-marry RICH!

lol

but since I didn't marry a millionaire, i guess i have to keep my husband, darn. just when i thought i could get rid of him...just kidding.

anywho, i guess i will keep working as long as i can until the "BIG MOVE" and save as much as possible. Of course, make out a budget and stick to it.

luck to everyone this coming school year.