I quit my good paying job to attend a CNA class. Anyone else?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi everyone,

My friends and family think I'm crazy for quitting my job during a recession. I had the regular 9-5 job where I stared at the computer all day. I couldn't believe that dealing with redundant paperwork and running boring reports would be required of me for the rest of my life. After 3 1/2 years of doing this, I couldn't take it anymore!! So I quit! I gained 35 pounds in three years because of this job. I saw the drive and compassion in my coworkers and I just couldn't relate. I don't know about anyone else, but I want a job where I feel fulfilled at the end of the day. I figured healthcare would be a good option because you're not staring at a computer all day and you're actually ACTIVE. I figured the CNA training would be beneficial towards my future because I'm interested in the healthcare field. Does anyone else have a story similar to mine?

Hi nobhill,

I had to respond to your post b/c I also recently left my job as an attorney and am in the middle of my CNA class right now!! My job was making me sick, both physically and mentally, so I just left. Although it's been stressful not having a job, it's been a huge sense of relief to get away from the seriously toxic environment. It's a huge change, and sometimes I wonder what I'm doing, but I'm also excited about it. Clinicals start next week, and I'm a nervous wreck. I also am hoping to get a job doing this asap for the health insurance and to make some money, and I'm thinking about going back to school for Physical Therapist Asst next year. It's an associate's degree, because I don't want to spend all the time in school it would take to be a PT (it requires a doctorate now), especially after all the years I've already been in school.

I saw in another thread that you're an employment attorney, which is what I am/was too. And I used to live in San Francisco (noe valley), it's such a great city!

Specializes in Geriatric.

Hi misswillow,

Wow, what a small world! Employment law in San Francisco! I love Noe Valley, which is where I wanted to originally live, but I ended up on Nob Hill.

Funny, my old job sounds the same as yours, and it made me sick too, phsyically and mentally.

Because I need to pay my bills, I took a contract project and it really reinforces why I don't want to do the legal work anymore. Here it is, Memorial Day weekend, and I have to work. Mind you, I need the money, but working the holidays just reminds me of what I did for so many years.

I know as a CNA, I will work probably work holidays, but at least others will be working too.

Sometimes I wonder what the heck I'm doing, and it seems kind of crazy, but I really believe that this is the right thing for me.

The physical therapist assistant program sounds great--you should go for it!

Good luck! :)

Nobhill

you guys should definately take time away from your jobs, but keep in mind once you start earning 10/hr, and you can't even feel your feet/body from being up bathing patients, you're going love to go back to your old hated job.

after a month of hard work...and little money, i was happy to take my old sub teacher job back.

i couldn't afford to pay rent, bills, school, car payments with $10/hr. my body ached so much that i could make it to school.

plus, my "roommate" graduated last summer as an rn, and hasn't been able to find a job. i have to support the two of us, or she will litterly be homeless.

Work & Play, I'm sorry you had such a difficult time as a CNA, I really am trying to prepare myself for how hard it will be and it helps to hear these stories. I know I won't be able to live long-term on the salary, but I am at the point that I need to find any job...making some money will be better than not making any. My last job is one that I cannot just go back to (nor would I ever do that even if I could), and finding a new job in the legal field is very difficult right now (just like everything else). One of the reasons why I'm not going to pursue an RN and instead go for physical therapy is because of the difficulty in finding jobs, I'm hoping that the market for physical therapy will remain as good as it is now. I know things will be difficult for the next few years, but I'm hoping in the long run it will work out and all be worth it.

Nobhill, that's great that you've been able to find contract work. That was my original plan when I left my job, but there really is no contract work to be had in the Boston area. Not even document review! I hope you got to enjoy some of the holiday weekend and didn't spend it all working.

Specializes in Geriatric.

The bottom line, which is probably the same for everyone, is that we have to do what we need to do to survive.

I need to find a job where I can work and get insurance benefits [i have a chronic condition that requires expensive medication]. If I could find full time work as an attorney, I would suck it up and do it, but there isn't any. I had to switch to something else so I could pay my bills. [i am lucky to have this contract project, which I got by cold calling lawyers I knew. If I didn't have this job, I wouldn't be able to survive.]

Misswillow, have you thought of going into gerontology? Nursing home administration requires someone with legal training, because the job involves complying with the laws and being able to prevent situations that result in lawsuits. I just finished a nursing home administration class and lawsuit prevention seemed to the the main focus of the course. I know a masters degree would be more school, but perhaps at a state school tuition might be more reasonable. I'm not sure what the job market is like in Boston, but there might be opportunites if you wanted a longer term goal. the legal and CNA background would certainly be an asset.

I'm not under any illusions about the CNA work. My aunt was a CNA for 35 years, and I saw how hard she worked and how tired she was.

Nobhill

As for the holidays, well I work today as I was scheduled to work. Someone has to work on the holidays if you are in healthcare. The patients still need care. Unfortunately, my cheapskate employer won't pay me holiday pay. I worked Thanksgiving and didn't get it. I don't like working on holidays unless I get the extra pay. That makes up for missing out on the festivities.

I can relate to so many of you! I did the exact same thing. I was an Office Administrator for over 15 years, made really good money. May of 2010 (yes, right in the midst of the recession when everyone is saying "hold on to your job") I decided to give my notice at work and change my career to something that I enjoy, something I will feel fulfilled in doing. Money doesn't buy happiness....doing something you love is happiness. No more Sunday afternoon moping.....knowing that tomorrow it's back to my desk where I sit all day at a computer. I had support from all my family members which was very important. I start my CNA class on Monday and I am very excited!! I always wanted to work in health care because I get such joy in helping people and making a difference in their life. I just wish I would have looked into becoming a CNA sooner! So for those of you that are brave to say goodbye to misery and do what you enjoy in life.......good luck to you!

Specializes in Rehab, LTC.

Just wanted to respond to this post and say that sortof did the same thing you all did. I have worked in accounting for 6 years and one day decided I didn't want to do it anymore. While still working in accounting I started Nursing school in the evenings. After taking Fundamentals I was able to sit for the CNA exam. Once I received my CNA certification I quit my job of $45,000 annually and excepted a CNA position in a Rehab hospital making $10/hr and I love it! I am still in nursing school which I truely have a passion for. Yes me, my husband, and my children have all had to make lifestyle adjustments, but mommy is much happier which makes the whole house a lot happier.:D Have I heard that it is hard to find jobs in nursing right now? You bet, but I am staying positive. I will have my LPN July 2011 (part time program takes 21 months instead of 12), and I plan to continue right into the RN program which will take 12 months. I believe that the economy and other things will be much better by then. Good luck to everyone and I think it is awesome that you all are following your dreams! :nurse:

LOL This is me! Great job great pay.. bored to tears! I need to help others I need action, movement. Have gained a lot of weight sitting at my desk. Can't wait to start as CNA in a few weeks!:yeah::yeah::yeah:

Just wondering how everyone has done who has quit their job to become a CNA. How do you like your job? Was it worth quitting your old one? I hope everyone is happy with their decision.

I, too wondering how you are doing with the CNA job?

I totally agree with you!!! I worked behind a desk for 4 years and at first, I thought it was pretty cool but it's soooo boring. My family thinks I'm crazy for leaving my job but I told them I want to feel like I'm contributing to society not just staring at a computer all day long lol. You made a good choice...Good luck =]:yeah:

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