Help me figure out how to be happy!

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

This is more a mind-dump than anything else. 80% of the time, I LOVE my job. I'm really really good at it. I adore all my coworkers, and I think they feel the same about me. For the most part, the patients love me. I'm the go-to person, the pointman (woman) for our department. If someone has a question or needs something done, they come to me. If I don't know the answer, I know how to find it. I'm the expert in our clinic.

My boss relies on me and trusts me, and has given me more and more responsibility. I'm on two different leadership committees, and am heavily involved in two different QI projects that are likely to have significant positive effects for the entire organization. I'm paid well.

Yet. I'm discontent. I have career ADD. I get restless easily, and once I've mastered something, I want to discard it for the next thing. And that's how I'm feeling, even though I KNOW I have a really really good thing here. I WANT to be content with my job, at least for the next few years. And most of the time, I am. But there is that smaller part of me that wants to know what else is out there.

How do I be happy with the really good thing I have?

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

gratittude fot your talents and resourcefullness,

best wishes

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Maybe try to imagine that you actually lost this job irreparably and every job after that left you no more content than for a short period but with not such great coworkers and admin.

Or maybe hobby hop while you keep your stable job.

Or make chaos of your personal life so that you appreciate the stableness if not sometimes boriness of your job. JK!

Seriously, how about make a contract with yourself, like one year of not considering a change, with an effective consequence if you do. Then see how you feel in a year after not dwelling on it the whole time.

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Specializes in ER.

Try getting a Per Diem job. It'll get you outta Dodge, so to speak. I think it gives you a better perspective, and makes you appreciate your home turf, warts and all.

I got one, and I love it. I found out that, my insurance at my current job is WAY cheaper. It's a kick back job, and it reminds me how irritating it is to see people goof off. And, my current manager is the greatest about communication, it's like pulling teeth getting an answer to an email at my kick back PRN job.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I'm discontent. I have career ADD. I get restless easily, and once I've mastered something, I want to discard it for the next thing.
I'm similar. I refer to myself as a malcontent when it comes to the workplace. Although the word 'malcontent' has negative connotations, it really means that I've never been content with any job I've ever had and never will for as long as I live.

I've been employed at my current place of employment for nearly five years. This is the longest length of time I have ever held a job. I stick around this place for the steady paycheck, the tolerable work environment, and the loyalty of certain staff members toward me. In essence, my job has been made easier because certain people want to work with me.

I have realized that my happiness comes from outside the workplace. I feel validated through schooling, learning, hobbies and other pursuits outside the workplace.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
Try getting a Per Diem job. It'll get you outta Dodge, so to speak. I think it gives you a better perspective, and makes you appreciate your home turf, warts and all. .

I would LOVE to do that. I would love to work per diem in L&D, just to feel like I'm not forgetting everything I've learned. My problem is that I work M-F 8-5. There's simply no time. It would leave weekends, which are devoted to school, my family, home renovations, and basically just trying to breathe. I came very close to taking a weekend per diem lactation consultant job at a local hospital 6 months ago, and then I came to my senses and declined the interview.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
Maybe try to imagine that you actually lost this job irreparably and every job after that left you no more content than for a short period but with not such great coworkers and admin.

Or maybe hobby hop while you keep your stable job.

Or make chaos of your personal life so that you appreciate the stableness if not sometimes boriness of your job. JK!

Seriously, how about make a contract with yourself, like one year of not considering a change, with an effective consequence if you do. Then see how you feel in a year after not dwelling on it the whole time.

These are really great suggestions, actually! Regarding the bolded, I had actually sort of contented myself to that in the last few weeks, but then I got an email from the hiring manager for a position I had submitted an application for several weeks ago, and she wants to interview me. So now I'm back to square one. I emailed her back, accepting the interview request. But now I'm thinking maybe I should email her and politely decline.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Specialty.

You spoke of school on the weekends but I don't know if you mean your kids' school or yours. So if you aren't currently in school:

Does your employer offer financial assistance for additional education? If so I'd go after your area certification, or, even consider additional schooling/MSN. But sounds like you are in a fabulous job right now. Don't give that up too easily. No job is perfect. 80% is really really good.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

No, I meant my school. I'm 4 months away from finishing my MSN. I'm also taking the exam for my second certification next month. :)

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What about a volunteer nurse job? Maybe once you finish your masters you can find a volunteer nurse travel job for a charity, or find one closer to home.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Specialty.
No, I meant my school. I'm 4 months away from finishing my MSN. I'm also taking the exam for my second certification next month. :)
That's great! Good luck! :)
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Specializes in ER.
No, I meant my school. I'm 4 months away from finishing my MSN. I'm also taking the exam for my second certification next month. :)

My Mother, may she rest in peace, would be proud of me if I were you!

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