Afraid of Failure

dosamigos76, RN · Jul 16, 2003

I think we all worry about failing. It motivates us at times and it pulls us down and keeps us awake in the middle of the night at times. Making any change is scary and takes us out of our comfort zone. All in all I think what makes the difference is in how we handle the doubts. Some times it helps to have a friend that we can talk to, sometimes posting here or reading about other's doubts and feelings helps us realize that it is NOT just us. Sometimes we just have to grit out teeth and tough it out, because that is what is needed.

I think it helps to define what failure to YOU is. Failure to me is wanting to try something but being too scared to try or not trying hard enough. If I try my best and it doesn't work, then have I truly failed? No.

I wish you the best!

Cheryl

studentdeb · Jul 16, 2003

Oh my goodness, completely know where you are. I quit my job 3 weeks ago and it was the hardest thing I"ve ever done. I have those same feelings and wonder if I will be able to make it and that giving up a perfectly good paying job was crazy. As a matter of fact, I tried to get it back, that's how afraid I have been, but they said no.

So here I am going to start school in a month and pray it will work for me.

It sounds like there are quite a few of us in the same boat.

Good luck to you. I'm sure we will all be fine.

echo*echo · Jul 16, 2003

Originally posted by dosamigos76
I think it helps to define what failure to YOU is. Failure to me is wanting to try something but being too scared to try or not trying hard enough. If I try my best and it doesn't work, then have I truly failed? No.

I couldn't have said it better! If you don't try you won't know. And worse you will regret NOT taking that chance the rest of your life. With any reward comes risk. The worst thing that can possibly happen is you get into the program and either are dropped, or decide you are not cut out for this type of work. You've learned a valuable life lesson and can move on to other things. But if you fail to take that risk, you will never see it's potential rewards. I have not been satisfied with my life or previous career, and for me to not make any effort to improve this would be a failure.

camkib · Jul 16, 2003

I think that all of you who have quit your jobs are very courageous. I also agree with the above posters that if you try your best you cannot fail.

Gampopa · Jul 16, 2003

My last day at my job will be Aug. 13 and I'll start the nursing program Aug. 25 I'm both scared ****less and really excited:roll :roll I was hired as a part time assistant at Children's Hosp. starting Aug. 18 so I'll have some income but mostly will get through on student loans. Don't have a family to support, and I'm basically on my own, except for a cat. If I don't make it, I don't make it and will do something else. But I'll give it my best shot and work my butt off that's for sure. I've been a chronic under achiever and am ready to change that in a big way:p. I'm 39, male and leaving a pretty easy office manager job that bores me to tears so I've really got nothing to lose and a lot to gain! When those thoughts come up about failing just relax, they're just your fantasies. You'll have plenty of time to prove yourself.

justjenn · Jul 16, 2003

Wow, THanks for the Support EVERYONE!

My husband is very good & thinks I can do it. We set up our finances so that I could take this great leap. After the first semester, I hope to get a job as a student nurse in the nursing home in which I want to work. Or not. Just use the time to study.

The "Just my income" means just that. For me not having to work & just do school. He makes enough for us to live on w/out me having to work.

Your words of support & kindness mean a great deal. What I like most about the student board, is the fact we are all little-ones now, but one day we will get BIG & become nurses.

Justjenn

Carolanne · Jul 16, 2003

I saw a great quote on a web site a few months ago and it has stuck in my head ever since: "FEAR -- False Events Appearing Real". Ain't it the truth --- we worry and stress over things that never happen and drive ourselves crazy in the process. If you have a real passion for something, pursue it. The passion is there, nurture it, grow with it, help it to strengthen. And I have found most importantly, be patient with yourself! If someone else starts getting on your case, it's not the end of the world. It's often not what you're doing that's bothering them anyway, you're just a convenient source for them to vent. Learn to roll with things, always give yourself credit and a big hug when you've accomplished something, and never give up !!!!!!! When we survive the "tests" in life we feel stronger afterward, don't we?

Tarian · Jul 17, 2003

Heck yeah I'm scared! I'm personally making a big financial gamble-- not working any more, and taking out loans to cover expenses while I get through the program. So far the fear has been a good thing, though-- I've been able to stay incredibly focused and motivated (compared to my first time around in college). It's only natural to feel fear when making a big change like you are... if you DIDN'T feel scared then I think there'd be something wrong.

Just remember that you CAN do it, and that you're proactively taking charge and changing your life for the better instead of taking the easy route. Not many people have the guts to do that!

crispicritter · Jul 17, 2003

If you are getting the opportunity to quit your job to go to nursing school... YOU CAN DO IT!!!

I have been in nursing school for a year now... but I have had to continue working a full-time job.

It's been difficult... but it's a decision I made for myself.

When you want something bad enough... you will always be able to work out the fine details as you go on. Don't let fear stand in your way.

When I went to college the first time... I started as a nursing major and let fear take over... needless to say, I quit and graduated with a degree in radio-tv and journalism. All these years I've working in the business... but always felt incomplete. So, a few years ago I decided to go back to school to finish my pre-reqs... which took some time since I was working a full-time job. Last year at this time... I was accepted to a nursing program and I've loved it!!! It's tough to go back after all those years... and yes, there is fear... but I'm still working... and I'm still in school... and somehow I've managed for a year now. All I have is a year and a half to go!!!! YOU CAN DO IT TOO... I HAVE FAITH IN YOU.

bedpan · Jul 17, 2003

I am male and divorced - at the age of 46 I quit my job and am in the 7th week of my LPN program

I have no other income - with a little money I had put back, a small Pell grant, my scholarship and student loan I am going to squeek by I think - If not I will work in a convenience store on weekends if I have to

There is no way I will allow being dropped from the program because of grades - nor any other reason that is within my power to do anything about it!

This is where I am meant to be and where I am going to be!