How did your spouse handle the news of a career change?

Nurses Men

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For all the men out there(and you ladies can answer too), I was wondering what the reaction of your spouse was when you told her/him that you wanted to change your career.

To make a long story a short one, I'm 25 and my wife and I have been married about 2.5 years. I was going into the ministry but do not find it fulfilling enough. I feel that I should do more and help others more(there are other reasons too). I have had great work experiences in hospitals as a transportation aide, care provider, and chaplain. I am going to tell my wife after Christmas that I would like to change where I'm heading in life. I'm wondering what her reaction will be. How did your spouse take the news?

Specializes in Neuro, Cardiology, ICU, Med/Surg.
Nursing at its roots is a form of ministry. I would emphasize that aspect. You are just going into a different type of ministry....Best of luck!

I totally agree!

I was as yet in-between marriages when I made the decision, so my wife knew this was my plan when we met. My teenage daughter took some time getting used to the idea and, combined with my getting remarried after about 15 years since my first marriage ended, she thought I had totally flipped my lid and viewed all of these changes as some kind of mid-life crisis. Hmmm.... perhaps a Porsche would have been easier.

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My husband asked me if I thought I would like nursing. I left my job to start school in September so we lost an income. However, he has been extremely supportive these first four months. I'll graduate in August so I know he'll continue to stick by me. He is a sweetheart!!

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Specializes in He who hesitates is probably right....

It was her idea. I wanted to be a blimp pilot.

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).
It was her idea. I wanted to be a blimp pilot.

Oh, man! How cool is this: Blimp Nurse? For emergencies that, you know, aren't really all that urgent...

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Specializes in ICU M/S Peds Home Health.
Oh, man! How cool is this: Blimp Nurse? For emergencies that, you know, aren't really all that urgent...

Or you could be on station at big events and games... I think that it should be a postion... think of the access to games and... er... how nice it would be have a nurse that close to major events

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Specializes in Emergency Midwifery.

I graduated 13 months ago, before I became a nurse I was a Pharmacy Assistant, and mother.

When I told my hubby I wanted to be a nurse he tried to talk me into getting a degree in small business (yuck). I said 'uh uh no way' and off I went. My eldest child was 2 and a half my youngest only 11 months when I started but we made it in the end.

When I started working I began to struggle mainly due to a lack of support (the graduate program was an ultimate failure). I looked to my hubby for support and he said 'I always thought you would quit!' OMG I was so hurt I just couldn't believe he had that little faith in me (funny though, I never once thought of quitting, changing jobs yes, but quitting, no). I pushed the hurt aside, pushed my worries aside and have continued to motivate myself as I have discovered that, that is where I must get it from. My parents however, support me and so do my friends.

All I urge is that you make sure your foundation is strong - long term study does strain a marriage. Yes hubby and I are still together and I guess I am grateful that he did not mention his negative thoughts earlier.

Oh and he has just changed careers himself (brought a small business :icon_roll). Turns out that was his plan all along and that he must have had some faith that I would complete the degree and stay in the job so he could do this. Men!! (no offence intended lol).

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Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).
Men!! (no offence intended lol).

None taken (maybe you were too subtle.)

I think you're right about having to find your own motivation. Even those who are really supportive have a hard time understanding what you are going through. It looks so darned easy on TV.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).
Oh, man! How cool is this: Blimp Nurse? For emergencies that, you know, aren't really all that urgent...

Blimp Nurse..... that's what I'll call myself when I procrastinate about going to the gym...

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