Take big paycut and work more hours for possible better job?

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I did this exact thing about 6 months ago. I had worked for an extremely busy hospital in a postpartum unit - working 3-12's a week, rotating shifts. I was really started to get burnt out, and while I loved the actual work that I did, the craziness of the environment I was working in was making my life absolutely miserable. I started looking into maternal-child home health nursing, but those openings are hard to come by (apparently everyone loves those jobs!). I didn't give up though! About a year later, a nurse home visitor position opened up with a program called Nurse-Family Partnership (www.nursefamilypartnership.org). I have been here for 6 months - and have never been happier!!! I now work a regular M - F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. schedule. I NEVER work evenings, weekends or holidays. My kids and husband absolutely love it too - we can finally plan our lives! I did take a rather large paycut, and my benefits certainly reduced. We penny pinch now! But I now ENJOY my life. That is worth so much more than money!!!

cmrrn78

3 Posts

Specializes in OB, NURSING ADMINISTRATION.
Would you take a huge paycut and work more hours if there's a chance you would like the job alot more than your current job? I am considering doing this. I am considering taking a massive paycut, which would likely result in having to go from part time work to full time. I have kids, so this is my big consideration. It would be dayshift, M-F with weekends and holidays off, which would be better for my family overall. I wish I didn't have to be full time, but can't really afford to work less at the new lower wage. Hoping for some feedback on those that made the leap. Thanks.

I did just what you are talking about except that I was full time and still am full time. I did it for quality of life M-F no weekend no holidays and am still loving my new job. Been at it several years now and am very glad I did it!!! When you are looking for quality time with your family you know what you want to do. Something someone once said to me was that jobs may come and go but your family is your family and what is most important to you. Good luck with your decision. I just know it was the best for me :)

tewdles, RN

3,156 Posts

Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Many years ago I took a $10/hr pay cut and left the hospital setting for community health. It allowed me to practice in my small home town and I was significantly more available to my small children.

It worked out extremely well for me, I learned a new specialty, developed long term professional relationships and contacts, and was a better mother because of it.

Good luck!

HAYNURSE

13 Posts

I did such a thing 3 years ago. I was not happy where I was working and was invited back to the hospital I started at when I graduated. I jumped at the chance. I did take an 8$$$ an hour cut. But for piece of mind and a happier work place I made that decision.

cuhome

13 Posts

Specializes in hospice and home health.

If you're thinking of moving to home health, be sure it's a unionized job or hourly pay. Many home health jobs pay on a salaried basis, for a reason--you can end up working many more than 40 hours per week, with no overtime pay. I don't know if this is the case with your situation, but I'd say be cautious and check out the fine print. As far as going for a job that pays more that you don't like, to a job that pays less that you do like, I'd say go for it. But be careful.

cuhome

13 Posts

Specializes in hospice and home health.

If you're thinking of moving to home health, be sure it's a unionized job or hourly pay. Many home health jobs pay on a salaried basis, for a reason--it's beneficial to the agency, because they don't have to pay you overtime! You can end up working many more than 40 hours per week, with no overtime pay. I don't know if this is the case with your situation, but I'd say be cautious and check out the fine print. As far as going for a job that you don't like, that pays more, to a job that pays less that you do like, I'd say go for the one you really like. But be careful. Avoid the salaried trap!!

Guest372004

425 Posts

I must be the only one here who would not take a "huge paycut" and add two more days/week to enjoy a job. I would rather stay at 3days/week at a much higher salary, use my vacation days here and there and have more time for my family.

praise2u, CNA

110 Posts

I did the same thing. Took a pay cut, but I am much happier. I now have M-F 9-5, 5 weeks vacation, and 12 holidays, pretty much my own office. I am now a Case Manager and I love it!

Guest372004

425 Posts

That is great. I guess in my situation I just do not want to work full time. I work 4/wk (8 hr shifts) and they will not let me cut back. So I look at it as needing more time but I do agree that extra money is not worth it when having a terrible job.

Nurse ABC

437 Posts

I'm in the minority here. I took a paycut and went to the M-F full-time schedule as a school nurse where I got summers off! I did it several years why my kids were young but once they got older I went back to the hospital where I'm much happier! I hated the 5 day a week schedule. I love having time off during the week to get a break from work, do errands, do my own thing, go out to lunch with my husband (who also works shift work), etc. I'm actually less stressed because I feel like a rarely work. I can work part-time and make about the same as full-time at the schools. I used to wish for snow days worse than the kids but now I look foward to going to work because I feel like I've been off so much. The schools were much less hectic stress but they were stressful with all the politics with teachers, being bored (not from not having enough to do but from not really feeling like I was using all my skills and not growing), and the lack of respect I got. If I had to do it all over again I would never have even taken that job. I would've just changed positions or hospitals. Don't be afraid to make a change-just realize the grass may not be greener.

HARLEYDNS, ASN

25 Posts

Specializes in Director of Nursing.

needshaldol, then you must love you job! Good for you, hard to find a balance btwn money, job and life. Glad you found yours.

jetfuel

48 Posts

Anyone in healthcare should know the toll that stress can take on a human being.

NO amount of money is worth a terrible job. Been there...cost me. Left...happier, healthier.

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