Summer jobs woes

[Amethya]

I just wanted to rant a bit right now. I'm 26 years old and I already got a career, but I want to pursue more.

Since I joined this site I learned so much about this type of job and I found out about summer camps. I got on the ACA website and other places and also went to websites to find job, I mainly looked in Texas but lots of them said they needed an LVN or RN, not a CMA.

So I then decided to widen my job search to every state and I got call backs. Two places in New york and Philadelphia want to hire me, I did a pros and cons list and the Philly one sounds good, it pays more, I get more days off and there's more in staff than the other place. It's a 24/7 job, but its small shifts and everyone takes turns. I get my own room, They do trips and they let the staff leave the camp at night to walk around town and do what you want.

I like this idea and I asked for the pay, the other place wanted to pay 2,000 for the whole summer which was 9 weeks, but this one is 8 weeks and 4,100. The other job I was not going to be doing much what I wanted to do, which is learn more skills in pediatrics.

So for me, the Philly one sounds good, but my parents won't let me. They want me to find something close, but I tried, but not many are hiring CMAs. Plus I like the idea of an adventure, but it's like I'm being pulled back because of my parents.

Am I making the right choice for this job?

Edit: I know there's a camp nurse forum, but there's rarely anyone there.

[kidzcare]

You sound frustrated. Do you plan to get a higher degree to be able to expand your job pool?

I'm wondering why your parents have so much say when you are 26?

[Eleven011]

My thought too. Not to be offensive at all, but at 26 with a good job - why are your parents telling you you can't go?

Edit at add: The camp sounds like a great learning opportunity and adventure!

[NurseBeans, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Same comment from me--if you are 26 and working full time, how is it that your parents can tell you anything? Not to be rude, and maybe there is a lot more to the story than we are aware of, but yeah...maybe just don't ask their opinion or permission?

[Amethya]

You sound frustrated. Do you plan to get a higher degree to be able to expand your job pool?

I'm wondering why your parents have so much say when you are 26?

My thought too. Not to be offensive at all, but at 26 with a good job - why are your parents telling you you can't go?

Edit at add: The camp sounds like a great learning opportunity and adventure!

I do want to do more with my education, but as of now, it's not an option. It's mostly financial issues with my family and household.

I'm the only daughter and baby of my family, and Hispanic. So while my mom and dad can be chill, they are still overprotective of me in a sense. But I digress.

I know I'm adult, but while this a component on this issue, the major issues is this, I have two kids who live with us. Not my children mind you, it's my niece and nephew. Their mother passed away 5 years ago and they been living with us ever since, but now they are older and easier to care for. So I'm also thinking my parents are worried about me leaving for 8 weeks because of the kids, but I think it will be fine. Their dad (my brother) sees them sometimes, so I'm sure he'll want to do things with them during the summer, so they will be fine. But my parents are still kinda against it, but I'm mostly hoping I got a good pay for that type of job. I don't want to be gyped and also this is my first time leaving home for longer than a few days, so I'm also nervous about it.

[Eleven011]

Do you all live together - your parents/niece and nephew and you? Family dynamics can be tricky - only you can decide whats best to do there.

Have you thought of other ways to get pediatric experience other than summer camps? Maybe prn at a kids clinic/pediatricians office? I work prn at Home Health and they know I'm only available during the summer, but they love it because I can cover for everyone's vacations and they don't have work short or deny anyone. How about first aide stations at local fairs or swimming pools?

[Amethya]

Do you all live together - your parents/niece and nephew and you? Family dynamics can be tricky - only you can decide whats best to do there.

Have you thought of other ways to get pediatric experience other than summer camps? Maybe prn at a kids clinic/pediatricians office? I work prn at Home Health and they know I'm only available during the summer, but they love it because I can cover for everyone's vacations and they don't have work short or deny anyone. How about first aide stations at local fairs or swimming pools?

Yes, we all live together. It is tricky, but to be honest, I want to get out of Texas. I do want to experience more and travel more, so I thought why not outside of Texas. My parents can moan about it, but I want to do it. But I'm just hoping my dad doesn't get angry. Plus I'm always here, I need a break from the same ol', same ol'. And what better way than to go to a summer camp and meet new people? I want to break out of my shell and that's not going to help if I go out and come back after each day. I love my family, but I need to be more independent.

I would, but I rather try this first then go back to clinics. First aide stations sound good, but they want RNs.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I wish that when I was younger, unmarried and no kid that I had traveled more - the thought of doing travel nursing to see more of the globe was there, but I never pursued it. I instead worked for a local agency and while I had some interesting assignments, it wasn't letting me see more of the world.

My point is, do what you feel you need to do to support your family, but also support yourself. If your family an manage without you for those weeks, then pursue it. Enjoy getting out of your comfort zone. But- like earlier posters have said - I can't speak for your family dynamics. I hope everything works out for you. It sounds like you are in a tough spot.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

What better opportunity to travel, get paid for it AND be given a place to sleep? Only you know what is best. We are, for the most part, at a different point in life and see a different perspective. This may be your chance to affirm your independence and make a new position in your family. Despite what the calendar says, many parents still see a single daughter as a liability. You can rise above that viewpoint and redefine your role in the family. That's my 2 cents worth. Good luck and hope you have a decision that you can be at peace with.

[kidzcare]

Thank you for explaining more. I do remember now that you have previously mentioned the your niece and nephew that live with you.

Family dynamics can be difficult and I wouldn't be able to speak to how to handle anyone's but my own. I hope you can work it out and have the experience that you want to. I am very excited to work at a camp this summer :)

[Amethya]

I spoke with my parents today and I established that I would want to take this job because I want some independence and also I want to broaden my horizons. They were okay with it and I accepted the job. They'll be okay with the kids, they'll probably be with their father and my parents will be fine by themselves.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

Woohoo! Enjoy your summer.