Anyone Leave Their Office Job for Nursing?

[Miamia]

Hi, 

I have been accepted into the RPN program, however I am hesitating to start the program in the fall as I currently have a full time job working inside sales in an office (salary - making 60k + possible 10% commission), don’t have to work weekends/holidays, 13 days of vacation). It’s a huge risk letting go of this cushy job for the unknown, but I feel like I was always meant to be a nurse…it’s like I’ve been missing something all my life and I’m not doing what I’m meant to do. I don’t know, what are your opinions on this? I’m so confused and nervous about the whole thing. Any advice would be really appreciated. 

[bsd058]

I work from home (have been for about 6-7 years now). I audit for a health insurer. Totally understand the feeling. Fortunately for me, the same company that I work for is the company that is paying for my nursing education, and will likely be the same company that I work for after I obtain my degree, so my vacation/PTO is crazy good. I'm talking about 30 work days a year (but this includes sick days). Since the company I work for is an insurance company and a health system, I feel like there will be more of a smooth transition between what I do now and what I will do when I'm finished with nursing school.

You just have to think about what you really want to do with your life. I hear (and believe) that nursing is supposed to be one of the most satisfying and fulfilling careers you can get into, even if it's exhausting. I don't know if there are many sales/office jobs where you can have a direct impact on a community to the point of saving their lives and keeping them safe. I worked as a broker for a while. It was good money, but was not fulfilling. You just have to ask yourself, "What is the legacy I want to leave on this planet?" Do you want to know that you did something that changed lives directly? Do you get that with the job you have now? Or is it just a paycheck? Any job that is just a paycheck is the job that I would use as a stepping stone to the one that saves and changes lives for the better.

Good luck to you, and I'm sure you'll make the right decision!

[enderreserve]

I sympathize with your story. But it's also a blessing when you're lucky enough to realize what you love to do to move into the right industry