Anyone taken a pay cut for sanity?

[LibraNurse27]

Hi all, I’m back to bother you again! I posted a few weeks ago about taking a break from work due to issues with bipolar disorder. I spoke to my manager and charge nurse and they want me to come back, even after learning of my diagnosis. They’re aware of the mistakes I’ve made at work and say none are major and it’s common while getting used to a new job. They think I’m exaggerating how bad I am at the job, which may be true because I catastrophize.

it’s very nice that they want me back, but I think trying to keep up in a fast paced PACU is too much for me. I struggle to get patients out before another one comes out and the stress is bad. I’m thinking of working at a clinic for the elderly that looks like a perfect fit; slower pace and lower acuity. The pay is MUCH lower (practically half!) but my partner and I live for almost free with her mom (don’t hate, Bay Area is crazy and we do the cooking/cleaning, house is paid off!) Has anyone taken a big pay cut and not regretted it? I’m learning money isn’t everything! Thanks for your feedback!!

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, Journey_On said:

 I started working at a water park in their first aid

Wow! That is so cool. I didn't know they hired nurses!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

As long as you can afford the pay cut and with your living situation it's seems you probably can take the pay cut and preserve your sanity by all means! 

No matter where you work remember your work is vital. What you are doing as a nurse no matter where you are doing it you are helping people. So don't ever let somebody make you feel less than because you choose not to work in a fast paced high stress environment. 

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

4 hours ago, kbrn2002 said:

don't ever let somebody make you feel less than because you choose not to work in a fast paced high stress environment. 

Good advice! I think there can definitely be pressure to work somewhere "impressive" in terms of specialty and pay, company, etc. so that is a good reminder.

[B52, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I took a pay increase for a less stressful, daytime job. Don't sell yourself short.

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

3 hours ago, B52 said:

I took a pay increase for a less stressful, daytime job. Don't sell yourself short.

Wow! That’s awesome!

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

6 hours ago, B52 said:

I took a pay increase for a less stressful, daytime job. Don't sell yourself short.

Yup, so did I. Days, no weekends. A few more meetings than I wanted, but otherwise much happier. ? 

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

Yep! Left the floor for a M-F gig. I lost about $800/month but it was worth it. No regrets. 

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Yep. Before leaving Acute care altogether, I’d adjust and readjust my schedule every way that I could...even tried working one day a week. One one adjustment, I’d work the first week to pay all the bills and then take the rest of the month off, returning when the bills came due again. Finally walked away from acute care 18 months ago and have not looked back. I had to shadow a surgery NP on rounds one day last week, and it felt like what I’m guessing would equate to a mild case of PTSD. I tried to be professional and politically correct when the preceptor asked me about that experience, but since I’m honest with direct questioning, I said that I do NOT miss the inside of an acute care facility one bit. 

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I took a 50% pay cut when I left graphic design/desktop publishing (that came with a hellacious DC area commute that was making me into a perpetually angry person) to work as an ER tech/paramedic. I took a pay cut again when I joined the Army as an ER RN, but rebounded and ended up making more. Then I left active duty (another pay cut) for a civilian/GS job in the same ER. Then I actually had a pay increase when I moved to a new city and took a trauma educator position. Then a pay cut when I left trauma to work in infection prevention (that was due to health issues). Then a pay raise when I left the hospital altogether to work from home in clinical appeals for an insurance company. I make more now in my appeals position than I have before in any other area of nursing. I think as long as the new opportunity pays the bills, you really can't put a price tag on happiness. 

[atehortuak37]

I also just quite!! Went from  the Emergency department  and I joined the PACU for my own sanity!!!. I took a pay cut from nightshift differential 

[LibraNurse27, BSN, RN]

Well, I ended up resigning from my high paying job. Here in the Bay Area salaries range anywhere from $60,000 to over $200,000 for RNs and I was close to the high end for the first time in my life. The job I'm thinking of now is more in the middle but closer to the lower end. I'd lose about $60,000 a year. But, with my new living situation I'll still save more than I am now. IF I kept the high pay AND moved, I'd be set, but I've learned mental health is worth a lot of money!

The first 7 years as a nurse I worked in community health and a county hospital, mostly low income pts. The last 9 months working in Silicon Valley my pts were mostly extremely wealthy and successful (teslas, $55 million mansions, CEOs, tech workers, etc). However many of them were on antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and sleep meds. Some doctors call it the tech cocktail. Many pts talked about insane work hours, stress, lack of free time, loneliness, depression, etc. This year has been a real eye opener. Of course we all need to meet basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, transportation, etc. but I've really learned excess wealth doesn't always equal happiness. 

[monkey205]

If you are so miserable now, it will not get any easier in the future.  Leave before you get sucked into the money - find something that will make you happy.  Your mental health is worth so much more than a higher paycheck.  Wish I could have done it years ago!  Best of luck to you.