Career pivot

I had a 2 year break. I did a TEFL course and taught English as a Foreign Language in a language school. I was re-locating to Paris so it was good way of working in English until my French was up to scratch. It was great fun put the pay was abysmal.

Try anything you fancy but maintain your licence. Keep you hand in with the occasional agency shift. I didn't think I'd come back to full time nursing but doing so after a 2 year break was the perfect cure for burn out. I came back loving it and 22  years later, have thoroughly enjoyed this "second" nursing career.

I was an Army nurse and retired in 2022 after 22 years.  I started working part time civilian in ER and it was OK. but I decided I wanted away from nursing.  I have a good retirement so I don't really need to make much. I just like to stay a little busy and social as I am single no kids.  I started working at a federal wildlife refuge like 20 hours a week.  I love it.  I am in nature and just helping with whatever.  Not really a job to make money and I get my medical through my military retirement.  I do agree though that getting totally away from nursing is really really nice.  I guess it depends on your situation. 

Thanks everyone for the advice!! It's very much appreciated. I think I'll take some time and try to figure out my next steps, whether it be nursing or not. But no matter what, I definitely won't let my license expire!! Thank you again! 

Not quite the same, but similar: I burned out in my prior medical career (paramedic on an ambulance) and just needed a break -not really having any idea what kind of job/field I wanted to pursue -and not being able to live without a job, I got my CDL-A and started driving rigs (trucks). I did this for a bit over two years and considered making it my new life career, but decided I wanted to get into nursing. 

Point is, there are some relatively quick avenues where you can just get away to catch a break from this, or leave entirely (do you have any real interest in another field?) but as above, keep your nursing license current.  ( I let my EMT-A and P lapse, but in truth, I had no intention of ever going back. I have had a few regrets about it over the years, but realistically it was a better choice for me).

Brewingbiker said:

Not quite the same, but similar: I burned out in my prior medical career (paramedic on an ambulance) and just needed a break -not really having any idea what kind of job/field I wanted to pursue -and not being able to live without a job, I got my CDL-A and started driving rigs (trucks). I did this for a bit over two years and considered making it my new life career, but decided I wanted to get into nursing. 

Point is, there are some relatively quick avenues where you can just get away to catch a break from this, or leave entirely (do you have any real interest in another field?) but as above, keep your nursing license current.  ( I let my EMT-A and P lapse, but in truth, I had no intention of ever going back. I have had a few regrets about it over the years, but realistically it was a better choice for me).

I definitely won't let my license lapse, but you bring up a good point. I'll have to do a little soul searching to figure out what else I even wanna get into that will keep food on the table. I'm spoiled because there's SO much to do in nursing! But I really do believe I need some space from it right now. Thank you! 

After 25 years in nsg. I went part time and completed a Masters in psych.  Upon graduation I left nursing and haven't looked back.  I miss the income but I really enjoy the independence of private practice.

I gotta say, it's so inspirational reading these messages. To know that there are people out there who were able to change directions (outside of healthcare completely!) and be successful helps me feel better and like it's actually possible. 

Oh its VERY possibe!  My sister in law went to college then med school while in her 50s!  Thas where I got my inspiration.