Changing Careers with 4 kids am I nuts??

Ado Annie, ASN, RN · Oct 29, 2007

I've been teaching for 7 years and I absolutely hate it. I've taught a few different grades and still achieve the same result, unhappiness. I've been considering nursing for about 5 years now but I don't know if I can do it realistically. I have 3 boys 4, 10, and 12 and am pregnant with number 4. I won't be going back to work because I dread the thought of teaching again. Is it realistic to go to nursing school with all that's going on in my life. My boys are wonderful and I get a lot of help at home. I'll be taking my pre-reks now and won't start the program until the baby's about 1 or 2. I'll be 34. Am I nuts for wanting to pursue this at this point in my life?

Hon, if you're nuts, then I'm completely off the deep end. I have a "good" job of 23 years, 2 almost-teenagers, and I'm the primary wage-earner for my family (hubby trying to start a business - expenses exceed income at present). BUT I've enjoyed that job about as much as you enjoy teaching. The company has been under SEC investigation and is in Chapter 11. Even if the job's there until I get kids through college, I don't know if they'll still want me. More likely they'll "encourage" me to leave about the time my boys finish high school. Or sooner. And with a 23-year-old degree in computer science but no recent IT training or experience, I can't imagine looking for another job. I considered taking IT courses -- maybe database management -- but it doesn't interest me in the least. Nursing does.

I've been taking prerequisites for almost 2 years and I've done well. I'm applying to an accelerated second degree program that would begin in July 2008. If I can't do that one, I'll apply to some more. My husband is not really thrilled but is supportive enough to say we'll manage it somehow.

We can do this! Best of luck to you.

Karen

scastillo1 · Oct 29, 2007

I also am starting an accelerated BSN program and have two little ones at home. I struggle with feeling guilty being away and not giving my family all of my attention, but I have found out that going back to school for the prereqs has been the best decision I have made. Definitely go for it. Where there's a will there's a way, right? In the end, I doubt you would regret the decision to pursue nursing. Our kids will grow up and we need to make sure we are happy with ourselves and our careers in the long run.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2007

Yes, you are completely crazy, nuts, hair-flip city.

But you're in good company. When there's a will, there's a way and many people with all sorts of life situations become nurses. Good luck!

LadyPhantom · Nov 2, 2007

I once thought the same thing. I was 27, recently divorced, moved to another state for a man I met on the internet, had two kids, got pregnant with the 3rd, and had a "good" job as a correctional officer. But I always wanted to be a nurse, and I hated being a prison guard. So I went for it. It took me 5 years to get an Associates Degree in Nursing, going part time for a while so I could work. But I am so glad I stuck with it. Even on my worst day nursing (and I am new and slow, so I have quite a few bad days) it is still better than being a correctional officer.

Now I am married to the man I met on the internet, we have three great kids, and I am working as an RN. Our life is finally coming together like we hoped it would. So follow your dreams, don't get discouraged, and GOOD LUCK!