so confused. don't know what to do

TriciaJ, RN · Feb 3, 2016

First of all, stop comparing yourself to your friends. That's just mental debris that interferes with clear thinking and problem-solving. Why don't you start with a list of what you want your life to look like? What's getting in the way of it not looking like that now?

Do your parents make it too easy for you to coast? Then you'll have to pry yourself out of your comfort zone. Do you have poor money management habits? Then get a book on money management and start getting serious about it. The money you work for should also be working for you.

Hate being a CNA and the thought of being a nurse not ringing your chimes? Then head down to your local educational institution and see if they can steer you toward some vocational counseling, to help clarify what might be right for you.

What would improve your life right now? New job, own apartment, functional car? Just start someplace. You might make some mistakes and have to backtrack occasionally. Just part of life. Make up your mind to do something, anything to shift yourself out of your stuck spot. Except get married or have a baby. Those would be bad ideas until you get other things squared away.

Good luck!

calivianya, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2016

You don't have to work in healthcare. I know that's what you know, seeing as you've worked as a CNA, but there is a whole world out there ripe for the taking. Don't just limit yourself to healthcare if you're not convinced it's what you want.

I agree with the advice to go see a vocational counselor. It wouldn't hurt to see what they have to say.

want2behappy · Feb 3, 2016

Thanks so much for your advice! I actually do want to be in healthcare, that's all I've been interested in. I will look into a book about money management. I appreciate it. I just never felt like this before. I guess my fear of nursing is because I'm afraid of failure. I'm afraid that because it's hard I'll drop out or something and I don't want to but in the end I want to start a family and have a great career

want2behappy · Feb 3, 2016

Thanks so much for responding! You don't know how much that means to me. But yes, I've been thinking of talking to advisor. I actually have an appointment me Monday! My fear of nursing is what I see on a daily, I'm worried I wouldn't be a good nurse and when in school when it becomes hard that I would back out and I don't want to because I'm sure that's how you all felt in school

martymoose, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2016

are there other schools by you that offer rad tech?

what about ultrasound tech? I kinda wish I had gone that route

want2behappy · Feb 4, 2016

There is one a hr away and then it's another 3 hrs away. I've applied to the one that's a hr away. Are you a nurse?

Libby1987 · Feb 4, 2016

Home health agencies recruit hard for OT's. It's a very nice career.

Dont worry about the 25 yrs old part, just kick forward and finish well.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2016

As a pathological worrier, I will tell you that worrying doesn't do a damn bit of good, it doesn't change anything. It only paralyzes you and gives you an excuse to let fear drive your inaction.

Get going and quit using fear as an excuse to do nothing. I say that as someone who doesn't let worry stop me from doing what I want to do. I know I worry too much, so I make myself move forward anyway, or I encourage my kids (usually the subject of my unhealthy worries) to live life fully no matter how much it scares me.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2016

I just got this in an email:

Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.

want2behappy · Feb 25, 2016

So true