Can Anyone Help Me Think This Through?

[TrudyRN]

I am at a point in life where I would like to stop doing things that I don't really much enjoy, such as my work. Unfortunately, I have to have an income. That's ok because I don't really mind working and would probably tire quickly of being totally retired.

What I'm having trouble with is giving myself permission to stop Nursing. I've done it for a very long time now and it is a habit. There isn't much reward in it for me any more and my job is basically boredom punctuated by stress.

I know what I'd like to switch to and have already taken steps to do it. But I am afraid to give up the regular paycheck so am easing into the new area. I also find that I have some fear or guilt about stopping Nursing, my habit of several decades.

How can I be rid of the guilt? Fear is understandable to me. I'm taking a big new step and it could cost me a lot of money. But guilt? Why guilt? HELP! I would appreciate any insights you might have. :chair: :smackingf

[CHATSDALE]

sometimes we just have a really hard time stepping off the plane even if we have a parachute and we know that the plane is going to crash

see if you can take a leave of absence..it is kinda like letting go and holding on at the same time...try for six months...by then you should be in a better position to make up your mind

[zumalong]

Life is too short. Go out and find what you enjoy. If money is issue--cut down on hours to seek your new path. Nursing offers so many other paths that might fit in with your new idea. I know how hard it is to leave something that you are comfortable with. I was forced to change my life direction because of illness, but have found that as much as I miss it, I couldn't see myself continuing the pace that I was at.

As for the gold watch--the one I got broke--so your not missing out on anything. I think we all would like to think that our contributions made a difference. That has to come from inside because usually all they will give you is what you did wrong. But think back over the years and remember all the people who you touched. Find the direction you want to take and try it out. Good luck.:smiletea:

[Agent99]

Good luck and go for it!

I think nursing is a trap, in many ways. I'm also thinking about phasing out of bedside nursing. I might do per diem and spend some time sorting my head out, then looking for a different job full time.

[TrudyRN]

After all, how many people on their death bed say, "I wish I had spent more time at work".

Excellent point! Good luck with your business, Dixielee. What is it?

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

move on and do something bold with your life.

meanwhile keep your license current/ up to date with ceus

you can always come back to nursing, it's in your blood.

:smilecoffeecup: :smilecoffeecup: :smilecoffeecup:

[Tiwi]

I agree with everyone; you need a break out of the norm to see what you have been missing. New areas mean new knowledge and skills gained, and that can make life more interesting

However only you can make the final decision. A good exercise would be to draw up two columns on a sheet of paper. List the pro's and the con's in each, so that you can think clearly and it perhaps may help in making a final decision.

Best of luck, and whatever the decision, may you be happy!

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

Excellent point! Good luck with your business, Dixielee. What is it?

Thanks for asking...it is something as far from nursing as I can get. We are getting into beekeeping! Bees are essential for crop pollination and give us great honey. We also have a few goats so I can make goat soap and cheese. So we will be poor but honest goat herders!

My husband also makes custom knives, and I make the leather sheaths for them. He is getting his internet site going and if this all works, we can spend more time with friends and family, and enjoy the "golden" years together.

I don't plan any glitzy farewell from nursing, a nice little cake from my friends is all the thanks I need.

As far as the OP thinking she did not achieve all she could in nursing....not all of us want to be DON's or managers of any type. I have the education and ability to do anything I want in nursing, but I have chosen to be the best bedside nurse I could. I have dabbled in other areas including management and I don't like it. I have always been the most comfortable 1 on 1 with my patients. Making small differences when I could, and trying my best to avoid the idiots.

Good luck, spread your wings and do something that feels right. Dixielee

[attyrn]

why not try to take a leave and spend some time for yourself first before deciding on this question miss trudy? try visiting other countries which are not yet known to you and indulge. then before you get back to work, maybe a day or two, decide and act swiftly.

my best wishes.