should i feel guilty?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in LTC.

i have decided to take a leave for a coulple of months and just stay home. i have no kids,no money problems,i am not sick,i am not lazy and i am not sick of nsg. i just want to try on the roll of fulltime house wife for a little while. my husband supports my choices. the problem is my fellow nurses. they cannot understand why? i have even had a couple of them ask how i could do this when nurses are needed so badly. i thought i was making a personal decision for myself. i never dreamed others would take it as a stab in the back. i am not leaving forever. i just wanted some me time. am i wrong for this?

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Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

It's nobodys business but yours!

In the future I wouldn't share my personal information with my co workers...put yourself in their place....now they will be down one nurse, perhaps they'd like to do what you are doing but financially can't, or they need to do what you are doing and financially they can't, or have family responsibilities that they juggle and REALLY NEED to do what you are doing and financially can't. OR you get the militants, that think you should work no matter what.

You shouldn't feel guilty at all, but remember people are people....with the all too human defect of jealousy and wanting what we can't have. It's hard to see others with options when you might not have any yourself. Remember that next time when you share info at work.

Enjoy your time off...

Maisy

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Specializes in Pediatrics (Burn ICU, CVICU).

Oh, who cares what they think? Perhaps they're just a tad bit jealous!

You have no reason to feel guilty.

Enjoy your time and don't think twice about it.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
i am not leaving forever. i just wanted some me time. am i wrong for this?

No, not in the least are you wrong to take a leave.

And, it may or may not be forever. But, if it is, it's your choice and your colleagues should have zero weigh-in on the decision.

Enjoy your time.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

In a word: NO.

Don't feel guilty.

If it will help any, call it a sabbatical. Say you need time to get you head together, to figure out what you're doing next. Say you're at a crossroads in your professional career, and have to re-center yourself, to find your direction again. Add some drama. People love drama!

Of course, it's no one else's business. You don't owe anyone else any explanations. But if you want to give them one, make it a good one! (I would probably invent an even more elaborate story, but then I've got a slightly off-center sense of humor and would have fun seeing what I could get people to "buy"!)

Seriously, if you have the ability to take some time for yourself, it's not a problem financially or with your husband, then there's no reason in the world not to. I did the same thing myself recently: left one job, the next one I thought was lined up fell through. I realized that I had no compelling reason to jump right back into something so took a month off. I ran into an old friend at the post office and she asked me if I'd had a face lift! Did I need some "me time" or what??? It also helped me to decide to try a slightly different direction in my work life, which I'm enjoying a lot right now.

Do it. Don't feel guilty. Enjoy it.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Go for it! You should do what makes you happy if you can afford to. Have a great time!

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Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

If you can do this and be home fulltime for your kids and family that is great. Remember to keep up your license so it is waiting for you if you ever decide to come back.

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This is not something that you even need to discuss with other people. Tell them to MYOB!

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NO, NO, NO!! Go for it!!!!!

MYOB to all of the others. Are they jealous? Who cares.

ENJOY!!

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Taking care of yourself is your best present ever!

Enjoy!!!

Sharona

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Specializes in med-surg, teaching, cardiac, priv. duty.

Just ignore these people!! It is YOUR life!! Do NOT feel bad!!

I myself have had to put up with similar comments over the years. I have usually only worked per diem or very part-time hours. Several times over the years I have taken "leaves of absence" where I did not work for a few months. Yet I have NO kids. Married 16 years. I'm healthy. I'm young. My husband makes a good wage and we basically live on his income, and my income is just extra. Yet, people can not seem to understand why I don't work full-time "just because". After all, I have no kids, so I "should" work full-time. Because that is what you are "suppose" to do. But says who?? Is there a great being in the sky that proclaims "thou must work full-time"?? :D

I have even been rather condescendingly asked "what do I do" with my time - insinuation being is that I laze around and have no life. Well, excuse me.... it is possible to have a full life without working a full-time job! I enjoy having the time to take care of my house and home. I am very involved in community volunteer work. Many non-profit groups are desperate for volunteers, and I love helping out and feeling like I am making a difference in the world. I have hobbies. Etc!

I have noticed that whenever a person decides to do something in life that isn't the "norm", the negative comments come. So...just ignore the comments! Be thankful that you are in a situation where you can take time off! ENJOY YOUR BREAK!!!

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Feel guilty if you've done something wrong.

I'd feel lucky that you can do it! Not guilty!

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