How come you don't work more?

caliotter3 · Jan 3, 2011

I only have two scheduled days a week, not enough to pay my rent and living expenses. Although I went to another employer, they have only given me three or four shifts in three months. I will be leaving when I find an employer that gives me enough work to live on. I am not too happy because two nurses who came after me have been favored with full time instead of me. That is unfair any way that you look at it and I am being taken advantage of, both by the family and my employer. I got the message being conveyed to me. It is a shame, because I like the patient.

kakamegamama · Jan 3, 2011

You will find many detractors because you aren't on the fast track, working many hours, choosing to raise your children, etc., etc. Your children will be grown and out of the house before you know it. Don't let others determine for you what you do regarding the numbers of hours you work. I had a boss one time who told me that I just didn't seem to want to work since I didn't put in 12+hour days (I was a department manager of a non-clinical area of a hospital at that time). Never mind that I worked a minimum of 50 hours/week. I told her that my priority was being available for my youngest child, who was the only one home at that time. I'm glad I stuck to my guns, so to speak. I was able to spend wonderful hours with that child, and her daddy who died unexpectedly, that I would have missed if I had let my boss "guilt" me into working more. So, don't feel guilty. You are on the right track!

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

It is shocking to me how many people seem to think you should live by their rules and expectations.

systoly · Jan 3, 2011

But you do work more, or am I the only one who thinks raising kids is hard work.

INLPN93 · Jan 3, 2011

I work PRN, and that may be three days a week or three days a pay period.

I get the same thing, and it does after awhile becoming annoying.

Two teen agers, a home, husband, puppy dog and school... all I have left are those few days.

Good for you choosing to be with your kids, they well thank you one day. Where as more likely than not a job will not.

Don't feel guilty for a minute! Give yourself a pat on the back, you are making both your family and professional life work. :)

Keep it up living the good life. To raise kids is a hard job, there are days when its tough that I don't think for a moment, 'it'd be easier at work'.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

I work 4 shifts per pay period on 3-11. Which for me right now (and the way it has been lately is ENOUGH!). I pick up extra shifts on 11-7 every other weekend. So in total thats 2 more shifts per pay period.

I will be starting school again at the end of the month so I prefer part time. I don't have children. I still live with my parents.

I like having several days off per pay period. I am 21 years old. I have more money in the bank than most do in my age group. So if the occasion rises where I need money. I have some cushion to live on.

GHGoonette, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

Op, if you can afford it, WORK FEWER HOURS! I didn't have that option when my kids were growing up, and I look at my beautiful grown-up children, and think, "Why, oh why didn't I make more of their childhood?"

They grow up so fast...you blink and those "growing years" are gone. Now, I look at my 14 year old grandson, and I realize that I've missed too much of his childhood, too :crying2:

Never let anyone make you feel guilty because you refuse to sacrifice your duties as a mother! And someone mentioned a DON who brags about how she held down a full time job while raising her kids...my UM has two beautiful little girls, and she will insist on taking them to school when they are really sick, because she believes the planet will screech to a halt if she isn't at work!? She usually ends up rushing to pick them up at school to get them to a doctor because their temps are shooting through the stratosphere! That is nothing to brag about!

You enjoy your kids, honey, and if you can manage it, make extra time so you can enjoy them even more!

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 3, 2011

I get asked all the time why I only work 1 or 2 shifts a week!! why not!!! Life isn't meant to be spent working all the time!! Wife has a great job, have no kids, so if one doesn't have to work, why do it!! lol Do i want to be wiping butts, or do I want to play hockey??? hmmmm lol

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

I have to laugh. I get this all the time. I'm scheduled for 4 days a month but sometimes will pick up extra shifts when then call and I can.

I get asked this all the time and my normal answer is along the lines of "Well, this isn't what I do for work, I come in for fun (yeah, right esp in our crazy busy LTC) I actually work at home....I have 5 kids" I get a lot of crazy looks, but it works for me! LOL

Psychtrish39, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2011

At my last job I cut down to four 8 hour shifts for multiple reasons and my co-workers had something to say about that. Now at my new job I work 5 days (still 8 hours) and folks ask me why I don't have a second job since this is an "easy" clinic job.
Funny thing is that one of my co-workers is also talked about but for working 2 full-time jobs.
There is simply no satisfying people some people so why bother explaining yourself?

That is the nuttest $%#% I have ever heard. two full time jobs for what ? The taxes alone would eat you alive. That is what is wrong with America work work work why so you can have more material things..? I have worked with the dying alot and I have never heard one person say that they wished they had worked more hours or had two jobs. They long for the time they missed with people they loved... Its no ones business what anyone does with their life they dont pay anyone elses bills..

redhead_NURSE98!, ADN, BSN · Jan 3, 2011

Hi everyone!
I only work three days a week, sometimes four. Everyone is always asking me if I have another job or why don't I work more! I know it shoulnd't bother me, but it makes me feel lazy! I have two young boys and work second shift. I enjoy the time I get to spend with them. I could work more, but truthfully I choose not too. I find life hectic enough as it is. Still, I do feel guilty when people ask me why I don't work full time!

I'd tell them that I value time with my kids over money and that I have enough money working 3-4 days a week. I hope some of them are only asking because they don't understand how shifts work or something. I was a lawyer for 8 years and get a lot of this silliness myself, and I expect much more to come (just now graduated nursing school.) I realized I was slowly killing myself and was on the path to ruining my relationships through my 50 hour work weeks, and for what, a little extra money? Screw that. We have lived on my husband's income for 2 years while I was in nursing school and when I start working I only intend to work 3-4 days a week myself, and we will be happy and comfortable with that. Don't ever feel guilty for spending time with your family.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jan 3, 2011

Perhaps they are jealous because you have found balance in your life. I took 10 years off to raise my kids...we weren't broke but close to it. Now they are grown and well adjusted and I work 50 hours a week and make lots of money.

I was brought up signing "I Am Woman"....the biggest part of the woman's movement was about the ability to have choices. You are the only one who can say what is right for you.