I need some non-work-related goals...

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I've wanted to be a nurse for such a long time that that was my only goal. I graduated from Nursing School in Aug 2003 and I have a good job...but I don't know what to do next. It took me quite a few years decide on my career and finish school. Recently, I've gained 10 pounds and feel really stressed out.

I'm trying to set goals for myself that would allow me to be successful outside of work. I'd like to be involved in my community and, eventually, I'd like to be far more of a success in my home-life, hobbies, etc... My job is just what I do because I can't get paid to eat pizza and fart all damn day long! Haha. I like my job to a certain extent but it''s only a small part of what I consider to be importatnt in my life.

I keep thinking that I might like to pursue a trade of some kind. I don't want to be a nurse full-time much longer. I'd love to do it part-time and do something else as well. I'm trying to awaken the different sides of myself...

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Well maybe you should take part in a few seminars to see if maybe you can move into a different field that would keep you busy?

As for the trade idea? Go for it! You only live once and your happiness should take precidence!

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I tried continuing education courses at the local university on topics of interest but no credit. That got me networking with other people of similar interests and I developed great friendships plus learned more about myself and what makes me happy. Like you, I need goals to aspire to in order to get that sense of accomplishment. Send out feelers---you will eventually gravitate to what interests you. You might try taking the free personality test on http://www.keirsey.com to learn more about yourself too, and what things might interest you.

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I did things just the opposite from you Steph, I was a vet tech, then dog groomer with my own shop, then the last two years in the shop all I could think of was that all I wanted was to be a nurse! So, I say go for it! Find something that interests you and learn a new skill, really makes for a well rounded life. I do not groom anymore, the day I hung up those clippers, they never came down again! On my days off I eat pizza, sit around and .... well, you know, but I feel justified, been elsewhere, done else stuff...

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

How about a health and wellness program for yourself? Yoga classes? Join a gym?

Good luck.

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My job is just what I do because I can't get paid to eat pizza and fart all damn day long! Haha. I like my job to a certain extent but it''s only a small part of what I consider to be importatnt in my life.

:icon_lol:

Thanks for the laugh Steph, I really needed it today. I have had similar thoughts - my job is not BAD, but I want more out of my life than just nursing can offer. I have been searching as well. When I do nursing full-time, I absolutely hate it, so I have been looking around for other things I could do, but probably won't leave nursing completely (worked too hard for that license to ever give it up, KWIM?)

I'll be checking in on the thread to look for suggestions too!

:icon_cool

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You sound like me , I am easily bored and love to try new things . In my young life I have been business owner, realtor, nurse , volunteer and so much more ! Life is too short I have to try as much as I can before I kick off!I suggest things like try karate , volunteer for habitat for humanity I learned so much about home building and It plain felt good . Try anything that tickles you ! Go for it and keep us posted on your journey !

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Maybe you can do something else with your nursing degree like volunteering to work for one of the organizations that have the walk-a-thons, etc. like for Breast Cancer. That is actually something that I would like to do. I always thought that it would be great to be a larger part of one of the Breast Cancer walks. There are many of activities and the organizers are always looking for volunteers.

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Specializes in CVICU.

Outside of work, I train for triathlons and 1/2 marathons. But my favorite event is to do a 3 day 300 mile bike tour to raise funds funds for the Make a Wish Foundation. It is a nice motivator to exercise and I have meet nice people at the races. Eventually I am going to try team in training and raise money for another charity.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Steph,

I feel the EXACT same way!!! I graduated LPN school almost 3 years ago. I worked full-time until I started an LPN-to-ASN program last May. Now I will graduate in May 2005 and become an RN. When I graduate, I will be starting culinary school (a culinary degree with a specialty in baking & pastry arts) part-time. I plan to take 3-6 credit hours per semester, and it will take me 3-5 years to complete the degree. I am SOOOO excited about this, since I have always loved, loved, LOVED to bake! I hope to open my own bakery someday. I do still enjoy nursing, but it is so stressful and at times I am not 100% happy with it as a full-time career. I would love to do something with my pastry arts degree part-time and nursing part-time. I have been really surprised, though, with the lack of support I've recieved from others. My husband has been my biggest supporter, he tells me to go for whatever will make me happy, but the rest of my family and most of my co-workers think it is ridiculous to 'waste time' on a baking degree, and that I should spend the time instead furthering my nursing degree. While I do for the most part enjoy nursing, I have decided it's not what I want to do full-time for the rest of my life. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one feeling this way.....

:) Kacy

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Kacy, that sounds great! I mean you are not giving up on nursing, you are just looking into other things that make you happy. It'll also probably make you both a better nurse and a better baker (the dough is going to get some whopping, isn't it?!). It's great that you have your hubby supporting you.

Good luck to you! And when you open your bakery, let us know where! You are making me hungry!

Steph,

I feel the EXACT same way!!! I graduated LPN school almost 3 years ago. I worked full-time until I started an LPN-to-ASN program last May. Now I will graduate in May 2005 and become an RN. When I graduate, I will be starting culinary school (a culinary degree with a specialty in baking & pastry arts) part-time. I plan to take 3-6 credit hours per semester, and it will take me 3-5 years to complete the degree. I am SOOOO excited about this, since I have always loved, loved, LOVED to bake! I hope to open my own bakery someday. I do still enjoy nursing, but it is so stressful and at times I am not 100% happy with it as a full-time career. I would love to do something with my pastry arts degree part-time and nursing part-time. I have been really surprised, though, with the lack of support I've recieved from others. My husband has been my biggest supporter, he tells me to go for whatever will make me happy, but the rest of my family and most of my co-workers think it is ridiculous to 'waste time' on a baking degree, and that I should spend the time instead furthering my nursing degree. While I do for the most part enjoy nursing, I have decided it's not what I want to do full-time for the rest of my life. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one feeling this way.....

:) Kacy

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