I'm so nervous and so excited.

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Seven years ago, I graduated college with a degree in business and psychology and found a job in customer service at a manufacturer. It quickly sucked the life out of me. At first, I thought it was just post-graduation blues. Life slows way down after you graduate and I was now a working stiff just paying the bills. So I needed to accept that college was over and I was an adult now with responsibilities. Right?

Two years ago I was still not happy, so I thought a change in industries might help. I moved back home with my parents in Florida and in a bad economy, I took the first thing I could find. I became a receptionist in a doctor's office. I like working with people. I like meeting different types of people and getting to know them. But I still didn't like what I was doing.

There is nothing wrong with either of these career paths. Just not for me.

It was probably close to midnight and I couldn't sleep. How could I have this 4 year degree and turn it into something I enjoyed? My mom saw the light was still on and came out to talk to me. Listened to me vent and finally said, 'Life is too short to spend it doing something you don't love.' My mom has been a nurse for over 30 years and said she couldn't imagine doing anything else with her time. That it was challenging, frustrating, and at times infuriating, but so rewarding at the end of the day.

To become a nurse, I'd have to go back to school. And the thought of another 4 years degree made me nauseous. I'd be in my mid-30's by the time I could get a job. No thanks.

I started doing research, found allnurses.com and found this blog post about how it's never too late to go change careers. http://acceleratednursing.utica.edu/blog/how-to-start-over-with-a-new-career/

Utica College would let me sit for the NCLEX in less than two years and had a Florida location in the Tampa Bay area. Ummm, perfect!

I'm going to become part-time at my job and start taking classes soon. I still don't know if I'm making the right choice. I just know I want to help people and make an impact. From what my mom has told me, that's what nursing is. I am so nervous and so excited.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I'm really glad you've found something that you believe will reinvigorate your life, especially something that is guaranteed to help others. From what I've read, being a nurse is really, really tough but really, really rewarding at the same time. I agree, it's never too late to start something you'll love doing pretty much for the rest of your life. Please keep us updated on your journey, I look forward to hearing from you and am sending all my positive vibes and good luck charms your way!

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I'm glad you admitted that you were not happy about the path and decided to change it. You have a nurse right by your side who can tell you all the in and outs about the nursing field. I wish you the best. It will get tough but as long as you keep a stick-with-it attitude you will be fine. Life is all about fulfilling your purpose and it's better late then never. But it sounds to me that you are still young. The four years will fly by. Once you start work at least you will enjoy it and making a good amount of money. The best fulfillment I life is helping someone, getting paid for it is even better.

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Please keep me posted. I'm in the beginning stage too. Hopefully, we can motivate each other along the way.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Best of luck to you on your nursing education journey.

You're so lucky that you have a built-in nursing mentor - LOL.

Give your mom a hug for all of us here on AN.

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I, too, am beginning this journey after having a family and working. I am so excited but nervous too. Best wishes to you on your new endeavors!

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Welcome and good luck on your journey!! Life's way too short to be miserable!

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thanks everyone :)

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This mirrors my thoughts and experiences after I graduated with a bachelors as well.

Depression hit, and I hated working in an office.

I'm doing exactly what you are now at the age of 26 =)

Best of luck to you! I truly hope you find your calling and passion.

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Wow your story is very similar to mine. Graduated with a 4 year bachelors of science degree only to find myself working at a doctors office right after school. I hated it. My boss was abusive, condescending, and on top of it all... clinically bipolar. It was so much work to get paid $12 an hour. I ended leaving after 5 months of torture with the mindset that life is wayyyy too short for you to be miserable! Applied to my community college as soon as possible and took A&P and other prereqs. Another semester after, i had every prereq i needed and applied to the schools program. I got in! I guess things happen for a reason if you believe that kind of stuff. :)

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Hi Sunshine..have you started? How has it been at Utica?

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Seems like you have a great support system!

i agree that you should do the things that make you happy :)

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