Is now a good time to go into nursing? I would be leaving my well paying career to pursue this

[Divalish918]

I am at the peak of my career, making over 80k in my mid 30's. I work a 9-5 no weekends or holidays, but honestly I am starting to dislike my career. I am able to provide well for my family (2 kids) and also get other fringe benefits from my employer but I no longer have passion for my current position. I have been doing my current job as a hospital contractor for 3 years. I started nursing some time ago in undergrad but failed out and converted to a different degree. The thought of nursing never left my mind, but I was out here just trying to make it financially in life as I was swamped in debt.

Now after a few bumps in the road with marriage and stuff I am ready to try again. I know I would have to probably quit my job and settle in the beginning to accommodate 3 12 hour shifts. I use to work as a CNA about 10 years ago so I have an idea what nursing is like but its been so long since I've been out of the game. I don't want to mess up my financial future in the meantime, but I don't see any other way to pursue this without giving up something. Please advise. Thanks in advance

[bitter_betsy, BSN]

I did it but I waited until my child was in high school. In the non-covid world our graduations from college would have been in the same week. We were actually afraid that we were graduating on the same day at one point. We struggled a lot when she was little because I hated what I did, but I hated being away from her more.

Money isn't everything, but you need enough to survive. Sometimes money can provide security but it provides insanity at the same time. I'll never get back the time, but I have a kid who calls me when she's away from home just because she wants to talk with me. Now I don't have to worry about being on night shift permanently or working weekends. I can work specifically to pick up all the differentials and work the shifts no one else wants.

I felt that my daughter was the priority until she was grown. When she was old enough - I started working on me a little. She's an adult now and its all about what I want. Not really because now I have time to spend a little more time taking care of my mother - but she doesn't care when I show up as long and I come and see her.

Its about perspective. Just remember - you don't get do overs with your kids - time keeps ticking. They will grow up no matter what you do.

[ThatChickOmi, ADN, RN]

Before I became a nurse I worked in delivery driving a box truck for almost 9 years. The money was alright, but the work was just downright brutal, working outdoors at all weather conditions, rigorous and physical, lifting heavy stuff, working 45-50 hours a week on average, sometimes more. Nursing isn't a walk in the park either and sometimes it gets downright annoying dealing with the same people dealing with the same stuff, not complying, verbally abusive, frequent flyers, etc.... but I make more than I did as a box truck driver and I only work 3 12-hour shifts instead of 5 shifts....that is a fair trade-off for me. Just working on finishing my BSN program hopefully by early next year, I'll be golden.

My work-life balance is much better.

[didi768]

Forgot...how did you become a hospital contractor? And what is it exactly LOL

[NurseBlaq]

I suggest making a list of pros and cons because we can only give you opinions based on our experience but only you and your family know what's best for your household. Having said that, I suggest getting a hobby to fill the void of being disappointed at work.

What does a hospital contractor do? It may help with suggestions.

[StephyB]

This is a really difficult one!

Although I will say that money does not always equal happiness, and if you're having doubts about your career then it's definitely time for a change. Being unhappy in your job isn't what life is about.

If you feel financially stable enough, and are willing and can manage to take a hefty pay cut then it's worth doing, but I would definitely make sure nursing is 100% what you want to do.