Long... Turmultuous Nursing Career

Career Columnist / Author · Jul 28, 2017

So, today I have chosen to cut my income and stress level in half, change my whole lifestyle, and am working in "Retail Sales". I've been out of the field FT for 3 years.
Have tried my hand at a couple of per diem nursing positions while working FT in sales, and have not stuck with them.

But today, I have a possible opportunity to return FT to a company and position that I worked before in 1997. Throughout these 17 years after leaving this job, I've often said, "I should've stayed and retired from there".

I'd have great hours, decent pay, work that is not high on the "stress level" scale, it's what I've been trained and degree'd in and I can contribute to a retirement plan where the company doubles my contribution. I have an interview next week.

Problem is...I've become accustomed to a "NO STRESS" job that is fun, not demanding or risky of litigation, decent hours and pay with no politics. Finally, after 25 years, I'm am calm and happy, never tired of my job. Could use a few extra bucks but without it I'm fine.

I'm really struggling with this as I am nearing the end of my career, nearly 60 yo. and it really IS difficult to get hired, even to get an interview for that matter.

Seasoned professionals, I'd appreciate your input.

I'll just share my thoughts as someone in your age group who is also balancing work and life.

Calm and peace are priceless and time on earth is short.

At the same time, the retirement benefit is excellent and it may be what you need at this time to prepare for the future. It's easier to tolerate stress and politics on the job when you have a goal, such as working only 5+ more years, or building your nest egg.

At first this sounded like a regret from the past to be ignored. But maybe it's your job angel giving you a rare opportunity.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 28, 2017

Maybe, to help you decide, you should ask the "What if?" question. What if you take the nursing job and you find that it make you unhappy? Would it ruin your life? Could you not quit that job and find another in retail sales? Would your decision to try the nursing job be un-alterable? Would you be stuck forever?

Than ask yourself ... What if you don't give the nursing job a try? Would you always wonder whether or not you would have been happy in it? Would you ever wish that you had the extra money? etc.

Imagine the scenario both ways. Which way gives you the least regret? Most people find they have more regret for things they didn't try than for things they tried. But you might feel differently.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

thegreenmile · Jul 28, 2017

@NurseBeth

Thanks so much Nurse Beth. In a way I do regret my zealous nature and thirst for knowledge/experiences back then, as it has landed me in a hard place for retirement years. The excitement of those experiences have NOT paid off in the long run. If I'd have opted for longevity with this company, I'd be all set for my golden years. You hit the nail on the head, as I do see this as a possible job angel with an opportunity worth pursuit. Just hope I'm not "chasing the dollar" for security purposes and forfieting my serenity and the nice job I now possess and perform with ease. Cuz, who knows how I'll fare after my professional absence for 3 yrs. I have very strong work ethics and pay close attention to detail, am harder on myself than anyone else will ever be so I need to keep this in mind if I'm worried about any performance issues. ALWAYS REACHING FOR THE STARS, yep, that's me :) But, I've mellowed in my days...thank goodness.

thegreenmile · Jul 28, 2017

@llg

Thats exactly part of "who I've been". The Risk Taker. Never doscile. Not letting the grass grow under my feet too long. Single and Self-Governing.

Mind and body are telling me it's likely time to stop and smell the roses instead of vaulting to cultivate more.

My current employer is an outstanding boss, he pays me well for what's expected, I have 100% employer paid health insurance, my job is pleasant and unemcumbering and my hours are good. I know he is a one in a million, my co-workers are great, finding this again will be darn near impossible if the R.N. job doesn't work out.

The job I'm interviewing for is also "hard to come by", pays low on the nursing scale but double my current income, but the bene's far outweigh the pay.

I'll be back in the career I worked so hard to obtain and that I have always had "soft spot" for.

Nursing is a difficult job, it entails and requires so much of you, it is rather demanding, physically; emotionally & spiritually and the expectations are grand. It requires you to always be on top of your game technically, cognitively, legally and is hard to leave at the time clock. The interview is next week, hope my 6th sense and gut intuition serve me well.

Once again, thank you llg for your input~much appreciated.

Emergent, RN · Jul 28, 2017

I'm the same age as you. I've been doing per diem at two jobs that I like, both nursing jobs. I wanted the flexibility. But, I like you, am approaching retirement age. I'm in pretty good shape financially but I've decided to go full time again at one of my jobs. I'm in good health now. I'm going to commit to at least three more years of full-time in order to Sock away as much money as possible while I'm strong and vigorous.

I've tried many things in nursing as well, probably not as much as you it sounds like. I've come to appreciate what I have a lot more than before. I'm thankful for my job, and I have decent managers, my coworkers are okay and some of them are fantastic, the pay is really good, and I fit in okay. I also find the patients very interesting and/or entertaining. People watch reality TV to see what I get paid to see.

If you have a chance to get hired back, I'd say go for it!

thegreenmile · Jul 28, 2017

Hi Emergent RN,

I hear ya, I do miss the free entertainment that's for sure, patients always blindside you with the "element of surprise" no matter how many things you've seen or heard. Thank you for your support and encouragement to jump back in again. Those retirement years are approaching way quicker than I'd ever imagined, and I should've given them more priority while I was "sewing my wild oats"...Lol

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jul 28, 2017

I've been an R.N. for 25yrs. I got out in 2014 due to "burnout", all at my own doing pretty much. I was very curious & excited with my new autonomy, so I wasn't about to be "stuck" in one job the rest of my days, there were way too many opportunities to learn and experience!

So, I tried my hand at everything from ICU, Mental Health, HomeCare, Occupational, Circulator, Hospice, Rehab, Sub Abuse, Outpatient, Travel & Corrections, oh yeah even a Deaf School...you name it, I grabbed it!. I always had a fulltime and a per diem position. Guess I lived my career hard and fast.

So, today I have chosen to cut my income and stress level in half, change my whole lifestyle, and am working in "Retail Sales". I've been out of the field FT for 3 years.
Have tried my hand at a couple of per diem nursing positions while working FT in sales, and have not stuck with them.

But today, I have a possible opportunity to return FT to a company and position that I worked before in 1997. Throughout these 17 years after leaving this job, I've often said, "I should've stayed and retired from there".

I'd have great hours, decent pay, work that is not high on the "stress level" scale, it's what I've been trained and degree'd in and I can contribute to a retirement plan where the company doubles my contribution. I have an interview next week.

Problem is...I've become accustomed to a "NO STRESS" job that is fun, not demanding or risky of litigation, decent hours and pay with no politics. Finally, after 25 years, I'm am calm and happy, never tired of my job. Could use a few extra bucks but without it I'm fine.

I'm really struggling with this as I am nearing the end of my career, nearly 60 yo. and it really IS difficult to get hired, even to get an interview for that matter.

Seasoned professionals, I'd appreciate your input.

I'm 68, RN 45 years this past June.........still working, in a physician office...

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jul 29, 2017

Take that job. Nothing to lose. No brainer.

TriciaJ, RN · Jul 29, 2017

Wow, that is a dilemma. I'm saying that because even though I have a peach of a job, I'm choosing to retire in a few months and just work there per diem. It would be great financially to stay there part time a few more years, but I just don't have it in me. Like you, I tried different things, just not as many. If I were in your shoes, I really don't know what I'd do.

That's why I think the best advice you already got here is to listen to your gut. Go ahead and go to that interview. If you get a job offer, ask for a few days to consider it. If you're good at listening to your gut, it'll tell you "go for it" or "hell, no." Good luck, whatever you decide.