Musicians, Artist career changers?

[Elsa15]

Hi there,

I'm working towards going into nursing as a second career, coming from a performing arts background. For those of you who are also artist, I have some questions:

Did you ever regret your career change?

Why did you change careers?

Do you ever desperately miss your old life?

How do you fulfill your artistic needs while working as a nurse?

Thank you so much for any thoughts!

[Elsa15]

Thanks for checking in. Without a science or math background, it has been challenging for me to wrap my brain around things, but I am doing it!

I think we are twins! I also have a self employed husband who makes our bread and butter, but retirement and health insurance scare me. I gave up my church job for Anatomy study time! I still get called as a sub but I miss it. And I teach a tiny bit but sent my students to another teacher so I would have time for school. However, I feel totally comfortable with my decision and am very happy at the prospect of "making a difference" in a different and important way. My little one is very young so studying is hard.

I have one more pre-req until my next task of getting into a nursing program! I'd love to connect with you personally. I know of only two other musicians (both who had good careers) turned nursing students.

[BookishBelle]

Sure! I'd like that too, just new to posting to the site, so I'll have to see how that works! I think there is a private message section?

[jazzykitty77]

"I have found some contentment in nursing. Though it is too early to say whether I regret my decision, I am glad I chose a marketable degree that pays a higher than average salary, helps me help my mother and brothers financially and allows me to have four days off per week."

Thank you for saying these things. That sounds exactly like what I am interested in. I plan to transition from being a professional musician to nursing soon. I come from a family of nurses, but my love for music and the well-meaning advice to "follow your passion" led me to pursue music full-time. Although it was fun (for the most part), I don't have the tolerance for the anxiety that comes along with it.

[jazzykitty77]

"I have found some contentment in nursing. Though it is too early to say whether I regret my decision, I am glad I chose a marketable degree that pays a higher than average salary, helps me help my mother and brothers financially and allows me to have four days off per week."

Thank you ThePrincessBride for saying these things. That sounds exactly like what I am interested in. I plan to transition from being a professional musician to nursing soon. I come from a family of nurses, but my love for music and the well-meaning advice to "follow your passion" led me to pursue music full-time. Although it was fun (for the most part), and I believe that I will always play, (I play the electric and upright basses), I don't have the tolerance for the financial insecurity that comes along with it.