Quitting a six figure job to become a nurse...am I nuts

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Specializes in Anesthesia, CCRN, SRNA.

I'm preparing to resign from my six figure job on Thursday. Im a pharmaceutical sales rep that is just totally burned out on the job. I've always wanted to be a nurse and am finally about to take the leap of faith. Im applying to accelerated BSN programs that start in the summer/fall. To make sure I get into these I have to finish up some prereqs which start today. I also have to take over a couple of classes that I got C's in 20 years ago to make sure my GPA is at least a 3.5.

I've saved money, paid off all of my debt and have a financial plan in place to make it through the next 4 years....I plan on going to grad school to get my MSN.

Am I nuts to pursue a dream? My exgirlfriend broke up with me over this. She said I was too old to become a nurse. She also thought that it wasn't a very manly profession. You can probably see why she is now an ex :)

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Hi! Welcome to allnurses!

I too am quitting a decent job at a CRO to become a nurse. I too have applied to accelerated BSN programs and two ADN programs (I really want to do this and want to be sure I'm covered!). I have a very strong, competitive GPA and have wanted to do this for a long time.

I'm 32 (I'll be 33 in June) and I say WHO CARES?

I applaud you for following your dream! I don't think your ex was worthy of you. I also think it's a very "manly" profession - it takes a real man to CARE about his fellow man! (And woman! LOL!)

I wish you all the luck in the world and hope you get into the program of your choice. I have a feeling you will do just fine.

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Specializes in Surgical/Telemetry.

Good luck to you. It doesn't sound nuts to leave a job/career that you know that you are burned out from. You may take a pay cut as an MSN, but hopefully the mix of decent money + renewed job satisfaction + the fulfillment of a dream will make that up to you. :)

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

i think you've got a lot of guts--that's my 2nd reaction. my 1st when i read the title of the thread was what????

you've laid a very good foundation with the financial plan and knowing what you need to do, and how to do it. so, it's not like you're just taking a wild leap--you did your homework. and you know you don't want to keep on doing what you're doing now.

i say go for it!!! i wish you the very best in this endeavor. welcome to allnurses, and come back anytime!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

With overtime, nursing can be a six figure job, and will be more so soon enough.

~faith,

Timothy.

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As you have probably already come to this conclusion, money isn't everything. You really need job satisfaction and I think more of us hitting the midlife mark are figuring out that if we can swing it financially, we should head to those professions that bring us satisfaction and perhaps even a little joy. You have made a sound plan. Go for it. Sorry about the girlfriend. You are only too old to learn something new if you are no longer breathing! Most of the people in my class are 30+. We have several 50+ and one I am guessing approaches 60. Keep coming here and you will get lots of support. Good luck!

DrugReptoNurse said:
I'm preparing to resign from my six figure job on Thursday. Im a pharmaceutical sales rep that is just totally burned out on the job. I've always wanted to be a nurse and am finally about to take the leap of faith. Im applying to accelerated BSN programs that start in the summer/fall. To make sure I get into these I have to finish up some prereqs which start today. I also have to take over a couple of classes that I got C's in 20 years ago to make sure my GPA is at least a 3.5.

I've saved money, paid off all of my debt and have a financial plan in place to make it through the next 4 years....I plan on going to grad school to get my MSN.

Am I nuts to pursue a dream? My exgirlfriend broke up with me over this. She said I was too old to become a nurse. She also thought that it wasn't a very manly profession. You can probably see why she is now an ex ?

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

Life is to short to be unhappy. If you think nursing will make you happy, then go for it! BTW, I think it takes a manly man to be a nurse. I hope you find a new girlfriend that realizes this! Good luck with your studies!

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DrugReptoNurse said:
I'm preparing to resign from my six figure job on Thursday. Im a pharmaceutical sales rep that is just totally burned out on the job. I've always wanted to be a nurse and am finally about to take the leap of faith. Im applying to accelerated BSN programs that start in the summer/fall. To make sure I get into these I have to finish up some prereqs which start today. I also have to take over a couple of classes that I got C's in 20 years ago to make sure my GPA is at least a 3.5.

I've saved money, paid off all of my debt and have a financial plan in place to make it through the next 4 years....I plan on going to grad school to get my MSN.

Am I nuts to pursue a dream? My exgirlfriend broke up with me over this. She said I was too old to become a nurse. She also thought that it wasn't a very manly profession. You can probably see why she is now an ex ?

You are never too old as I learned here on allnurses. I am 46 have a husband who makes good money and I could take it easy. I need a challenge in my life greater than dustbunnies and the Betty Crocker Cookbook so I decided to tackle those hard science classes. So far so good.

It's not healthy to go to a job everyday if you are not happy, money is not everything. Sorry your girlfriend wasn't supportive.

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Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in life!

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I think that's great. I, too, quit a great job with high pay. Actually I quit because I was sick and tired, gained weight and constantly stressed. Then after taking a few months off I decided that nursing was something I always wanted to do. I'm 37 and now taking my pre-reqs and applying to an ABSN program.

Good luck. I'm happy that you were able to follow your dream and not get caught up in the 9-5 money race. :rolleyes:

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DrugRepto Nurse:

Go for it! Nursing offers so much it is sure to cure what ails you--which, at this time seems to be a soul searching for something a little more substantial than whatever material luxuries your current salary can buy. As someone who also left a six-figure career as an investment banker to pursue nursing (back in 2004), I can tell you that it has been worth it to-date. It wasn't without pain and a lot of crying and hand-wringing over whether I did the right thing. It took me about a year to get over it and settle into the new routine of nursing school. I deeply missed the people I used to work with and I did miss the money, the nice hotels and all the fluff related to my former career. However, at 37 years old, I realized I wanted more--not necessarily financially, but something deeper and nursing seemed to offer it in spades. I don't regret my decision.

Even at our age, nursing offers so much--something for everyone. I currently work as a monitor tech on a 32-bed cardiac unit (per diem) and a critical care tech in an emergency room part-time for $10.60 per hour, but I love the action, I love learning and I love being part of a team working collaboratively to save lives :) as corny as that sounds. I choose to contribute my experience and skills that cross-over from investment banking (ie great judgment, analysis, decision making, people-reading etc.) to that of critical care nursing. My short term goal is to get hired at a Level I/II trauma ICU or ER and my long-term goal is to become a CRNA (probably start school after a few years ICU experience). You might even want to consider this route with your pharm background.

Anyway, you sound very focused and determined. Trust what your gut is telling you--you are in for a world of opportunity, possibilities and adventure--just what you seem to be looking for. I think you will be very happy with what you find. Good luck and stay in touch with allnurses. It's a very supportive network. Regards,

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Specializes in Anesthesia, CCRN, SRNA.

Thanks for all the kind responses!

I've been on the fence with this decision for a long time and appreciate all of the positive feedback. It will be tough going from a cushy job with perks to being a grunt nursing student but Im ready for the challenge.

I'm sure I'll be here more than a few times to get help from all of you who have been on the path before me.

Thanks again :)

Ron

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