Should I leave a job I am miserable at even though I am most likely going back to sch

[LAM2012]

I currently work in the medical research field. Over the years I have realized that research is not for me and that I want direct patient contact. I have just applied to 5 universities for a Nursing program. Provided that I get accepted, that would mean I would be returning to school in just 5-6 months. Is it worth leaving my current job? I am not challenged and I am also miserable due to animal allergies. The allergies are slowly getting worse. I have been at the job for a few years now. I am hoping to leave to get a job where I would get experience working with patients, which might help me get a job in a year when I am looking for a position as an RN. If I end up not getting into school for the fall, it would be advantageous for me to have the job with patient contact. On the flipside, the jobs that I am looking for in health care have an average pay that is slightly lower than what I make now, and right now I have GREAT benefits. It is a toss-up for me.... Also I am married and have a child, and the entire family is on my health insurance. ANY INPUT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

[VeggieLadie]

I have worked in the mental health field for seven years as a case manager, obviously I want a change, which is why we returned to school. The job market is tough now, and I would be wary of leaving a job with great benefits and better pay. Can you afford COBRA fir your family? Can you switch to your spouses insurance? If you find you can't feasibly leave try to think of the positives. For example, my job is extremely flexible because I make my own schedule, I can work every day in a week or three days as long as do the amount of billable work required...I remind myself of this when I'm thinking of how badly I want a new job...almost makes this one bareable!