take a risk leaving stable job or stay?

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

I'm having a tough time making a decision, to stay with my current employer of 22 years or start a new job.

I'm unhappy with my present employment situation. I don't hate the job, but I'm overwhelmed by my employers unrealistic expectations, unfair favoritism for some nurses, excessive travel and so on. I interviewed and accepted another job, but I'm still hesitating to take the job. The employer is doing my background check. I've been a nurse for a long time, and I'm not particulary excited about new challenges. I'm tired, partly because I am so beaten up by my present employer. Mostly, I fear the unknown. Will I be able to perform the duties my new job requires? I have a good work ethic so I fully intend to. I wonder what will happen to me in this job market if my perspective job does not work out. I need to keep a full time job.

What would you do in a similar situation? Should I take a risk? I'm going into case management.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I'm unhappy with my present employment situation...overwhelmed by my employers unrealistic expectations, unfair favoritism for some nurses, excessive travel and so on... I've been a nurse for a long time, and I'm not particulary excited about new challenges. I'm tired, partly because I am so beaten up by my present employer.

I fear the unknown. Will I be able to perform the duties my new job requires?

I have a good work ethic so I fully intend to. I wonder what will happen to me in this job market if my perspective job does not work out. I need to keep a full time job.

What would you do in a similar situation? Should I take a risk? I'm going into case management.

You are burned out & need a change, right?

All your concerns about the new job are perfectly normal, especially after being being in one place for most of your professional life. You have developed a wealth of skills and experience, and they aren't planning to hire you if they think you will fail.

If you can, take a 2 week vacation so you start the new job detoxed from the old job and be ready to rise to the challenge.