Taking a Pay Cut To Get Out of Nursing

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Specializes in ER.

Has anyone taken a pay cut to get out of the nursing profession?

I'm talking about trading in night shifts, unpredictiable schedules, and weekends at my nursing job for Mon-Fri 9-5 non-nursing job.

How much of a paycut would you take? 10%, 20%, 50%??? What would be your limit?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Believe me, I've thought of it!

However, I'm in my 50's and that ain't gonna happen - can't take any paycut.

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How much of a paycut would you take? 10%, 20%, 50%???

Actually, I'm looking at about a 60% pay reduction to get out.

It's called retirement.

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i would take a 40 percent but just dont wanna start of at an entry level postion somwhere ....... what ideas do you have ? why the question? what other jobs have you looked into?

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I'm talking about trading in night shifts, unpredictiable schedules, and weekends at my nursing job for Mon-Fri 9-5 non-nursing job.

I'm was in the Mon-Fri 9-5 working world for many years and was laid off three times and worked countless hours for no pay ( due to being salaried ). Yes, nursing is hard work but I think I'll stick with it, thank you.

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Just about anything that would offer me 40 hours a week, or even 32 hours, would make me more satisfied. Going weeks and months without work is not pleasant any more. This is not why I signed on to become a nurse.

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Specializes in med-surg, step-down, ICU/CCU, ED.

hmm...maybe up to 30%, as long as I could comfortably pay my bills. I'd also consider getting a roommate if I were that pressed to get out of nursing.

My biggest problem though would be adjusting to a 9-5 schedule. ugh! Just thinking about it makes me feel ill...:(

Sorry nursing's not working out for you btw

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

I did. My current job offers much less stress than nursing, much more flexibility than nursing, and I like my job rather well anyway. I work at home, so the only cattiness I get is from my husband, the kids, or our pet rabbits. I had a period of time where I thought I'd like to go back to nursing, but I like what I have now more than I ever did with nursing, even with a smaller paycheck. The pay is about the only negative to me about my job, and the positives of my job clearly outweigh the negative.

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Is this a question of which is more important: happiness, sanity, good health, family time VS. money and employment??? Its hard to choose in this economy. However, i'll chose the first one.

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Specializes in Nursing Eduator.

caliotter3,

what about teaching/nurse instructor! Might be an option? They are always looking for good nurses with experience to teach!

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It really boils down to budget. How much do you need each month to pay for basic needs. I took an extra clinic job for a few months to help pay off debt,quit after the debt was paid off, but kept my FT hospital job basically for its medical benefits. If the non-nursing job provides for your basic needs, i say go for it!:up:

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Specializes in ER.

I'm looking to get into a human services field (don't want to be too specific) while I am in graduate school for a non-nursing degree. The pay cut would be temporary until I finish my master's, at which point I'd go back to pay very close to my RN wages.

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