Will they hold my first career against me?

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You may think I'm sounding paranoid, but I currently work in finance. I majored in English while in college, never meant to be in finance and have been trying to get out since I'm 25 but you can't exactly include this in your resume. With all the backlash against investment banks (not all unjustified though there are a lot of people earning lower than middle class incomes just trying to survive in it) do you think a prospective school or employer will hold it against me that I've worked in it for the past 12 years?

Thanks for the advice

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

I can't imagine that having been in finance would work against you. If anything it might work for you, especially if you ever wanted to go into management.

good luck!

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Specializes in Public Health.

Unless you were a sex worker or assassin, I'd say you're safe. Big banks aren't exactly popular these days, but I don't really think an employer in healthcare will care if you worked in finance. Heck, they'll probably ask you for help with the hospital budget or something.:o Think positive. Way too early in the game to sell yourself short. Think about what advantages your past career will provide for you in the field of nursing.

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I dunno... I worked for the finance industry too, and when people ask if they can contact that employer, I just say "do you remember hearing about XXXX Bank's involvement in the financial meltdown? You can try, but I'm pretty sure they went belly-up."

Experience is experience. You're getting out, and unless you're a CEO of Goldman Sachs, I think you're good. In fact, you may be in the unique position of actually getting to trash your old employer, based on how everyone feels about banks.

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Specializes in LTC.

Yeah..when I first read the title I was thinkin maybe you were a stripper or worked at the Bunny Ranch in Las Vegas or something.........I think you're cool.

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I just got admitted to an ABSN program and have worked one of the most infamous investment banks for 16 years! I am leaving this job for something that will fulfill me. i explained this in detail in my (optional) essay, and all is working out fine. good luck!

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I think most HR folks are smart enough to understand that the worker bees in the financial industry weren't the ones who made off (or Madoff :D) with bags of TARP money.

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rn/writer - How did you know that is what is says on my business card? 'worker bee'.. actually the worker bees like myself don't even get cards! :)

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Most employers don't give a ding-dong about what you did before nursing.Most wouldn't even remember what it said on your resume.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele.

ummmm no.... unless your old company jacked up the interest rate on loans that your potential new employer holds (lol)

Seriously, no. Having another career before Nursing can be an asset. You understand finances which is helpful in any industry.

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Most places will only care about the nursing or relevant training you have had. If anything it will be a bonus as you will have a good amount of life experience and have changed your career for something you really want. Instead of coming straight of school and not knowing what the world is all about.

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Specializes in General Internal Medicine, ICU.

I think you'd be fine. Don't worry about it. Good luck with nursing!

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