cross-posted from: https://linux.community/post/3994427
several months ago I wrote about leaving floor nursing for moving patients in beds. I also posted it would mean a 20% financial hit.
Turns out the financial hit is 2%. I took the job.
Several of my former colleagues, after seeing me now that I switched jobs cannot hide their disbelief and shock. Some of the things I’ve heard: “what a waste, you can do more.” “You are a RN and you choose to move beds?”, “Haven’t you worked with us?”, “Oh no, don’t tell me you’re moving beds now.” and more.
I’ve always been very individualistic and never cared much about what others think about me. This new job means less stress and I can sleep better.
But it’s not only other RNs who tell me this: doctors as well, very knowledgeable ones.
Am I doing something wrong, when so many people, some of them much smarter than me tell me what I’m doing is stupid?
Going back to my old job doesn’t mean going back to my old department, just back to floor nursing.
Your former colleagues see your potential but do not see, or choose not to see, the rest of you. The rest of you that’s messy. The rest of you that cannot operate at a high level for long periods. The rest of you that’s just f–king done.
Your former colleagues have stamina in spades - or at least, more than you do - and imagine a perfect individual that combines their stamina with your enviable potential.
But, that person does not exist. Or at least, if they do, that person isn’t you.
There’s no point running yourself into the ground trying to meet an ideal that only exists in the minds of other people.
Don’t buy into their idealism. At least, not until you’re sure you can be the person they think you can be.
Source: I was in a similar situation, but kept going, burned out and am not OK.