Career decision

[twk001]

I am at a professional crossroad. I have always been a high achiever, and have always been one to strive for the next step up. This drive to be better has consumed much of my time and attention.

I have a master’s degree in nursing administration. I am enrolled in a post graduate nurse practitioner program. However at my current workplace I have been offered a wonderful opportunity to enter management formally. I am excited- the schedule will be improved, pay will be improved, i’ll have a more normal home life and schedule and will be able to have more time with my kids/husband which is really important.

The catch- if I decide to accept, my goal of nurse practitioner program will pretty much be done. Working a 5 day/week job is not conducive to any NP program, since they mostly require at least 2 full days a week of clinical time (and more hours for study than I would have available) However, it’s never been this HUGE career goal of mine to get to NP, it’s just more of a financial ‘good step’ and generally offers pretty good job security. Honestly I’m more of a natural leader and being in charge comes very easy for me (not stressless) BUT my close friend who is a NP right now reassures me that anybody can get fired from ANY job, including NPs (and she has seen it in her practice).

So, it seems I am at a crossroad. While the money in management is better than where I am now, it’s not quite as good of a growth opportunity long term as NP. I am asking for opinions on how to find contentment with this blessing before me and generally, any opinions.

Thanks

 

[1ke]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

I think the trick is to just line out the pros and cons of the job and see where it falls. I have also been a high achiever and I work for a non profit so my pay isn’t nearly what it would have been had I stayed in corporate America. But there are many quality of life aspects that make up for the pay and opportunity. I stopped focusing on the goal and stared focusing on the journey. Because really, being achievement oriented can have two drivers-- what makes me happy or approval of others. I stopped letting it be about others-- parents, former classmates, or some arbitrary notion of success. I don’t give a flip anymore what other people think. I care what makes me happy.

Go that directon and I don’t think you can go wrong.

If being a manager will make you happy-- do it.

If being a NP makes you happy-- do that.

 

[Ginmer]

You might want to think about the physical activity side of the management job.
In my management position there is a lot of paper and desk work. If you like to be
Up and around while working, will a management position be too sedentary for you?
Can you tell the difference between the two jobs?

 

[TK421]

Discerning between two good options is hard. Very hard.

No matter what you choose, it won’t be a wrong decision. I would just weigh which option you think you would do better at, and choose that one.

 

[Anglewannabe]

BUT my close friend who is a NP right now reassures me that anybody can get fired from ANY job, including NPs (and she has seen it in her practice).

That goes without saying. It seems to me like you are trying to determine which is the more secure future. And the answer is trusting God

 

[PaulinVA]

The question is whether you want to be a clinician or be in administration. Those seems like pretty stark differences, although they might be in the same setting.

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[dedo]

You seem drawn to management.

That is not my calling, but if it was I think the sky is the limit in management whereas in clinical work there is a ceiling based on what insurance is willing to pay.

Hopefully, through research and prayer you will figure it out.

Good luck!

 

[twk001]

Thank you everybody for your kind words. Many of your statements hit the target. Yes, I’m drawn to leadership. Yes, I’m looking for the most secure future. Yes, the two paths are very different (but both interesting).

I am starting the management role this week, although right now it’s a trial run for all involved. If it doesn’t seem a good fit, I will resume my current position and keep on track with NP schooling.

I am excited to see what this brings. I am excited to get back to a more normal schedule. I am excited to see if this is what I think it will be, and if I’m up to the task. I’m excited to know that big things await.

Thank you again. I’ll update over the coming weeks and let everyone know if this choice was right. In the meantime, I would surely appreciate prayer for direction, insight and knowledge.

 

[GLam8833]

Thank you everybody for your kind words. Many of your statements hit the target. Yes, I’m drawn to leadership. Yes, I’m looking for the most secure future. Yes, the two paths are very different (but both interesting).

I am starting the management role this week, although right now it’s a trial run for all involved. If it doesn’t seem a good fit, I will resume my current position and keep on track with NP schooling.

I am excited to see what this brings. I am excited to get back to a more normal schedule. I am excited to see if this is what I think it will be, and if I’m up to the task. I’m excited to know that big things await.

Thank you again. I’ll update over the coming weeks and let everyone know if this choice was right. In the meantime, I would surely appreciate prayer for direction, insight and knowledge.

GBY and good luck!!