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| Photo credit: AlicePopkorn / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND |
Recently, I accepted a job position that was not my dream
job, but a job that would provide an income. During the interview I was told there would only be two weeks of training. This didn't sit well with me. After
leaving the interview, I had this nagging feeling deep in my gut that I should not take the job if they offered it to me. I’ve been out of "hands-on" nursing for over 10 years, but knew with the
proper training and time, I could pick it up again and do a good job. But with only
two weeks of training for this particular position, I knew I would
not be where I would need or want to be.
As I was contemplating my decision, I had well-meaning loved ones encouraging me to take this job. After all, it was a paycheck and I needed to pay my bills. Also, I have taken on other jobs in the past with little to no training and have done well.
As I was contemplating my decision, I had well-meaning loved ones encouraging me to take this job. After all, it was a paycheck and I needed to pay my bills. Also, I have taken on other jobs in the past with little to no training and have done well.
A little history: After spending
5 years too long in my last position (almost 11 years total), I felt burned out and almost left nursing
completely. Nurse burnout is actually really high (I’ll talk about that in another
post). My ultimate desire is to help others with my years of knowledge and work/life experiences, but financially I am unable to do this full-time, and therefore need to work at a
conventional job.
Needless to say, with all of the pressure to take that
position, I didn’t listen to my “gut” (which I believe was the Holy Spirit’s
promptings). After being on the job for a few days, I received confirmation that with only two weeks of training, I would not
feel confident or safe enough to be on my own. I sat down with the employer a couple of times to discuss my concerns. I apologized for even accepting this position because I really had no intention of leaving the job so soon after being hired. They understood and I was able to leave on good terms, knowing that I can apply with this company if another position opens up. My intentions were never to put a company in that position, so I've had to deal with the feelings of guilt and pick myself up and move forward.
*** Never
just up and quit a job or decide not to show up without calling. Take the
time to talk to them. They may be able to work with you on your concerns.
Unfortunately, in my case, they could not lengthen the orientation and there
were no backup nurses to rely on. ***
Here are five valuable lessons I've learned from this experience:
- I should have listened to my inner "still small voice" and all of the uneasy feelings I had about taking the job. It would have saved me and the employer time and money.
- It's okay to listen to what others have to say in a situation, but don’t allow their words to pressure you into doing something you are not comfortable with. I know they mean well and are only looking out for our best interests, but in the end, this is your life you are living.
- Money isn’t everything, so don’t take a job just for the money. I know we all have bills to pay and we need money to survive, but we may benefit more from taking a job we will enjoy, but pays less - as long as we can meet our financial needs. (I know this is a controversial statement, but you also have to look at what you are giving up for money).
- Don’t be afraid to wait for a position you will enjoy more (unless you are at a position where you really do have to take any job just to survive. But if that happens, don't give up on your dreams. Think of it as a stepping stone.). Less than two weeks after choosing to leave that position, I came across a job opening in a department I would love to work in and have an interview! (Update - I got the job).
- Never stop trusting in what God can do in your situation. He can and will open the right doors for you. If you step through a door that wasn't the right one, don't get discouraged. God has a way of redirecting you. But you have to step out and do your part too. Proverbs 16:9 (Amplified), "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure".
CHER-Life and live WELL \o/
Cheryll