Am I making a bad choice?

[Anonymous]

Hi. I turned 23 this year. I dont have any college degree. I dropped out about 2 years ago because i was unmotivated and i was not passionate at all of what i was studying for, but im getting older and time doesn't stop for anyone.

I can't keep waiting because the fact that i have wasted 5 years of my life for the mere fact that i dont know what i want, is getting more ridiculous and embarrassing each year. Lately i cannot stop thinking about going back to college. I have to choose a path this time because at least i know where i would be going. Last time i went to college i just chose a certain study but didn't know what it was for.

My mom is a nurse and have been telling me to study nursing. This is only because i keep telling her i dont know what i want. Years ago i’d just ignore her, but I've just been stuck and need to move forward, so i have started to actually think about being a nurse. It seems to pay enough. I dont have a kid, or any major bills i have to spend money on. So it seems good enough for me.

I have a lot on my mind. Like how hard it might be, the classes, the actual job, and im scared of going to college again, but i realize i have to try because the other option is staying where i have been my whole life and its draining the life out of me. My friends have graduated, moved places, getting real jobs, and im still the same as i was at 18.

I have a boyfriend (somehow) who loves me and is supportive of me. He made me realize I've just been making excuses to not go back. That im just scared of failing (typical). I was surprised he gave me a little tough love lol. I have nothing else going on in my life. I know some people dont need college to succeed but i know im not one of those people.

Am i right/wrong to just wanna pursue nursing for this reason? Im guessing even if i regret it, it won't be a bigger regret than staying where i am at right now. Right

You won't regret pursuing to be a nurse

You will regret pursuing a degree you dont want

Updates

10 mo

I work in a restaurant and have been working there since i graduated high school. I cannot grow old there. I would rather die. I dont know what im doing or what i want still but i think im too old to stay in this stage of my life.

[Levin]

Just be very wary of pursuing something because someone told you to. That's what I did and it was a wholesale disaster. The worst 3 years of my life.

I mean, you have to think about the skills and qualities you possess, what motivates you, what enlightens you, and add some practical sprinkles to that. Like what do you have a passion for? What on a broader level do you find motivation for? ie with nursing obviously it's people orientated and helping others. But there are bad sides ie you're in the medical system, you don't have much autonomy etc. What information can you glean from your hobbies? Even though it's difficult some people do manage to earn good careers from that, ie yoga teachers seems to be the big one. It's best you explore and try new things, new jobs, courses, etc. Even if you fail you're gaining information about what you like and don't like.

You've become stuck, investigate the stuckness.

Also, consider yourself lucky in a way, as a woman you ain't gonna get rejected by virtue of your job...

[barn_stormer]

make sure you get a degree that will get you a job. nursing is good. computer programming is better.

[LazerBean]

Getting a nursing degree is a practical solution. It pays well, and there will always be a job ready for you. If you don't like it, then you can always save up enough money and get a degree in something else from your nursing money. That cannot be said of a lot of degrees. There are a lot of degrees where if you screw up in get something worthless, you're out of money and out of luck. I have friends that are making $1,000 per night just with an RN degree. If you already have the right credits from previous classes, you could be an RN in 18 months to 2 years.

[ShesRad80]

if it is not something you are passionate about dont do it. you will be miserable i dont know how many i have seen leave it, its very demanding because it was about the paycheck not the actual love of the job. find something you are passionate about, start brainstorming. you also have teaching, banking, what interests you, is your hardest battle it seems. find your passion

[exitseven]

Okay- nursing is a good career path. They are in demand and the pay is good. However if your heart is not into it you will not like it. You have to like to help people. Why not ask your mother to take you to work with her sometime to see what it is all about.

There are other careers that you can pursue in the medical field that are challenging but do not involve blood and guts.

I created a Medical Informatics curriculum at the college where I used to work. It is the use of computers in the medical field. There is a lot of growth potential in it.

[richardcory]

What do you WANT? You are young enough to choose any path for yourself so don't settle. If nursing is what you want to do, great. But if not, figure out how to get what you do want.

[Asker]

Thats the thing I've been putting my life on hold because i never knew what i want and i still dont, so i was just gonna suck it up and be practical and choose something. That was my question, and i guess you're saying its a bad idea?

[richardcory]

Maybe not a bad idea, but I think its worth spending some time thinking about the life you want. Make sure you don't go down the wrong road. (I know a guy who spent 12 years past high school getting a PhD in a field - and then discovered he hated that field. All that huge effort wasted).

Nothing wrong with nursing - but be sure its what you want.

[Pudsmucker]

Nursing is it good career choice. Especially if you like helping people. A good nurse will always have a job. Either in a hospital environment or in a clinic. Nursing will also give you the opportunity to pursue other career development. As a nurse practitioner. I personally prefer visiting a nurse practitioner. With nurse practitioners I do not feel like I'm a number they take time with me and help me with the questions I might have pertaining to my health versus a doctor Hi how are you I'm going to turn you over to the nurse, they'll help you with any other questions.

[UniquelyBasic]

Well if you don't know what you want, life is just going to force you down a path whether you like it or not. You need to decide whether to pursue a passion or get a job you don't hate and you can then use that money to fund your passions and hobbies.

[ImalwaysrightOK]

You know what there is a shortage of all healthcare personnel, including mental health professionals. You can't go wrong trying to help people.

[OlderAndWiser]

If that is your career, you will be doing it for 30-40 years. Will you love being a nurse?

[riverrat3]

Pursue happiness