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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
 
| Wow what a year for me....my youngest started college this year and I am getting use to it but it has been a real adjustment....youngest and my only daughter with three older brothers. Plus the fact, Im so burned out with my job and was injured earlier in year so had to cut back on my hours. I've been a nurse for 30 yrs and really am tired of being one. Problem is I don't know what else to do that I can make a fraction of what I make....I literally have come to hate it although I cover it up and still do a pretty good job ...I recently started another very part time job in nursing but at 52 years old I just don't seem to have the energy or drive to learn all I have to to be successful at it. I know that sounds extremely lazy but....its just how I feel. For quite a few years I basically carried the financial load for our household while my hubbys business was not that great. I feel really guilty if I don't work and maybe I just need to let go of that. Sometimes I just feel like I don't even have a purpose.... I was really an involved mom and not to brag but I have pretty good kids. Ive recently started training for marathons and am enjoying that...my horses have been my saving grace too .....anyone else out there going thru what I am?? | |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
   
Location: OH. IO | OHHH BOOYYYY DID I,lol,Both of my children moved out the same month of the same year.I was as lost as I could be,that was 5 years ago, guess what,still not adjusted to it. I see now,how much my children were a huge part of my life. I cant say that i struggled with my job,im 50 years old,and been at the job for 20 years,and I LOVE MY JOB,Although I can relate to the being injured thing. Being a nurse as you are,im sure you are aware of the depression an injury can throw you into,maybe you need to look into that as well.I broke my back,and neck in 2001 ,on the job.It took me 2 years to get back to work,the 1st year was AWFUL .
As for my children, I still travel to horse shows with my daughter as much as possible,although we have really slowed down,My son is here now,sitting in MY tree stand deer hunting, I try too see them as much as possible without stepping over the line. I bet you are a great nurse,Keep your chin up,and do some things YOU want to do.
Edited by jake16 2013-12-03 10:02 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 183
Location: Wyoming | I sure can relate I have had 5 or so major surgeries have been off work for over a year and it's not looking good getting back to work anytime soon. I am socially isolated but on the bright side of that I have my son and niece here 24/7 . My husband is gone a lot so the keep me company.
My passion has always been horses and not being able to train or compete has really taken a toll on me. I have some of the best horses I have ever had right now and I am trying to figure out what I should do. Do I sell, hire someone, partner up, work harder to get better (or is getting better just a dream) I just don't know I have always been a very strong willed person but I am getting pretty disappointed in my recovery process. I had bilateral hip replacements and revised total knee. I also have had neck surgery and a few others. I know this all takes time but I am really getting impatient. Hopefully I will get it figured out. Like you I am tired of my nursing just burned out I want to do something else just don't know what.
Edited by Runninformoney 2013-12-03 11:43 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
| thanks ladies....for letting me vent and giving me your thoughts and encouragement! ...I know i'm not the only one going thru this its just all so confusing at times. | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
| Runninformoney - 2013-12-03 12:42 PM
I sure can relate I have had 5 or so major surgeries have been off work for over a year and it's not looking good getting back to work anytime soon. I am socially isolated but on the bright side of that I have my son and niece here 24/7 . My husband is gone a lot so the keep me company.
My passion has always been horses and not being able to train or compete has really taken a toll on me. I have some of the best horses I have ever had right now and I am trying to figure out what I should do. Do I sell, hire someone, partner up, work harder to get better (or is getting better just a dream) I just don't know I have always been a very strong willed person but I am getting pretty disappointed in my recovery process. I had bilateral hip replacements and revised total knee. I also have had neck surgery and a few others. I know this all takes time but I am really getting impatient. Hopefully I will get it figured out. Like you I am tired of my nursing just burned out I want to do something else just don't know what.
Runninformoney - I wouldn't give up just yet....you still are probably healing and its gonna take some time....that was some major surgeries you had! I'm sure it is hard to not get discouraged...so you are a nurse too? ...sounds like you have some awesome horses and i'm sure they give you a lot of joy and I think you would really miss it? Lots of decisions.... hugs to u :) | |
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | Sorry to hear about your woes.... and know it is an adjustment to have the youngins' flee the nest; however, this can be a very exciting time in your life as a new chapter in your life unfolds. You do sound quite depressed though -- being a nurse I'm sure you know that. Perhaps it would help to talk with someone??? You did not mention you husband -- maybe you two could carve out some time together -- maybe a special trip? Or find some time for volunteer work within your community at a food pantry, senior center, library reading to children, pet rescues, etc. There are so many places that need volunteers and you have so much experience and so many wonderful skills you have gained through your lifetime of nursing / parenting that you could share to brighten others' lives and your life! I know that when I've felt "down", it has always helped me to get out and "help others" in some manner..... and there are so many people and organizations that need assistance even if only an hour or two or day or so a week..... | |
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Veteran
Posts: 165
| Yes!!! I totally get how you are feeling. I am suffering from the Empty Nest Syndrome too. My daughter graduated and moved away to college this fall. I've been feeling quite lost without her here. It's almost like I've lost my own identity sometimes. I have always worked on our family ranch, and when she was here I would have an excuse to actually get off the farm to be involved with her sports and activities in town once in awhile. Now it seems like I only really need to go in about once or twice a week. My husband works off the farm quite a bit, so it's just me talking to the animals alot of the time now. I'll go several days without talking to or seeing anyone. When she was here I didn't feel nearly as isolated. Before winter set in I just put all my extra time into my horses and that was good, but now it's cold and the snow is piling up, I just do chores and head back to the house. To top it off she just phoned me and she's got a high fever, cough, sore bones and she thinks she's dying, she's upset and stressed because she's right in the middle of final exams... and she's 4 hours away, I'm sure she'll be fine, but I can't just leave all the animals to go see her. And she's working right through the Christmas break so she won't be home for Christmas either. I think we put so much effort while raising them into preparing them to get out on their own, but we forget to prepare ourselves.
Edited by Glittergirl 2013-12-04 1:30 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
| Glittergirl - 2013-12-04 2:19 AM
Yes!!! I totally get how you are feeling. I am suffering from the Empty Nest Syndrome too. My daughter graduated and moved away to college this fall. I've been feeling quite lost without her here. It's almost like I've lost my own identity sometimes. I have always worked on our family ranch, and when she was here I would have an excuse to actually get off the farm to be involved with her sports and activities in town once in awhile. Now it seems like I only really need to go in about once or twice a week. My husband works off the farm quite a bit, so it's just me talking to the animals alot of the time now. I'll go several days without talking to or seeing anyone. When she was here I didn't feel nearly as isolated. Before winter set in I just put all my extra time into my horses and that was good, but now it's cold and the snow is piling up, I just do chores and head back to the house. To top it off she just phoned me and she's got a high fever, cough, sore bones and she thinks she's dying, she's upset and stressed because she's right in the middle of final exams... and she's 4 hours away, I'm sure she'll be fine, but I can't just leave all the animals to go see her. And she's working right through the Christmas break so she won't be home for Christmas either. I think we put so much effort while raising them into preparing them to get out on their own, but we forget to prepare ourselves.
Glittergirl- that is exactly how I feel too!!! I can REALLY relate to everything you said! We have a farm too and I love taking care of the animals too. I hope your daughter gets to feeling better! I think part of my problem is that I want to quit working as a nurse but I feel guilty for thinking/feeling that way. My husband is a great guy and very hard working I just feel guilty putting it all on him. I was doing really good this summer too when it was barrel racing season and I could ride almost everyday...I always say that is my "therapy" but now it is way to cold with snow and ice to be doing that. :( Ive actually thought about being a foster mom too...there are soo many kids out there that do not have a decent parent ...its sad. Thanks again everyone for your encouragement. | |
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