I’m a tough woman, and I’ve been through some shit. I’m 38 and work as a massage therapist, taking seasonal jobs at resorts in destination towns. I made over $100k this year and was able to take the rest of the year off, but saying I’m burned out is an understatement. The work is hard on my body, and I can’t afford to buy a home in the places where I make that money. I recently got married and moved to Illinois, and I’m seriously considering nursing. I’m tired of chasing seasonal work for the paycheck. I want consistency, roots, and a career that helps me support myself and my wife. Massage helps people, and I respect that, but I’m worn down by the luxury service environment. I’m tired of catering to wealthy guests and putting on a customer-service face all day. I want to use my skills differently and care for people who are sick or vulnerable. I know nursing involves difficult patients and situations, too. Whenever I look into nursing, I hear so many negatives. I want honest perspectives, but every career has its downsides. I’m not expecting an easy job or guaranteed happiness. I’m looking for a profession with steady demand, a solid income, and room to grow. The different specialties and the possibility of travel nursing once I have experience appeal to me, too. With all the uncertainty around AI and the future of work, having a practical skill matters to me. My biggest hesitation is the work environment. I’ve dealt with toxic coworkers and have a lot of anxiety. I’m learning to hold boundaries and remind myself that coworkers aren’t automatically friends, but I know the people you work with can make a huge difference. I have some anatomy knowledge from massage school, passed the MBLEx, and have been researching nursing programs and the NCLEX. I understand that nursing would require a whole new level of education and responsibility. I want to understand what I’m getting into before committing to a program. Honestly, I feel lost. I know how to work hard, but I want that effort to build toward a stable life with my wife. I’m looking for insight into your world. For those who entered nursing as a second career: was it worth it? Have you found a supportive workplace, a solid living, and time for a life outside work? What do you wish you’d known before starting, and what would you tell someone in my position?   submitted by   /u/GullibleMoment750 [link]   [comments]