Getting your player ready...
Dear J.T. & DALE: I read your column and think it’s great, but I haven’t quite seen my “problem” yet. I have been an acute-care RN for 20 years, currently making over $40 per hour. Now I want out! I would make a fantastic customer-service person making $10 per hour, and would be happy doing so. My dream job at this time of my life would be working at Costco or Trader Joe’s. I want a job I can excel at yet “leave” at the end of my shift. – Susan
J.T.: Given our economy, Susan, you can imagine why hiring managers would conclude that giving up such a lucrative job is a bit odd. Here’s what they’re thinking: You’ll get into their lower-paying, less-taxing, basically boring job and hate it after three weeks, and quit. Now, why would they think that? Because they’ve hired people like you, and that’s exactly what happened. Because of this, I predict that after some time in a job that isn’t as challenging as nursing, you will be unhappy. DALE: Somehow, I don’t picture Susan finding that response helpful. J.T.: I know. However, I’ve seen her situation so often that I have a transition plan for her. First, go part time in nursing. Next, go to a temp agency and tell them you want to work part time, and see what they have available. They will sell employers on you, and since you are part time, nobody will question the fact that you have the high-paying nursing role. Finally, reach out to the local Costco or Trader Joe’s and say: “I’ve semi-retired from nursing and work only part time. I’d love to pick up a shift or two here as a way to stay busy.” They will see you in a different light. DALE: That’s a great plan, although I imagine you’ll resist it, Susan. You want a big change and a clean break, and who can blame you? (Well, just about everybody working retail would blame you, but that’s another issue.) However, J.T.: is right that you probably need an interim step. If working part time is not the right step, then you might consider working for an organization that’s not in the medical field. There are corporations that employ nurses for things like employee wellness, plus there are plenty of nonprofits involved in medical issues that would use your expertise in a new way. These sorts of jobs might lower your stress level and end up being just what you need. If nothing else, you’ll be evolving into something new. Most people believe that it should be easy to step down or back, but that thinking is the problem. Dear J.T. & Dale: I was forced to leave a job, but instead of termination, I opted to retire. Some applications ask if I’ve ever been asked to leave a job. Technically, I was. How do I respond?– Al J.T.: The big question is what your former employer will say when contacted for a reference. If they say you retired, then you need to say the same. As for why you retired early, you could phrase it as follows: “After X successful years at the company, they were restructuring. So, I opted for retirement in hopes that I could embark on a new role with another company and stay in alignment with my skills and strengths.” This way, you are being truthful but putting a positive spin on the situation.
