I’m 33, have a degree in elementary education and left teaching after 5 years because I burned out. I won’t get into all of that, but when I entered the teaching profession I assumed I would retire from it. Needless to say I have been super cautious about choosing another career for fear of repeating the same process.

I’ve done a lot of research and I decided on nursing. Pros- I want to help people, flexibility, good pay, always learning, only need to take about 8 classes to earn RN. Cons- I’m an introvert, no one in my family has ever pursued any type of health-related career, squeamish, worried sick about making a mistake and harming someone, afraid I’ll end up hating nursing.

I gravitated towards social work for a long time but many sources seem to indicate that the low pay and possible inability to find a job does not warrant the masters degree required to land most social work jobs.

About 6 months to a year ago I realized that my dream job would be to train service dogs, own a doggie daycare, or any job revolving around dogs. It doesn’t seem lucrative though (especially where I currently live), more of a hobby or something I can start on the side and supplement with my nursing income.

So, should I continue to pursue nursing and use it to fund my dreams? I think I may grow to really love nursing, but I get so anxious about things that I could be tinging nursing with my negative thoughts and worries right from the start. I’d love to just hit the ground running with a dog-related business, but finances will not allow that, nor do I want to start a business here (unless it doesn’t require renting space). I plan on moving in 3-5 years when my husband finishes school.