Left Nursing to waitress...am I really that crazy?

Nursing is nothing short of a nightmare. If you're lucky enough to land a nursing job, you more than likely aren't landing that dream job. As an RN in NYC, you can expect to make $33/hr to start..entry level...good luck finding that though. Anyway...if you're making $33/hr working full time..that's $33 times 40 hours a week times 4 weeks in a month...ideally...that comes to $5,280..the truth is..most of us only take home $3,400-$3,800 of that depending on our tax status. It's a decent chunk of money..for what we do, it's absolute beans..believe me..I wouldn't say that if I was being paid this much in a less stressful profession. So honestly...an RN can usually expect to bring home around $3,500 in NYC..keep in mind that a one bedroom is also $1,500/month here and utilities are OUTRAGEOUS. The stress of a nursing job is like something you have NEVER in your life experienced. Not to mention the abuse and degradation. Mind you, I had a passion for the field.



I quit...I am now a waitress at a classy Steakhouse. I have 5 tables assigned to me...and usually have around 3 parties per hour. Most people come in 2-3s and the bill is normally around $100...my tips average from $10-$20 per party...and I'm making a solid $30/hr in tips, alone. My pay is minimum wage and I look at that as a way to cover taxes. I only work 32 hours a week...4 eight hour days...but I'm not complaining.



Let's do the math...$7.25 (minimum wage here) times 32 hours a week= $232

Tips...$30/hr times 32 hours a week= $960 (yes, I make this much..hooters girls make more..and bartenders..even more!) :)



When you add the two together...I'm making about $1,200/week...approx. $4,800 a month. Truthfully, I pocket/bring home around $3,400-$3,500...all for 4 EASY days of work.



Is it glorious? Nah, not completely...but I have dealt with blood, vomit, feces, belittling coworkers, lawsuits, doctors, fear of losing my license...and don't forget..I work 5 days a week as a nurse...graveyards are usually expected...we all know how fun that is...so this has been REFRESHING. I know I'm college educated..but my stress has gone from a 10 to a 1 and my overall happiness is BACK again. The workers there don't seem very miserable and aren't worried about losing any licenses...none of them stab each other in the back...it's pretty simple stuff..making/serving food to customers.



I'm covered for health insurance under my guy....am I completely crazy? There are about 20 other high end restaurants, near me, should I feel this particular one isn't a fit. I never imagined I would waitress after finishing college..but it hasn't been so bad. I practically never want to go back into nursing.Left Nursing to waitress...am I really that crazy?
Put it that way...for all the responsibility and the dirty job that it is, nursing does not pay the right money.

Often I have see that they do the doctors work but they don't get the rewards.

You right to leave the job but may be you can start a new opening for yourself by working for your self. We have many elderly now who need to have home nursing care. May be you could get some of this cake and charge what you should have been paid. With luck you will be paid more and your service to mankind will be appreciated.

You can offer a lot more and you are needed by the society.



Best Regards
Judging by your comments, I'm guessing that your problems in the field were based on your attitude, not the profession. Yep, I have NOTHING to do with ANY medical field, lol. NOTHING. rofl. You wouldn't last long in any doctor's office around here, that's for sure.

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Left Nursing to waitress...am I really that crazy?
So long as it pays the bills, do whatever makes you happy. I would advise you though to keep your nursing license current just in case.
I don't mean to sound rude, but why are you looking for reassurance from strangers on the internet? It looks like you've got it all figured out for yourself. The only thing you're missing from your nursing job is status, I guess. I'm assuming the only reason you're asking at all is because it sounds better to say you are a nurse than to say you are a waitress. But really, who cares?



If your stress level has gone from a 10 to a 1, you should know what that means, having studied human health. You've probably extended your lifespan and reduced your risk of getting sick, since high levels of stress can suppress your immune system.



Even if you could've made slightly more, had you stuck to nursing, would the extra cash have been worth your sanity? I have taken nursing classes, and although nursing is not my path (I'm currently working as a pharm tech and in the process of applying to pharmacy school), I know that nursing is absolutely insane. I salute those that can do it and actually like it, because they are made of much stronger stuff than I am.Left Nursing to waitress...am I really that crazy?
Here are a few of the problems I could see:



The other high end restaurants may not offer you the same type of income or the same type or benefits



If you are not claiming all your tips, an IRS audit will be ugly



I, personally, could never be happy waiting tables for the rest of my life.



The restaurant business is ever fleeting. What's in business today can be boarded up tomorrow



The hours can get to you. Having to work every Friday and Saturday night forever can be a real drag



The economy seriously affects what you make



It isn't stable. If you have an off night or an off week, you might not make rent





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I will say that I don't quite buy your reasoning for quitting nursing. All the nurses that I know that work in private offices have regular hours, little stress, and many have great office environments. They may work long hours during the week, but there are no weekends, no graveyards, and you arent dealing with the vast array of issues that one deals with in a hospital setting. It's even better if you get into an office with a surgeon. While you may have the occasional pussed out wound, you aren't usually dealing with contageously sick people vomiting and crapping their pants.





But, if you are happier, then go with it. There are people who are just born servers and can do it forever and make a good wage doing it. You certainly don't need my approval. If you enjoy it, stick with it! Good luck to you in whatever career path you choose.