Help me figure out how to be happy!

1 This is more a mind-dump than anything else. 80% of the time, I LOVE my job. I'm really really good at it. I adore all my coworkers, and I think they feel the same about me. For the most part, the patients love me. I'm the go-to person, the pointman (woman) for our department. If someone has a question or needs something done, they come to me. If I don't know the answer, I know how to find it. I'm the expert in our clinic.

My boss relies on me and trusts me, and has given me more and more responsibility. I'm on two different leadership committees, and am heavily involved in two different QI projects that are likely to have significant positive effects for the entire organization. I'm paid well.

Yet. I'm discontent. I have career ADD. I get restless easily, and once I've mastered something, I want to discard it for the next thing. And that's how I'm feeling, even though I KNOW I have a really really good thing here. I WANT to be content with my job, at least for the next few years. And most of the time, I am. But there is that smaller part of me that wants to know what else is out there.

How do I be happy with the really good thing I have?
gratittude fot your talents and resourcefullness,best wishes

Maybe try to imagine that you actually lost this job irreparably and every job after that left you no more content than for a short period but with not such great coworkers and admin. Or maybe hobby hop while you keep your stable job. Or make chaos of your personal life so that you appreciate the stableness if not sometimes boriness of your job. JK! Seriously, how about make a contract with yourself, like one year of not considering a change, with an effective consequence if you do. Then see how you feel in a year after not dwelling on it the whole time.

Try getting a Per Diem job. It'll get you outta Dodge, so to speak. I think it gives you a better perspective, and makes you appreciate your home turf, warts and all. I got one, and I love it. I found out that, my insurance at my current job is WAY cheaper. It's a kick back job, and it reminds me how irritating it is to see people goof off. And, my current manager is the greatest about communication, it's like pulling teeth getting an answer to an email at my kick back PRN job.

Quote from kloneI'm discontent. I have career ADD. I get restless easily, and once I've mastered something, I want to discard it for the next thing.

Quote from EmergentTry getting a Per Diem job. It'll get you outta Dodge, so to speak. I think it gives you a better perspective, and makes you appreciate your home turf, warts and all. .

Quote from Libby1987Maybe try to imagine that you actually lost this job irreparably and every job after that left you no more content than for a short period but with not such great coworkers and admin. Or maybe hobby hop while you keep your stable job. Or make chaos of your personal life so that you appreciate the stableness if not sometimes boriness of your job. JK! Seriously, how about make a contract with yourself, like one year of not considering a change, with an effective consequence if you do. Then see how you feel in a year after not dwelling on it the whole time.

You spoke of school on the weekends but I don't know if you mean your kids' school or yours. So if you aren't currently in school: Does your employer offer financial assistance for additional education? If so I'd go after your area certification, or, even consider additional schooling/MSN. But sounds like you are in a fabulous job right now. Don't give that up too easily. No job is perfect. 80% is really really good.

No, I meant my school. I'm 4 months away from finishing my MSN. I'm also taking the exam for my second certification next month.

What about a volunteer nurse job? Maybe once you finish your masters you can find a volunteer nurse travel job for a charity, or find one closer to home.

Quote from kloneNo, I meant my school. I'm 4 months away from finishing my MSN. I'm also taking the exam for my second certification next month.

Quote from kloneNo, I meant my school. I'm 4 months away from finishing my MSN. I'm also taking the exam for my second certification next month.

Do you have regular contact with nurses who are experts in your specialty area? I think you will find many high achievers become restless when they reach plateau points. If you are not a member of a specialty organization, consider joining and attending local chapter meetings and national conferences, also, consider presenting a poster or writing an article for the organization and/or volunteering on one of the organization's committees. Look for opportunities to be involved in clinical research and to participate on advisory boards.