Situation
My husband and I devoted the last 25-plus years to the healthcare industry. We recently joined the “Great Resignation” after realizing we really need to start prioritizing family time and maximizing our experiences while we still have the opportunity. We realized we couldn’t be successful with this goal in our current jobs.
Background
I’ve had dreams of buying a van to travel America, but since we are a family of three, that idea morphed into buying a much larger Airstream instead. And before you ask…. Nope. We have never owned one – or an RV of any kind for that matter. Oh, and a tow vehicle? We have never owned a truck, either.
For a family who has been following a tight schedule for decades, we are embarking on a series of firsts: first time as adults not having jobs, first time owning a travel trailer and a truck, first time writing a blog, and first time taking Our Trip of a Life Time.
According to several resources, including Forbes and Healthleaders, the “Great Resignation” has lead to healthcare losing an estimated 20% of it’s workforce over the last two years. Healthcare workers are joining the “Great Resignation” for a number of reasons. The stressors of long hours and demanding work has lead to burnout. Lack of appreciation and support from leadership, and lack of job flexibility to promote a better work-life balance has also contributed to healthcare workers reevaluating what’s most important in their lives. These things have always existed in healthcare, but throw in COVID, tougher regulations, market increases that don’t come close to keeping up with the market – and now people have been pushed far enough to actually make the changes needed to support their priorities – including leaving their jobs.
Assessment
Despite the many reasons to leave healthcare, for me, it wasn’t easy. I loved supporting my team and taking care of patients, which should have been the bulk of my job, but it wasn’t. It became clear to my husband and me that we needed to do something different when the weeks we would go without seeing each other and our son began to consistently outnumber the weeks that we did.
Recommendation
When perusing YouTube videos, my husband came across Keep Your Daydream where the creators, Mark and Trish, share the adventures they have with their family as they travel all over the place in a variety of different RV’s. They talk about not missing out on the “window” of opportunity to spend time and make memories with your family. Take adventures while you still can and spend time with your kids while they still want to hang out with you. Their message made so much sense to us after the last couple years.
So that’s what we’re doing. We’re not letting our window close without making the most of it. It’s a big leap out this window, and we may not land on our feet, but luckily the three of us are together making the most of it.
Special thanks to all our family, friends, neighbors, and ex-coworkers for the endless amounts of support. The excitement and encouragement you have shown us has been incredible.
So here we go…..