It felt like January again…
One friend just got home from New Zealand, another from Mexico, and two just saw Taylor Swift… I loved hearing the recaps.
We didn’t have water for most of the day, so we tried to stay out as much as possible.
Storytime.
Chick-fil-a. I can’t explain why I love this place so much.
The play place saves us again.
We had dance for Skye.
Our water was turned back on so the girls and I had the easiest dinner. Beck was not interested.
Curly (my niece) and her running group stopped by to hang out half-way through their run. I gave them my cheesy pep talk about how much moving outside with your people throughout their lives can bring them so much joy.
And we hung out in the sun for a bit.
PS I came across this of baby Brooke yesterday… how does the time go by so quickly?!
Andrew officially finished his last shift at the ICU! He has changed directions in his career. I’ll have him write a more detailed post soon about everything, but we both feel so good about this new job. He is still working towards getting his master’s degree, but he will now work with organ donation. For the past few years, he has been doing the night shift (along with some day shifts sprinkled in). I don’t know how he has survived, but I’m thankful he can sleep normally again. It has been challenging, that is for sure. He absolutely loved the ICU and all the patients he helped (I can’t tell you how many thank you cards I found in his backpack), but this shift in direction felt so right to him.
His new job required four levels of interviews; it was a stressful month waiting to hear each time if he was moving on to the next level of interviews. He is so excited about this new path, and I am so happy to no longer worry myself sick about him only getting 5 hours of sleep after each shift that he worked (reading ‘Why We Sleep’ with Andrew’s sleep schedule was not good for my brain). He will share more soon, but I am just so excited to have him for nights and most weekends again!
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Has anyone else made a career shift? Tell us about it!
Who has worked night shifts? For how long?
Best fast food restaurant, in your opinion?
What is your run or workout today?
-10 x 1 minute and 10 x 30 seconds!
35 comments
Sarah B
Oh that makes my heart so happy to see your niece and her running group!! I truly wish I had started running at a younger age instead of later in life and I like to impart that wisdom on any young girl that I see whether they want that advice or not lol. Congrats to Andrew!!! Girl if you only knew how many times my husband has changed his trajectory with his job (he is a basketball coach), you just learn to roll with and be a supportive wife and it sounds like you all have that down! It’s VERY stressful and hard when your schedules don’t line up I totally get that, he’s typically gone at nights and weekends too.
I did see the Vaporflys on sale and also Tory Burch was having a sale and it was like Sophie’s Choice so I ended up not getting either LOL. Today I have a recovery run planned and some strength workouts on the Peloton app to do. Have a great day!!
Amanda Charles
I still remember when you posted that photo of you and Brooke stretching…my goodness time does fly! That is absolutely one of my favorite photos you have ever shared. :-)
Congratulations to Andrew on his next endeavor, it sounds like it is perfect for your whole family.
I don’t know how you are handling a remodel so calmly with the kiddos…I applaud you!!
I am not sure on favorite fast food…does Starbucks count? I don’t go anywhere other than that, I truly love cooking and making an absolute mess in my kitchen. I figure the more mess the tastier things are going to be! With so many chemicals in food that companies are using, I really value knowing what i am putting in my body is going to set me up for success. My last McDonalds was in college over 25 years ago…that just seems crazy to think about! I have never eaten at Chick fil A but will live vicariously through you and your love for it!
I have a runch (gotta love them!!) with a few friends and then surf, as the waves are up here in town. Bring on south shore swell!
Have an amazing day!
Molly S
Congrats to Andrew. Wherever he is, they are lucky to have him.
Organ donation-wow! I can never keep a dry eye during honor walks. Watching a person getting carted off to do their final ultimate good deed on earth, a grieving family following the patient to the OR and then knowing people around the country are getting the news that their time has come for a new lease on life.
Workout today: 3 x1 mile.
Hope you have your water all day today!
Julie
My dad is an ICU nurse and did nights for over 25 years. He got so much happier a few years ago when he finally switched to days. Congrats and good luck to Andrew on the new job!
The Hungry Runner Girl
25 years on the night shift in the ICU… WOW!! I am so happy he made the switch and is happier now! I hope you have a beautiful day, Julie!
AnnMarie
I’ve been reading and following you along for a couple years now. So excited to see how your hard work pays off at Boston in less than 3 weeks! I will be there too but running a bit slower!! I am a FNP and was curious where Andrew would end up when he finished his program but now I’m excited to hear about his new job. My sister is a nurse in an organ donation program in your area. She loves her job. Wish you both the best!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Please let me know if you can come to my meet-up on 4/15 @ 9:30 am at the Boston Commons Carousel! I would love to meet you. Oh my goodness, email me and let me know which program your sister is in… what if they are in the same one?! Thanks Annmarie, happy tapering!
Donna Mason
Congrats to Andrew!!!!!!!!!! This is so amazing and I am so happy for him and for your family Janae. What a difference this new schedule will make. He has worked so so so so so hard over the years in his career I know how proud you must be!!!!!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you so much Donna! I sure am! Hope your day is off to a beautiful start!
Andrea
Can’t wait to hear more about Andrew’s new job!
I still work night shifts… Doing one tomorrow. But I only do it once a month or even once every few months.
There is something I like about them, it’s a totally different vibe in the hospital!!
Canada has much less cool fast food options than the US. I like them all depending on my mood; most visited would definitely be McDonald’s because it’s the kids favourite!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That what Andrew says, he prefers the vibe at night in the hospital… it was just taking a toll on him! I hope your night shift goes well tomorrow. How are your chickens??
Diane
I worked in organ donation for 16 years. Made a career shift a year and a half ago. Excited to hear about Andrew working with organ donation. It’s a rewarding field to be involved in
Diane
I worked in organ donation for 16 years. Made a career change a year ago. Congratulations to Andrew, organ donation is a rewarding field to be a part of.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Really?! We will have to email at some point about your experience. Excited for your career change! Thanks, Diane!
Katie A.
No career shifts because I’m too chicken with change – good for Andrew for making the move AND getting through all the interviews! Congrats!!
The closest I got to night shift was bakery hours when I opened at Sam’s Club bakery dept. back in college. I think I could maybe do night shifts pre-kids, but with kids &/or the mixing of daytime shifts in there too sounds so, SO hard.
I usually go to trader joes for my fast food. ;) We love their fully OR half prepped meals there. Tonight we’re doing semi-fast food a la TJ’s: mandarin orange chicken & their frozen bags of veggie fried rice!
No run or workout happened today because apparently my preggo self requires 9 hours of sleep the last few days. I am planning on a lunch-time walk though & hoping for some sunshine. Hope your workout goes great this morning!
Diane
I worked in organ donation for 16 years and recently made a career change. Congratulations to Andrew, it’s a rewarding field to be a part of.
Wendy
Congratulations to Andrew!! And yay for him having a more normal schedule.
It’s pouring down rain again today… So most likely a treadmill run for me again. Again, I’m so grateful for the Peloton app.
I can’t wait to see your house when you’re all done. I’m sure you are looking forward to that too.
Have a great day!
Stacey
I worked nights for about five years, with some days sprinkled in. It was SO TOUGH, especially when I was pregnant. Now, ironically, I work in Sleep Medicine as an NP and some of my job is helping night shift workers manage their sleep/wake schedules.
No run for me today. I have been in a slump this week and just didn’t feel like it. I was destined to the treadmill since my husband isn’t home, so that didn’t help. I figure it’s less than three weeks out from Boston, so extra recovery time is a good thing, and I’ll get back at it tomorrow.
I remember your post with the picture of you and Brooke touching your toes. It’s the cutest!
Have a great day, Janae!
Ava
Stacy- this is so interesting. How did you get involved with sleep medicine. I’m an NP that works nights and I’d love to learn more how you got into that field.
Stacey
Hi Ava, thanks for replying! Though, I’m not sure I have some magic advice for you… I just applied out of NP school and got the job. It’s very specialized, and sometimes very boring, but for now it’s OK. I love the people I work with, and I like that I can be an expert in some thing in just a few years, but still learn something new every day.
Sarah
GOOD FOR ANDREW!!! 👏 healthcare is a really tricky place and there are many problems in the system. I’ve survived because I love my specialty and I work part time days. Amazing he found something that utilizes all his skills and allows him to be human!!!!
Jackie
Congratulations to Andrew! After 9 years as a mother/baby nurse I’m moving to labor & delivery in June. I’m nervous and excited to switch things up and learn new skills!
Crissy
Hi Janae! Congratulations to Andrew! This change in his career speaks to my heart because I am an organ donor. I gave a kidney to my husband. It was truly life changing. My husband has a genetic kidney disease and he was just so sick. It will be 10 years this summer and we are both doing great! I can’t even begin to explain the gratitude for the nurses at the transplant center. The main nurse that worked with me as a donor was pregnant at the time and went on maternity leave shortly after the donation. My mom crocheted her an afghan for her baby and I gave it to her on my six month follow up. We take care of our nurses!!!! Anyway, I thought you and Andrew would like to hear a happy story! Have a great day.
Taylor
As the mom of a 4 year old transplant recipient it makes my heart happy to hear that Andrew will work in that area!! Congrats! I’m a nurse and haven’t worked the night shift, but witnessed many doing it while I was in the hospital for 7 months with my son.
Workout today is 6 miles easy and I’m procrastinating because it’s 26 degrees here in WY. Have a great day!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Taylor, thank you for sharing this with me. I am so glad your 4 year old is doing well and given that amazing gift. I bet those 7 months in the hospital were so taxing. Keep me updated with how you are all doing. I hope you get some warmth soon!
Amy S
Congratulations Andrew!!! It’s not easy to make a career change! It takes courage and hope and hard work. Can’t wait to hear more about it.
Today’s workout is on my parents exercise bike! It’s raining hard here!
Happy Wednesday!
Sarah
Congrats to Andrew! Only 6 miles for me today! Not sure if Piada counts as fast food, but their Farmers’ Market Chicken Salad is my absolute favorite!
Jenni
Congrats Andrew, Janae and family! It really does take a lot of courage to make a change. With time and experience, we learn to recognize the things we want most and the things we can live with as long as we get the “bigger things” we are looking for (i.e. normal schedule, better pay, job satisfaction etc.). A friend once told me: “What are your non-negotiables?” when considering job choices. For me it would definitely be not working nights haha! I work privately in healthcare and have more flexibility with my schedule – which sounds great, but it also brings less security. The public system brings less flexibility, but more security. I’ve decided to do a combination of both for a while and see how I feel in 6 months or a year. It’s funny how we can get attached to our jobs/roles and it creates an identity of sorts, so much that we worry we lose a part of ourselves or how others view us in changing. Change is good and when you know, you know. Look forward to Andrew’s post!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Jenni, your comment explained so much of what we have been feeling lately. My non-negotiable turned to him not working nights anymore ha. You have done a great job trying to combine both the security and the flexibility and I hope you feel good over the next 6 months/year with the direction you are moving or a new path. Cheering for you and please keep me updated on it all. Thanks!
Amy
Congratulations on the new job!!
When our kids were pre-school age, my DH worked overnights during his work week, and then would flip his schedule on his days off to be awake when were were awake. He would also occasionally do this weird split shift of sleep to be involved with various family things. It was so hard on his body – he never complained, but I could see what a toll it took on him. It was so good to have him around all the time when he moved to days!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That is amazing. Andrew is the same way, he never complains but I can see it in his eyes what the last 4 years have done to him. SO hard. Thanks for sharing and I am so glad he is doing days now! Have a beautiful day, Amy!
AmandaM
Congratulations Andrew! I am such a morning person and I can’t imagine working overnight shifts.
Besides the fries what is your order at Chick-fil-A? When I was younger, I used to absolutely love the bacon double cheeseburger at Burger King :-) plain – no pickle or mustard or ketchup! If you don’t order it plain they add those things directly onto the bun (at least they used to!)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh I am with you on plain, I just get the #1 every time. Just the chicken sandwich with pickles and then I add all of the chic-fil-a sauce. I hope your day is off to a beautiful start, Amanda!
Chelsea
Yay! My husband hasn’t changed trajectory but we survived medical residency and been super happy with avoiding as many night shifts in his actual career. However I’ve been all over the place with my own career. Ha ha. I got my bachelor’s degree and then ended up working in a gym as a personal trainer when my oldest kids were little. So I decided to get a master’s degree with sports conditioning and performance and defended my thesis while 7 months pregnant with #3. Then took a break from working for babies 3 and 4, then fell into a part time job teaching Spanish…and now I’m working full time and I’m 4 weeks away from graduating with a master’s in education, right before I turn 40. 😂 Thankfully my family has been super supportive of my winding pathways and who knows what the next 10-20 years will find me doing???
Mishaelle
I’m going on 8 years of working night shift in the NICU.. I feel your pain!! I will say it works much better for family life, but not conducive to an awesome sleep schedule, that’s for sure!! Congrats to you and your Andrew on this new adventure!!