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Suit Up and Show Up

catherine

Veteran

Hello, Fabbers.
Just some outfits here from non-hospital work days. Nothing special and a bit drab, if I’m honest.
For the first time in my career, I am entertaining the idea of hanging it up. While moving to Nevada from Minnesota has been outstanding in terms of the weather and being near kids/grandkids, the state is terribly unfriendly to those who work in education and healthcare, especially. Of course, as a nursing professor, I am in both. Adding to the negativity is the fact that I work at a public college, which is in a constant fight for money in a state where taxes are considered evil. Coming from a very progressive city and state, this has been a real adjustment.
I am 65. I always said, “I never run out of energy, but sometimes I run out of time”. I think this is changing now. Can’t believe it myself.

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39 replies

Latest reply was from Jonesy

Anonymous

Love the first outfit especially, and #5 too!
The work situation sounds very frustrating
Would you be able to work online for a college in another state?

slim cat

Veteran

Pretty polished in a casual way looks - love the red coat on you in #5!
Outfits #1,5 and #8 favorite for me .
Sorry to hear about your not so great experience in Nevada as a essential professional - some of it due to coronavirus, some - maybe just the way things are in general ( that's why I'm reluctant to move from CA ).

catherine

Veteran

SunTiger, thank you! Yes, I am doctorally prepared, so could really work anywhere. It’s a thought.

Minaminu

Veteran

you look smart and polished in all outfits!!!
sorry to hear you are having some challenges in your profession... hope things will improve soon!

catherine

Veteran

SlimCat, thanks very much.
Yes, Minnesota has been referred to as the California of the Midwest because of the progressive governance and high education level.
Lots of people here seem to have moved to NV from CA. It’s a bit of a culture shock.

Christina F.

Veteran

You look great! Love the wide legs. I think everyone feels drab about now.

as a former teacher, I sympathize with you. I haven’t taught during the pandemic but from what my friends have shared, I know it’s probably one of the worst times ever to be a teacher. Not to mention working in healthcare! I could understand why you would want to hang it up now. No words of wisdom for you, just empathy!

Runcarla

Veteran

Well, I think your outfits look great, especially #5.

I’m a big fan of the retired state, but if your vocation is an avocation, have you ever thought of working with an agency that provides health care services around the world such as Doctors/Nurses Without Borders or a mission? There could be opportunities all up and down the organizational and delivery chart.

https://www.doctorswithoutbord.....ile/nurses

catherine

Veteran

Christina and RunCarla, thanks for the ideas and commiserations.

kellygirl

Veteran

Despite the work front challenges, you still look impeccable! I especially love the long denim jacket. What a fun look!

Bonnie

Veteran

Nice set of outfits. #5, 7, and 9 are my favorites. Nevada will lose a wonderful addition to their nursing education program but at age 65 and with working under those conditions, I would probably give it up, too. Having the time to enjoy your family will be priceless.

Mirjana

Veteran

Great outfits, I especially like #5 and #7.

Greyscale

Veteran

My brother is a professor in Reno and the state funding situation does seem rough (though he likes his campus). He wonders if the recent urban influx will change state priorities. People in cities have a different relationship with government services, regardless of their overall politics.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER all round. You are beautifully and elegantly turned out every day, and what a treat that is for us to admire! You can do no style wrong

#5 and #7 are my faves. #1 and #4 are close next favourites.

Catherine, sorry you're having career challenges. The pandemic has made things even more stressful, and it sucks. I hope you find a suitable alternative, or simply retire. Take care and good luck.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh gosh. Drab, you say? My reaction was, *Wow. Lot of zing and fun!* These outfits make me feel such happiness!

I’m sorry about the career situation. I’ve felt the love and dedication you’ve had for your work. That must be so tough.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Much sympathy on the career problems,healthcare workers should not be having to put up with anything other than sincere gratitude especially after this last year and the work that you all have done but that’s humans for you,have you considered becoming a vet?(:))
You look your usual cool,elegant self and I paticularly like outfit#1.

madeline

Veteran

As a recently retired nurse educator age 64, I encourage you to follow your instincts here. I have been a nurse for 44 years: 20 as an RN, 24 as an Nurse Practitioner and 10 of those years as an educator and administrator in a graduate nursing program, while practicing clinically.
You are right-we have to honor ourselves and they are not making anymore time. Nothing is promised:
Nursing has so much more to offer you and you have so much more to offer the profession. Find your passion again.
Oh and the outfits are fab!

catherine

Veteran

Thanks so much, everyone. Your words are kind and wise.

JAileen

Veteran

Catherine, I know what you mean about NV. However, our son and his girlfriend spent a month with us, just to avoid some of that MN winter. They are now on their way to NYC to avoid another month of winter. I’d hate to see our educational system lose such an experienced and qualified person. I have three close friends who are/were nurses. One became a high school Spanish teacher, one worked on a local medical hotline for years, and the third became a nurse practitioner. They’re all about our age, and so two are retired. I actually thought we were doing better than other states since teachers had been prioritized for vaccinations.

Re your outfits: as always, you look fab. I especially like the coats, in 5 and 8.

unfrumped

Veteran

More love for the red, and the fun wideleg outfit. All are great.
More empathy for figuring out career/ retirement plans. From perspective having retired from clinical practice, and practice/ medical education before that, just in time for pandemic restrictions, but not knowing that would be so.

Irina

Veteran

Your style is absolutely fabulous! I always enjoy looking at the photos of your outfits. Hard to pick a favorite!
Sorry to hear about your difficulties, hope you will find a solution that would work for you.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

First off, you look beautiful and polished.

But I am very sorry you're going through all of this, and honestly, based on visits to family in Vegas, what you're describing, was a thing long before there was a pandemic.

If you're considering stepping away from the education/healthcare crossroads, but don't wish to retire just yet, might I suggest education advocacy? And/or teaching online.

Anonymous

You’re always so beautifully dressed and groomed . And you don’t post nearly enough ! As a Canadian , I’m always sorry to read such stories , especially from states with such different tax policies than we do here . The province I live in isn’t currently as friendly toward medical professionals as I would vote for - and I hope theIf changes soon. I hope you can sort your own situation out .

Bijou

Veteran

Catherine, you have such great style, as evidenced in these pictures and your beautiful decor. It is all such a cohesive package. Your casual looks are just as polished as more formal looks and you colour palette is so striking and suits you perfectly.

Covid has made me re-evaluate my work and I am happy that in October I left my secure job to work in a smaller boutique firm. I get to work from home which allows me to spend more time with my son who is growing up quickly. Adapting to the change has been mostly good, but I miss my former work colleagues, although there are a few that I am glad to be away from. Thank you for posting, it is lovely to see you.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Catherine you are amazing, and not just because you may be the only person to find Minnesota a weather improvement!
You look smashing in every picture and pose.
I have been living in a "socialist" (but actually still very capitalist) country for a long time and am often appalled by the health care system in the United States. I think there may be alternatives out there that would better take advantage of what you have to offer as suggested above. I suspect even you retire you will have a very active retirement.

Sal

Veteran

You have an excellent collection of outfits here - definitely not drab.

I like them all - especially the rusty coat and boots, and the wide leg jeans. But they are all great.

I can understand how frustrating your work situation must be. No special advice but hope that you find the best way through this.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Well the outfits are as great as you always look. I particularly like the one with the pops of red.
I am struggling with my career in a similar way to you. I am about 5 years behind you. I turn 60 very soon. My enthusiasm for being a primary care medical practitioner is also waning, which feels very odd since I have mostly had a very satisfying career. I am unable to easily extricate myself either currently although there will be options, each one as unpalatable as another! So I do sympathise. Have no advice though!

Sisi

Veteran

I always wonder how you manage to put together such sophisticated outfits with a few simple pieces! My favourites are # 2-7-8.

catherine

Veteran

Thanks again to all of you for your supportive comments. I so appreciate all of the collective wisdom.

Glory

Veteran

First every one of these outfits is fantastic! I can’t select a favourite.
Your current work situation is difficult. You have a lot going on with a move, new job, covid and retirement considerations. I hope you can take some time for yourself and make a great decision.

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