Think what you want, I suppose. In the Southeastern US, a new grad nurse will start out at around $20/hr, with virtually unlimited overtime. After a year of experience, you can start as a Travel Nurse. Travel RN pay rates are as high as $60/hr. If you go back and get your Masters and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, you can easily earn upwards of $150,000 per year and NO FURLOUGHS.

I am not questioning your decision, but merely pointing out the facts. Please refrain from calling me a liar when you don't know the facts.