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WOW! What an opportunity to just fall into your lap. Take it! Take a big breath and a leap of faith and hit that send button. Don't worry about the money right now. If you're truly following what you know in your heart and soul to be your path, your needs will be met. It may not look like what you imagine the perfect job will be. Just trust the process. Change is hard, but it sounds like this one is being handed to you - take it!
I have sent the message since posting.
Not worry about money? HA! Not possible for me at the moment. ;)
Just spent hundreds on my trip, Simba is due for his yearly, and I still have rent to pay and 3 dogs to feed. ;)
Kay - working at a vet was probably the best thing to ever happen to me. I met most of my friends there and really got into dogs from working there, and also gained so much invaluble knowledge. At 16 I was allowed to do nearly everything a technician could do. I can only remember not being allowed to draw blood, assist in surgeries, and assist in x-rays. I was allowed to fill prescriptions though probably shouldn't have been allowed since I am not old enough. You could probably work yourself up to technician really fast, if that is not what they are already hiring you for.
The downsides - the biggest is euthanasia is seen almost every day, you may see it multiple times a day if the office you might work for is really busy. Most of the time, I didn't know the animals, even after 1.5 years of working there. Some of the times, though, it was an animal that had been a favorite of mine and I would just start bawling in the middle of work. Another big downside is sanitation. It is really, really hard to stay clean in a place like that and who knows what you could bring home to your dogs. You have to clean your tennis shoes often (or use rubber shoes that won't absorb liquid), especially if you work in the kennel, because diseases are all over there and when you clean out the runs the bacteria easily gets into your shoes. Another downside is animals who are a PITA. Most animals were good, some animals required a muzzle to be calmed, but some are just downright nasty and no matter what will bite, snap, growl, etc. The thing about working at a vet is that you usually don't refuse service to a dog or cat if it is aggressive, so you have to deal with these animals. I was bitten so many times I lost count. Most of the times it was from cats, but there were some dogs who would bite. I had a Husky and a GSD try to rip my leg off one time. Another time I made the mistake of letting a GSDx run free in the backyard, and he ran to guard the door and growled at me. When I tried to calm him (hey I was new then) I was nearly bitten, so I just waited outside until someone "rescued" me. Some of the animals are really, really scary. Also people can be a real PITA sometimes, but I'm sure you get enough of that at your current job anyway.
However, I'd say it was the best experience I've had yet. The amount of knowledge I aquired is truly priceless. You would be a great addition to a vet office. Do what you think is right for you, not for the two places needing your help.
Also, I know the situation you are caught in. I tried to quit for six months. I made up many resignation letters, filled out many applications, but never turned any of them in. I couldn't leave because I was comfortable there. I wanted to switch to another vet office because I hated my boss, but I thought I may not be able to do so much at the other ones, or I may be stuck back in the kennel even longer before I had a chance to be promoted. I got fired in January (unfairly) and it was actually a huge relief. I wished I had quit, but I was glad to be out of there. So maybe since you are thinking of quitting, you should? I think getting different jobs is a great way to gain more knowledge and to better prepare you for the future. :)
Oh, one more thing - the 50% break is a nice chunk you save on vet bills! 50% is standard employee discount at a vet clinic around here, not sure if it is the same everywhere.
This is prety exciting, Kay. When the universe hands you an opportunity, take it! You've been wanting to do something else, here's a good option.
What's the worst that can happen? If you hate it, go back to your old job.
What's the best that can happen? You'l love it and may find that it's some very rewarding work.
Good luck!
I think you have been given some excellent advice, so I can't add to that. Making decisions doesn't get much easier as you get older either. It does seem that this job will be valuable in helping you determine where you want your future to take you. And like has been mentioned, you can always work at your current job on a part time basis for additional funds. Good luck.
You can always go back and visit the people at your old job, and you will meet new people at the vet job AND be working with animals, and be around people who love to talk about them and havhe as much knowlage about them as you. What ever you decide good luck.
This sure sounds like a golden opportunity Kay! I hope the pay is what you want/need and it all works out.
I know the feeling of being scared...why do you think I'm still at the same job for almost 11 years now :rolleyes: :o
Take a chance!
I'm not sure about what job you have now but I would defiantly see this as a sign, Its not often that vets go looking for people its normally the other way round! About not knowing anyone, It would be a great chance to meet new people and they are guarenteed animal lovers so you will have something in common with them from the start. I was so nervous about my job when I first started because I was so shy but meeting new people really boosts my confidence!
Any update Kay?
Just talked about it.
If I take the job these will be my hours.
Mon: 1pm - 7pm
Tue: 1pm - 8pm
Wed: OFF
Thur: 6 - 1 pm, 3-7pm
Friday: 1pm - 7pm
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: 6-10pm, 1-3pm, 8-10pm
I'd be kennel/grooming/walker/etc and I'd get a vet discount. I'd be getting $8.50/h which isn't all too great and not quite what I expected.
If I want to work part time I could, too.
The hours are a bit wacky to me, especially since I don't have my own transportation yet.
I'm going in tomorrow after work to meet/interview/see what it's all about.
I don't know. :(
While I don't know if you will take this new job, I do know you would
be an asset to any Vets office.You & animals just seem to go together. :)
Good luck at the interview.
Can you ask them if their is a chance of a raise in the future? Is there a bus going near there? While you love animals you don't want to be taken advantage of and just cleaning kennels, etc and be underpaid doing it.
Oh, definitely take the job. :) You'd love it.
Doing split shifts are exhausting. And it completely takes up your ENTIRE day. Maybe ask if you can work part time to start and see how it goes?
I've been working in Veterinary Medicine since I was 18, and I've been at Banfield now for a year and two months. Part of me LOVES the job, but honestly it's so emotionally draining. Today, a couple came in who were homeless. Their dog had a huge 4 inch gash on his leg that had been there for about a week. His whole leg was twice as large as the other. Knowing these people could not afford any treatment and knowing the dog would just get worse and sit there and suffer really upsets me. If you think you can handle situations like these than by all means definitely persue it. It can be very challenging but very rewarding. Especially if you're into medical stuff like I am. :p I love helping with surgeries and emergencies. There is nothing funner!
Good luck! :)