Need Some Advice...

[cassiesmom]

The semester is just about half over, correct? I would say finish the semester. You've already invested the first half. That way you will have the entire fall semester on your transcripts.

[Karen]

She has already said she intends to finish this semester.

[CountryWolf07]

Finish your semester. That's what I did at Kent State. I finished it out with the best I could and then I took a 3 months break, then applied to Ohio State. Everything worked out on its own after that.

Alright I'm going to sound old here. I met my boyfriend in college also. But that was in 2007, I was 23 and he was 24. Almost 6 years later down the road, to today, I'm 28 and he's about to turn 29. We now live together. We have been living together for almost 9 months. Are we engaged? No. Not yet. It's in the plans, probably next year. We are not in a rush, but I know it will be soon because we have talked A LOT about it - type of wedding, rings, etc. We took our time, PAINFULLY slow! It was a really good thing what we did because we've learned SO MUCH about each other every day. I'm very happy. So is he.

But hey, you know, I'm not going to lie, that first year I met him, my grades fell. I spent EVERY free time I had with Mike, and that wasn't smart. I just got too wrapped up with being in a new relationship and being with this amazing, wonderful man. It was my fault, so what did I do? I realized I couldn't change what happened so I got back on the horse & bounced back and got those grades up and did so much better. I realized, it was FOR ME, not for him. Now what do I do? I graduated with a degree in Art in 2009, took me a while to finish school because of switching schools & juggling my grades. But I FINISHED college. I even thought of dropping out. When I think about that now, geez, what the freak was I thinking? I was not thinking clear back then.

I PROMISE it will get so much better down the road, JUST do what is right for you at this moment. I can see you are doing that already so do not lose focus of what YOU truly want in life.

Hope I made sense! I just feel like I have been in your shoes, just... be careful. Don't put all your eggs in one basket! I am just wondering, how long have you been dating Michael?

[snakemama]

One of my teachers in the vet tech program I went through (The top one in CA and one of the best nationwide) was in charge of intake for vet school at UC Davis for years. He said that he ALWAYS loved to see on vet school applications that someone had been an RVT, since they then had a much better idea of what they were getting into, as well as knowing that they could handle the job.

There are a LOT of things you can do with a degree as an RVT. I manage a retail pet store. Other people who graduated with me are pet food representatives, going to vet school, dog trainers, running a doggie day-care, one is a feline behaviorist, one works in a local kid's zoo, at least one works for fish and game, and one is in further training to become an "animal cop". This is just people that I know of, in ONE graduating class of vet techs. There is no end to the places that this could be a starting point for...

Personally, I went through somehting somewhat similar with vet tech school. I got to within a month of graduating, and realized tha the job was pure hell for me. People in the veterinary field suffer from burnout and compassion fatigue, and in my area one of the results of that problem is that people in the veterinary field here are VICIOUS to one another. It was always ALWAYS the vets vs the techs vs the kennel people vs the receptionists. My sister in law has a thick skin and handles it all with grace. I do not, and I did not. I found myself riding my motorcycle to work one day thinking "Gosh I hope a car runs me over so I don't have to go in today", and I quit the next day.

I may not be making a ton of money managing a feed store, but I love it, and I feel like it will look better on my resume later to have been a successful manager of a retail store than to have been a failure as a vet tech.

Random: I met my husband while I was in vet tech school, got engaged three weeks later, and married less than a year after that...our relationship had nothing to do with my performance or my decision to leave the field, so I have no idea why this keeps being brought up.

[Cataholic]

Personally, I went through somehting somewhat similar with vet tech school. I got to within a month of graduating, and realized tha the job was pure hell for me. People in the veterinary field suffer from burnout and compassion fatigue, and in my area one of the results of that problem is that people in the veterinary field here are VICIOUS to one another. It was always ALWAYS the vets vs the techs vs the kennel people vs the receptionists. My sister in law has a thick skin and handles it all with grace. I do not, and I did not. I found myself riding my motorcycle to work one day thinking "Gosh I hope a car runs me over so I don't have to go in today", and I quit the next day.

You were one month away from graduating with a two year vet tech degree and you quit? You didn't finish?

[Jessika]

Vet techs do NOT make a glamorous living. In fact, I barely make enough to cover my bills and pay off my student loans from going to school. And I am registered!!!!! If I was not living with my boyfriend and splitting utilities/rent... I would probably still be living at my parents. And that's the sad truth. But my current employer also terribly underpays us.. I should be making at least $2-3 more an hour than I do... Hence why I am looking for another job

But remember, as a tech, you are not limited to only working in small animal clinics. You can go into many different fields... research being one that I know makes an ok pay, and food companies pay a decent amount too...

Point being... you have to do something you love.. regardless of pay... if making money is something that is important to you, then a vet tech is not the route you wish to take.

[Cataholic]

Point being... you have to do something you love.. regardless of pay... if making money is something that is important to you, then a vet tech is not the route you wish to take.

That is such foolish, youthful advice. Most of us need $$ to live. That one also loves what one does is a blessing. But, to say "regardless of pay..." yikes.

[Alysser]

I agree with Danielle, if you really hated Science, you wouldn't enjoy Vet Tech School anyway.

I to, am a little concerned with your decision. No one here is saying you HAVE to go on to Vet School, hell, you don't even need to be a Vet with the Animal Science Degree. I was in the FFA and we learned that there was plenty of other things that can be done. I am pretty sure you can be an RVT with that too, if that's what you really wanted. You can work in agriculture, research, Veterinary Science, go on to Grad school, etc. You just have a LOT more options with the Bachelors. You may be worried about loans, but you already have some from UT anyway, you're almost done, I think you should just finish to.

Last year, I was so ready to give up on being a Science Major because of one math class, one math class. I actually went as far as changing my major to Xray Technology, something my parents wanted. I knew and still to this day know I would have regretted that a hell of a lot. If I got lucky and had gotten a job in that field (with a little research I learned that it is not so easy anymore), I would have been miserable thinking of what could have been if I had just worked a little harder. I always think of selling myself short, and still do sometimes, but it always comes down to my ultimate goal. I've learned from my internship and newer experiences what I was meant to do and just because I don't do well in a MATH, doesn't mean I can't achieve it. I may be in under grad a little longer, I may have to go to grad school, I may have to move to some remote area for a little while for a job, but at least I know if I keep my grades up, gain experience, do internships, and keep learning I can come up with some sort of resume, get a entry level position in the Fish and Wildlife service or some other Gov't Agency related and start from there (or even look in the private sector). Life wasn't meant to be easy, and that took me FOREVER to realize. and guess what? I passed my math class!

I wish you luck in whatever you decide...just my point of view.

[Jessika]

That is such foolish, youthful advice. Most of us need $$ to live. That one also loves what one does is a blessing. But, to say "regardless of pay..." yikes.

Well you obviously need money to live. The point I was making is if you want a huge salary, then being a vet tech is not the profession you want to be in. And being a tech is definitely one of those jobs you must love, regardless of the pay, because you don't make a lot. Period. But someone has to do it. I don't consider this "youthful, foolish" advice when this is very relevant.

[Asiel]

Dropping out would be the biggest mistake you can make. The first year of vet school is always the hardest, once you get into the next yrs and start real hands on work it gets so much more interesting. Everything worthwhile in life is hard work but very satisfying when you graduate and know you're set for life in a job you love---imagine getting paid for doing something you love.
Taking " a rest" is something you will regret-- some students do go back but most never do. And don't kid yourself, vet techs do not do almost the same work a vet does and some are not very well paid for the work that they do.
I think you should reread all the great advice you were given and just make up your mind that you will do this no matter what it takes....giving up might make you happy for a few yrs but down the line you will always regret it.

[mrspunkysmom]

Okay, I had something written and then the computer back-paged on me and I lost it. ARGH!

If this really concerns you, do it. Especially if you really can't stand UT. And give an honest appraisal/evaluation of your professors and their program to administration. Please consider finishing undergrad degree while working as a tech and go to a different vet school later. I almost quit undergrad and didn't. I don't regret it despite all of the recent crap. I am doing what I was meant to do.

Don't just settle for a vet's office for a job in animal welfare. Find one that suits you.

Some tough love: don't let your mom affect your future. Worry about you. She is old enough to work. Give her some tough love and some intervention. You are legally old enough and you can do this in any legal or moral fashion. (not thinking you would resort to low tactics; just wanting you to know I wouldn't either.)

Find homes for your critters so you can visit and be sure of their care and health. And bless your boyfriend for insisting you finish school. As a vet tech there is just so far that you can rise on the totem pole.

Good luck with your decisions and your future.

[luvofallhorses]

I would try to stick with it. Of course you can get burnt out easily. Going to school isn't fun and of course college is more advanced than high school. It may not be easy, but I promise it will be worth it for you in the end. I believe in you and you should believe in yourself. Don't let anyone get in the way of your dreams. I know you're passionate about animals and I know you have worked so hard. But, you have what just one more year? Just go for it, don't give up on what you want most right now. In the end it will be worth it, I promise. Also, maybe you can intern at a shelter if they allow it.

[caseysmom]

I keep thinking about this and it keeps bugging me sorry but the mom is coming out... You need to make school a priority, you are getting financial help and this time in your life won't come around again. My daughter lives in the library that is what it takes with hard classes, sorry don't get mad but you have allowed yourself time for a boyfriend so your priorities are not on school. Please don't be offended I know its no fun to go to school and sit in the library all the time but you will be glad later.

[mon]

Hate to admit this but formal education, unpleasant as it is, usually pays off. No one really enjoys formal education, but it certainly teaches you dicipline and how to train your brain to arrive at the place you need to be. On SO many levels.

[mrspunkysmom]

I keep thinking about this and it keeps bugging me sorry but the mom is coming out... You need to make school a priority, you are getting financial help and this time in your life won't come around again. My daughter lives in the library that is what it takes with hard classes, sorry don't get mad but you have allowed yourself time for a boyfriend so your priorities are not on school. Please don't be offended I know its no fun to go to school and sit in the library all the time but you will be glad later.

Computer did it again.

I lived in the library. School was the focus. Sacrifice now for your future. And a boyfriend or a husband does not provide it. At least not in the self-esteem area. If you really want to do this, you can get the degree and go on to vet school. I still have to go to school and take courses I really don't need to satisfy the state's re-certification requirements.

You know we'll support you either way, but you really need to try harder. I survived three years of hell at my last job because I wanted to retire. I still got four years to go, but I got 3 years closer.

You can do this.