I want some advice. I really enjoy my job at the animal clinic as a vet assistant but I feel there are better things out there for me than clean up poop. ha....well, that's not all of the job is. It's alot to learn and alot of responsibility. I don't dread going to work but I think there's something better for me. I'm leaning toward animal rescue/adoption or assisted animal therapy or something like that. I'd be happy if I could have an at home job and doing volunteer work with an animal rescue org.,as well. I just want advice on a good place to start my research. I want something that I will be happy doing for years, making a career choice is a big decision and I do plan on holding onto this job I have now, I've saved up nearly 3,000 and it's experience I know I need. I'd like to save alot more before moving out, and just keep it in a savings.
Do you have any interest in perhaps going back to school to become a vet tech? That would be more hands-on with actually treating the animals as well as working more closely with the vets. I am sure this could also be used in places other than conventional vet's offices, such as zoos and wildlife rehabs.
You might also be interested in contacting your local environmental agency to find out about becoming a wildlife rehabilitor. There are training courses for that as well. That is very worthwhile work with a wide variety of species. There used to be a gal in my area who was an RN and her & her mother were rehabilitors. I used to love to bring any of the critters I came across to her. Got to see alot of squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, a wide variety of birds, etc. She had transformed her entire basement into the area for it as well as built a large outside aviary for the birds when they didn't need the 24 hr care but before they could be released.
Yeah, wildlife rehad. sounds good to me, too. As far as the vet tech thing goes, it sounds okay but an assistant basically has the same job as a vet tech, there are some differences of course. I also can't stay here forever because I would need a full time job in order to live and move out of the house. This is just for experience, pretty much.
Unfortunately the wildlife rehabs I have heard of are all a non-payed vocation so this would be a sideline to a career that would actually pay $$$. Actually the things you listed that you have an interest in also sound mostly volunteer too. Isn't it a shame that those things that are of the most interest just won't pay the bills. I think basically the only rescue that would have paying positions would be with the Humane Society or local govt. sponsored one and then you have to deal with all the bureaucracy that goes along with the paycheck.
I'll put my thinking cap on and see if I can come up with any ideas.
Thank, Denise. "Isn't it a shame that those things that are of the most interest just won't pay the bills." Yes, it is! :(
I've been doing my research and sadly, that's all I'm seeing. It truly sucks....:( We don't have any gov. funded humane societys...there's a few around that do pay but I think they're all mostly volunteer, too. I'd be happy if I could get an at home job like some people and do volunteer work w/ wildlife or pets, I'd be truly happy...I could do the work from home and always have time for volunteer work. Who knows. Not many jobs like that are legit even though I know that people do work from home, it's just trying to find one that's legit.
Hey Heff, Have you thought about Real Estate? While I know it is probably not the most interesting job, it CAN pay well and you CAN work from home(just hang your license at a local agency) You work what you want to really, the more you work, the more money you are able to make. One of my husbands agents only comes in once a week to work a floor day, the rest of the time, they are working from home or out trying to get customers. And you can really work any hours! Just a thought!
that's a good idea Katz, is your husband a real estate agent? what did he have to do to get his license?
I'm open for any ideas so, I appreciate it. :) I'm just kinda hanging out there in the middle somewhere and can't decide what I want to do....I know I will decide but I'm just not patient when I know I should be. ha
Try grooming. I think Petsmart trains you for free. After working and getting experience, you can work at home, maybe get a mobile unit, and donate hours on the side to rescues- to clean up pets to make them more adoptable.
Proto and Kitty, those are excellent ideas! I really appreciate....I will keep both in mind. I'd love to bust people being cruel to animals. Grooming is something I've thought about as well....yay!!
Hubby is actually a Broker.(REAL ESTATE! LOL) You have to be a agent for 3 years to be able to get your brokers license. (At least in WA) It is not really that hard to get your license. If you call up a local real estate company, ask them where to go to get a liscense, I am not sure how it is per state so I cannot say what the requirements are......however, you are young and cute....you are SURE to sell alot of houses!! LOL
Photography is fun too. I obviousely love it. MANY photographers are looking for assistants, it helps them, you get ALOT of learning experience and of course it is fun. Or you can do like me, and start out freelance photography, I built up a portfolio, got my name, logo, and business liscense, I have done two weddings and I have a newborn shoot scheduled. I am hoping to have my own studio open this fall, I would LOVE to have an assistant!!
Katz is right, I have told you how pretty you are, for years now.
Maybe wear two hats...get the real estate broker license...groom the dogs, and take photos of the groomed dogs as an extra service for the owners. I know that if my dogs were bathed [oh, I hose them off daily, but...] and looked posed and spiffy, the pics would be useful for advertising the pups, but I cannot get good pictures by myself, it's just impossible. Then go sell some expensive property to some folks that will love you, because you are worth loving.
good ideas, kitty. :) I just need to brush up on opening up to people more, I'm just a reserved person but once you get to know me, I'm a total loon! Don't get me wrong, this job I have now has helped me with my people skills tremendously.
I was like that at your age, real shy and skittish with people, very comfortable with animals. I tell people that I was raised by wolves. I was so pretty, that men would be unable to speak. I have worked in an Arabic bar for the last 25 years, after serving in an Italian dinner house for 5 years. I think I am about the biggest ##tch on the west coast now. I am a superior communicator now, that uses 4 languages daily, to varying degrees, and failing levels of proficiency. I don't wish slavery on you, like I have experienced it, in the food industry. Better to be buying the dinner, than serving it. I tell folks in college to avail themselves of the vocational training offered there. I did not declare a major in college, did not train myself for a job....and now live in the lowest income bracket taxed, and am 25,000.00 in debt. I own NOTHING. Vocational training is a must that I never applied to myself. I am about the most educated waitress you will meet. I have an AA degree, then went on to pre-vet medicene...which I love, but I don't want to be around sick animals...
Heffanator wrote: Being a photographers assistant would be awesome, too. If only I lived in WA..... :) Did you get any training for it? or have to go to school?
:) You actually don't need any training at all. You can get it, and it helps but you don't need any, all you need is a photographer willing to work with you. I have had no professional training as far as photography goes, hell, I just got my first digital camera less then 5 years ago. My first "good" camera a year ago, photography is a never ending field. Because it is all in the eye of the beholder. Good Pictures are only good to someone that likes them.
One of my specialties, that no one around me does, is Petography(pet photography), I love it because I like animals better then people too. I am not good in speaking situations, and I find myself really shy, but once I get into work mode, I am better.
I think basically the only rescue that would have paying positions would be with the Humane Society or local govt. sponsored one and then you have to deal with all the bureaucracy that goes along with the paycheck.
" Yes, it is! :(
"Thought is an invisible and subtle power that mocks all the efforts of tyranny." Alexis de Tocqueville
I think Petsmart trains you for free.
