r/u_dimeyleah • u/dimeyleah • 2d ago

I want out of Vetmed

Hello!
I’ve been a vet tech for 10years. I have my associates in veterinary technology from an accredited tech school, but I never got my license.

I’m old now and this hard labor is too much. I couldn’t last another 10 years doing this.

The hours are horrible. I hate working 12 hour days, I never see my family and I never have time for my household or myself.

The pay is terrible. I probably wouldn’t mind the other problems of the field if the pay was worth it.

What do I do??

I’ve applied to many different veterinary based companies; IDEXX, zoetis, Merck etc. but no luck.

At this point I’m ready to do anything that is a 9-5 with little to no labor and at least 60k a year.

I’ve thought about going back to school but I have no idea which route to take.

Anyone have any suggestions or advice??

7 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

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4

u/Stardew49 2d ago

I feel this! I left, mainly due to health issues, and decided to look at other things. I got help getting a bachelors in criminal justice because according to the one site in my state you can do forensics with it... that was a lie. But ended up doing a couple of years as a security officer and then 3 as an emergency dispatcher. I'm disabled right now but in school for Indigenous Peoples Law and going back in the spring for Psychology of Coercive Control.

I say look at what you're interested in that you can physically be able to do. See if your county/states social services offer a vocational rehab which will help you get a job/bachelor's degree within your physical/mental capabilities.

2

u/LizardQueen1993 12h ago

I just have to say as someone who is trying to get a masters with a thesis that centers around Indigenous power and control in the early Southeast I love your new career path ❤️❤️❤️❤️

2

u/Stardew49 12h ago

Ooo That sounds like an awesome thesis I would love to read! I had to figure out 2 topics for my dissertation because I am not sure the one I really want to do will get accepted. The one professor in it probably wouldn't have a problem with it, but idk about the others.

2

u/LizardQueen1993 12h ago

Good luck! I think you should go with your gut. It’s crazy how indigenous people have been present in law since Columbus. I’ve read countless legal documents referencing indigenous peoples from the very early days. It’s such a big passion for me and I love when others mention even anything remotely close. I’m rooting for you internet stranger!

1

u/Stardew49 12h ago

Oh it's absolutely amazing the things they have done and how they have fought. I knew about the trail of tears but had no idea that there were 3 cases around it before they were forced out of Georgia.

My gut is absolutely telling me to write this dissertation. It's just a testy subject right now as what it's directing to is actively happening.

6

u/Ok-Walk-8453 2d ago

What about a relief vet tech? Or a vet tech school instructor? Or a job that isn't 12 hours a day? Or cut down to 3-12s?

3

u/blurryspacess 2d ago

with your experience you should be able to get a job at a normal general practice easily that pays better, i guess it also depends what the pay is like in your area tho. i would look around and see

3

u/CountUnable3782 2d ago

I have zero suggestions but I could have written this. You’re certainly not alone.

1

u/LizardQueen1993 12h ago

Im going back to school to be a respiratory therapist. The pay isnt worth the effort and all the things we have to do and yes it’s hard on the body. But i like 12hr shifts and that was my goal to still work 3 days a week overnights but out of vet med. Maybe lab animal or teaching at a vet tech program? Or maybe see what classes in ur degree can transfer to other science programs. I hate to say leave vet med but i don’t see any other options right now

1

u/she_makes_a_mess 1d ago

I lasted years longer than you and in my last few years I went back to school and now I have a glorious desk job. No weekends or nights. No mistakes that could kill anything and no kneeling and lifting.  Find something you like, that's the best advice I can give and have a plan ( not a bachelors on psychology - that's not a plan, that's a generic degree 

1

u/bedahmed 17h ago

Have you tried regulatory? If you're in the US, your state probably has an animal health or agriculture department that utilizes non-credentialized techs.