career satisfaction?

[bostonpet]

I'm curious to talk to all of you folks who are either in vet school or who have graduated and currently working as veterinarians...how happy are you with your career choice?

I'm currently on the cusp of leaving a well-paying job that I don't like for a entry-level position at an animal hospital. I've started taking pre-requisites and hope to continue classes with some type of job in the field. I've always loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian, just never had the confidence to try. Now I'm at the point in my life that I know if I don't try, I'll never know.

I know school costs a lot of money, getting in is beyond difficult and is incredibly hard work once you're in. Is it worth it? Are you happy with your choice? Is there anything you would have done differently or wish you had known prior to school or your career?

Thanks in advance for any responses!

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[Catnip]

I'm not a graduate yet, but I switched careers from a 6 figure income job to go to vet school. If it's really what you want to do, and you take a realistic look at the profession, via externships, etc. Then I think you'll know for sure. Externships also give you a good chance to work with other veterinarians and find out if it's what you want to do. Since you probably don't need the money, you have more flexibility on spending your time with veterinarians. Offer to volunteer at a lot of places that you know there are veterinarians and not just the small animal clinics (Lab processing centers with Pathologists, Race Horse tracks, etc...try to be creative It will also give you a better chance at getting in if you took a look at the veterinarian profession as a whole and not just your intended field, since most veterinarians will tell you that they wanted to do something else initially.

Oh yeah, and you said you already know this, but realize vet school is really difficult once you are in and very stressful, since you feel like you are on the verge of getting kicked out every exam....(well, maybe not every exam

 

[sofficat]

I agree with what catnip said.
Personally, I have never second guessed my choice of vet med. Even though it is crazy hard and I sometimes I just want to curl up in a little ball and sleep for a week, I do love it and I wouldn't change it for anything.
The best way to know if you really want to do this is to get into the field and spent a few years doing it (just not as a vet ) then you can decide if you are really going to make the final jump.
good luck!

 

[birdvet2006]

I know school costs a lot of money, getting in is beyond difficult and is incredibly hard work once you're in. Is it worth it? Are you happy with your choice? Is there anything you would have done differently or wish you had known prior to school or your career?

Thanks in advance for any responses!

I am a veterinarian who graduated in 2006. I am very happy with my career so far. But I'm one who has wanted to be a vet since I was 5 years of age...and had done my research thoroughly by the time I entered vet school. I knew what to expect and there's nothing that surprised me. I expected to be in debt, and I continue to realize that I will not be a "wealthy" individual until maybe near the end of my career, if I am lucky. It's not about the money. I can be happy with a lifestyle similar to what I am leading now. I am happy doing what I do...helping people and their animals every day. Even though it can be stressful at times.