Got fired from VA job last week. Is the field right for me?

[ElizaThornberry]

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So I've been trying for 3+ years to get a VA job and finally had success in November. Long story short & about a month later they fired me bc "I wasn't the best fit" & I wasn't communicating enough with clients during appointments; I do have bad anxiety but I thought I did a good job disguising it. Anyway, I want to know your opinions on if I should continue to pursue vet med or if it seems like it's not the best field for me bc I am timid?( My interests in vet med are research/lab related anyway).

 

[WildZoo]

You certainly don't have to be a veterinarian to get involved in research. If that is what you are mostly interested in, then it would be reasonable to pursue a more research-oriented path. A master's and/or PhD route might serve to get you where you want to go.

That being said, communication skills are also something you can work on if you still want to pursue vet med. Not everyone is a natural at it!

 

[frop]

You do have to be able to communicate in vet med, I haven't seen many places fire someone for that so quickly though... I think they definitely should have put more effort into training you before dismissing you like that. I also am a timid and more quiet person, but I have found ways to connect with people and ways to talk to clients. I would keep trying! You deserve to find people who are willing to train you and help you on your journey because not everyone is a natural at everything.

 

[KCgophervet]

If your primary interests are research related, then I second what @WildZoo stated and recommend pursuing a PhD instead of a DVM. If your interests are research-adjacent or lab animal medicine then I highly recommend getting experience in that field instead. Look for animal care positions at research institutions if you need to get paid or reach out and ask lab animal vets if you can shadow (may have to do some sleuthing to find contact info but it can be done). I know some vet schools like to see varied experiences but honestly if you know what your primary interest is in then you should tailor your application to "prove" that. You could also get a job working in a lab as a tech of some sort and maybe just shadow at a vet clinic on the side. Lots of options. Honestly I worked as a CSR in an emergency clinic during vet school and I sucked at client communication. Like, hardcore. But I've gotten better and realize that a lot of my issues were based on the environment I was in (fast-paced, high stress, and in the midst of vet school was not a good combination for my communication skills).

Feel free to PM if you ever want to chat more about lab animal medicine.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

You do have to be able to communicate in vet med, I haven't seen many places fire someone for that so quickly though... I think they definitely should have put more effort into training you before dismissing you like that. I also am a timid and more quiet person, but I have found ways to connect with people and ways to talk to clients. I would keep trying! You deserve to find people who are willing to train you and help you on your journey because not everyone is a natural at everything.

Yeah, I felt like it was unfair, harsh and judgemental of them. I am not a super bubbly talkative person but I am very kind and a great listener...I was able to talk to clients just fine but in my own way that worked....frankly I feel like they wasted my time.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

If your primary interests are research related, then I second what @WildZoo stated and recommend pursuing a PhD instead of a DVM. If your interests are research-adjacent or lab animal medicine then I highly recommend getting experience in that field instead. Look for animal care positions at research institutions if you need to get paid or reach out and ask lab animal vets if you can shadow (may have to do some sleuthing to find contact info but it can be done). I know some vet schools like to see varied experiences but honestly if you know what your primary interest is in then you should tailor your application to "prove" that. You could also get a job working in a lab as a tech of some sort and maybe just shadow at a vet clinic on the side. Lots of options. Honestly I worked as a CSR in an emergency clinic during vet school and I sucked at client communication. Like, hardcore. But I've gotten better and realize that a lot of my issues were based on the environment I was in (fast-paced, high stress, and in the midst of vet school was not a good combination for my communication skills).

Feel free to PM if you ever want to chat more about lab animal medicine.

Thanks for the in depth reply! my interests are in zoonoses/parasitology. I have considered pathology, public health, veterinary microbiology or lab animal medicine. I love diagnostics as well and want to research/diagnose infectious diseases. I know that dvms are also valuable in the fight against new/emerging infectious diseases and I want to be on the front line of that (but with an animal focus). Kind of like a disease sleuth...? I am actually moving soon and am looking at jobs at a primate laboratory...that'd be so cool!

 

[Yaya_Cat]

So I've been trying for 3+ years to get a VA job and finally had success in November. Long story short & about a month later they fired me bc "I wasn't the best fit" & I wasn't communicating enough with clients during appointments; I do have bad anxiety but I thought I did a good job disguising it. Anyway, I want to know your opinions on if I should continue to pursue vet med or if it seems like it's not the best field for me bc I am timid?( My interests in vet med are research/lab related anyway).

Omg this is like my story. T_T !!! When I got my first VA job back in 2016. I was so excited but anxious. But they lied to me about what I would be doing and stuck me at reception for my entire time there. I was somewhat trained but had to learn how to do all the admin stuff which is like a lott! On top of checking clients out and cleaning alll of the rooms and stuff for 10$ an hour. I left a higher paying job for that position and when my car broke down I bought a bike and biked 15 miles to the job. As dedicated as I was they had no patience to properly train me and I felt like I was getting in trouble for asking questions. That same summer my Grandmother passed away and I was having a hard time with it. They pretty much were like *awww and then turned around and let me go a month after saying it wasn't a good fit....

I would suggest working at a different place, maybe at a specialist where you can get different types of exposure. I feel the anxiety part but when I got to work more one on one with patients in a calmer space I did really well.

 

[DVMDream]

So there was once a much younger DVMD, who was very much like you.

Young DVMD was first hired into a veterinary clinic at 17 years old. I was hired on as a kennel assistant, so mostly cleaning, restocking and occasionally helping with restraining pets. 17 year old DVMD was very shy, very insecure, very unconfident and very, very quiet. I had been working as a kennel attendent for quite a few months when I was pulled into the Dr office for a meeting. The owning vet and the office manager were telling me they want to move me up into a veterinary assistant position at some point, but they can't do it given how shy and quiet I am. (I was bad, I would show up, do my job, minimally interact with anyone and go home). They further stated that they will have to let me go if I can't improve upon my ability to communicate and interact.

Now, it sounds awful to tell someone whose nature is to be very reserved and introverted that they need to be less of that, but veterinary medicine does require a lot of communication, you need to have some confidence (at least in outward appearance) and you need to be able to connect with and engage clients. So they weren't wrong in telling me this and thankfully, they gave me the opportunity to work on it.

And work on it I did. I wanted to be a veterinarian and I needed this job and experience to get me there. Besides work was almost my safe place as home was horrible at this time in my life. So I did start to come out of that shell I had built to protect myself. Started to let my personality shine through, started interacting more, talking more. Stopped just showing up, minimally engaging with others and started to really partake and join in conversation, etc. It wasn't easy by any means, it took some time. It isn't my nature to be outgoing, talk much, etc, so it definitely took time.

However working on that did pay off, I was moved up into a veterinary assistant position and then eventually progressed through undergrad and off to vet school and now I am a vet. I am still insecure at times. I still have problems with confidence. I am still an introvert. But I have learned how to at least while talking with clients to suppress that aspect of me and to engage, interact, connect with clients and sound confident and competent for them. It is exhausting because my nature is to be more introverted so I do need time away from human interaction to recooperate after work, but as long as I can get that, we are ok.

I don't think you need to give up, I think you need to find a clinic willing to give you that chance to work on the communcation and engagement with clients and coworkers. I find it quite sad that they didn't at all mention to you prior that it was an issue and provide you with some time or at least guidance to improve. If it hadn't improved then I totally get where they are coming from, but you can't improve anything if you didn't know it was a problem to begin with.

I will echo some of the other posts though, if your goal is to do lab animal medicine/research, you can do this without necessarily needing a DVM, so it might be worthwhile to look into those avenues as well. Especially since obtaining a DVM is so expensive.

I wish you the best.


ETA: OId DVMDream just realized she was 17 years old almost 17 years ago. 😳

 

[SparksAndStripes]

I can throw my own experience in here if it’ll help. I used to be /painfully/ shy and quiet, particularly around people I didn’t know well. Like, would rather die than give that high school presentation, shaking like a leaf the entire time, sweating for days just thinking about it shy. I had a veterinarian that I really looked up to call me “wooden” once, and honestly it hurt quite a lot. Long story short, after high school I put my education on hold for a few years. I got a job working with wildlife at a wildlife park, and a major part of that job was giving presentations, tours, and interacting with people one-on-one answering questions. I was not good at it at first. I loved every other aspect of the job but was terrified of giving tours. Luckily I had a wonderful manager who saw my passion for the knowledge and information and desire to share it, and she knew I just needed a little work on my presentation. I worked on it, I learned, and I got so much better at it. There was a particular guide with a group that regularly came through who was known to be very critical and even a bit mean. He infamously made an intern cry one year because he didn’t like her tour. By the time I left, he loved me and would request me specifically by name anytime he was there. It was a bit of a confidence boost that I really needed.

The more you do it, the better you get at it. Even better if there is someone who can encourage you while kindly letting you know what areas to work on, because seeing our own flaws objectively is actually quite hard. I never thought I came across as wooden, but with hindsight and after letting the sting settle, I could see where she was coming from. Unfortunately, the only way to get better at communication is to practice it. Our communication skills are not set in stone; they can be learned and practiced, exercised, and grown. There is nothing wrong with taking time working another job, vet related or not, that is maybe a little more willing to let you develop communication skills. Personally I think my time off and my non-vet experiences were a boost to my application (current second year now). Communication is an area that many vet students actually struggle with.

I’m still not and never will be a naturally bubbly, overly chatty person, but I can act the part when needed. I still lean towards shy and reserved in situations where I’m not confident. Communication is still a weak point of mine in several situations, but I continue to work on it. I still feel distant from all of my classmates because I’m just not as social and good at small talk as them. But, I feel much more confident when it’s time to give presentations and interact with others on a professional level. I wouldn’t let this stop you from pursuing whatever dream you have, whether that ends up being a vet or researcher or both. You just need to find an environment that will let you and help you work to improve it. It’s just like any other skill, practice practice practice.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

So there was once a much younger DVMD, who was very much like you.

Young DVMD was first hired into a veterinary clinic at 17 years old. I was hired on as a kennel assistant, so mostly cleaning, restocking and occasionally helping with restraining pets. 17 year old DVMD was very shy, very insecure, very unconfident and very, very quiet. I had been working as a kennel attendent for quite a few months when I was pulled into the Dr office for a meeting. The owning vet and the office manager were telling me they want to move me up into a veterinary assistant position at some point, but they can't do it given how shy and quiet I am. (I was bad, I would show up, do my job, minimally interact with anyone and go home). They further stated that they will have to let me go if I can't improve upon my ability to communicate and interact.

Now, it sounds awful to tell someone whose nature is to be very reserved and introverted that they need to be less of that, but veterinary medicine does require a lot of communication, you need to have some confidence (at least in outward appearance) and you need to be able to connect with and engage clients. So they weren't wrong in telling me this and thankfully, they gave me the opportunity to work on it.

And work on it I did. I wanted to be a veterinarian and I needed this job and experience to get me there. Besides work was almost my safe place as home was horrible at this time in my life. So I did start to come out of that shell I had built to protect myself. Started to let my personality shine through, started interacting more, talking more. Stopped just showing up, minimally engaging with others and started to really partake and join in conversation, etc. It wasn't easy by any means, it took some time. It isn't my nature to be outgoing, talk much, etc, so it definitely took time.

However working on that did pay off, I was moved up into a veterinary assistant position and then eventually progressed through undergrad and off to vet school and now I am a vet. I am still insecure at times. I still have problems with confidence. I am still an introvert. But I have learned how to at least while talking with clients to suppress that aspect of me and to engage, interact, connect with clients and sound confident and competent for them. It is exhausting because my nature is to be more introverted so I do need time away from human interaction to recooperate after work, but as long as I can get that, we are ok.

I don't think you need to give up, I think you need to find a clinic willing to give you that chance to work on the communcation and engagement with clients and coworkers. I find it quite sad that they didn't at all mention to you prior that it was an issue and provide you with some time or at least guidance to improve. If it hadn't improved then I totally get where they are coming from, but you can't improve anything if you didn't know it was a problem to begin with.

I will echo some of the other posts though, if your goal is to do lab animal medicine/research, you can do this without necessarily needing a DVM, so it might be worthwhile to look into those avenues as well. Especially since obtaining a DVM is so expensive.

I wish you the best.


ETA: OId DVMDream just realized she was 17 years old almost 17 years ago. 😳

Thanks so much for your insight! This helps alot and I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to respond to my post. 🙂

 

[that redhead]

So I've been trying for 3+ years to get a VA job and finally had success in November. Long story short & about a month later they fired me bc "I wasn't the best fit" & I wasn't communicating enough with clients during appointments; I do have bad anxiety but I thought I did a good job disguising it. Anyway, I want to know your opinions on if I should continue to pursue vet med or if it seems like it's not the best field for me bc I am timid?( My interests in vet med are research/lab related anyway).

Vet med requires strong communication skills; being in research or a lab environment is the same. I agree that communication is a skill that can be learned and polished, but it will require effort. I disagree that it’s the job’s responsibility to teach you. Certainly fair that they set and communicate their expectations, but I’m of the opinion that the onus is on you to build your skill set.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

Vet med requires strong communication skills; being in research or a lab environment is the same. I agree that communication is a skill that can be learned and polished, but it will require effort. I disagree that it’s the job’s responsibility to teach you. Certainly fair that they set and communicate their expectations, but I’m of the opinion that the onus is on you to build your skill set.

I agree that anywhere you go you will need some sort of communication skills but I actually have some laboratory experience and it seems I get along better with more like-minded people. I had more in common with colleagues and I perform much better in that environment. Being in the laboratory also allows for Independence and it's definitely not customer service...I have worked in the food industry for 5+ years and frankly I am above that....it's menial, degrading, & not mentally stimulating. As far as the VA job goes, I feel like they were too quick to let me go and it seemed like they wasted my time.

 

[SkiOtter]

it's definitely not customer service...I have worked in the food industry for 5+ years and frankly I am above that....it's menial, degrading, & not mentally stimulating. As far as the VA job goes, I feel like they were too quick to let me go and it seemed like they wasted my time.

And this is why you were let go. Change your attitude about customer service because that is what this field is about. You WILL have to interact with clients in school, whether you like it or not. Client education and client communication is one of the biggest parts of vet school.

 

[battie]

I have worked in the food industry for 5+ years and frankly I am above that....it's menial, degrading, & not mentally stimulating. As far as the VA job goes, I feel like they were too quick to let me go and it seemed like they wasted my time.

I worked retail in a family business from the age of 10 to 22. Only stopped because I was living my own life out of state. And I gotta say, no one is above any job, full stop. I dated a dude who had earned a degree in mechanical engineering and refused to get any non-engineering job post-graduation. We dated another 8 months and he still didn't have a job. Because he thought he was better than food service, while living rent free with his parents and playing WoW 45 hours a week.

It just comes across as entitled. I doubt that's how you intended it to come across as. But at least to me, that's how it read.

As far as a job wasting your time, that is a perspective you can certainly hold. As a previous supervisor and now doctor, a month is long enough to know if someone doesn't fit with the hospital culture. Say they gave you the benefit of the doubt, tried to train you, but still let you go, would it still have been a waste of time? Maybe not to you, but it certainly would have been for them. I know with how busy my hospital is, having a CSR/VA/CVT/doc who is still struggling 1-3 months after hire hurts us in efficiency, client satisfaction, job satisfaction for the new hire and those around them. An employer has to make the decision of when to call it. The sooner the better for everyone involved.

Just because you didn't click with this hospital's culture doesn't mean you won't with the next one. In my area, hospitals are cut throat right now for support staff. We literally have too many doctors seeing patients for that support staff we have. Keep looking!! Try different types of clinics/hospitals.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

Vet med requires strong communication skills; being in research or a lab environment is the same. I agree that communication is a skill that can be learned and polished, but it will require effort. I disagree that it’s the job’s responsibility to teach you. Certainly fair that they set and communicate their expectations, but I’m of the opinion that the onus is on you to build your skill set.

I agree that anywhere you go you will need some sort of communication skills but I actually have some laboratory experience and it seems I get along better with more like-minded people. I had more in common with colleagues and I perform much better in that environment. Being in the laboratory also allows for Independence and it's definitely not customer service...I have worked in the food industry for 5+ years and frankly I am above that....it's menial degrading, & not mentally stimulating. As far as the VA job goes, I feel like they were too quick to let me go and it seemed like they wasted my time.

And this is why you were let go. Change your attitude about customer service because that is what this field is about.

You WILL have to interact with clients in school, whether you like it or not. Client education and client communication is one of the biggest parts of vet school.

I was not looking down on customer service as I realize those jobs are necessary. What I was saying was that that type of job isn't for me and I don't get what was wrong about me saying that? I literally said I realize it's customer service but I can't fake small talk and pointless conversation as well as the next person. I need a job where I am mentally stimulated and given the opportunity to show my skill set. I am good with animals...but the VA job was not worth it to me because I had too many people talking down to me and it was too much sucking up. Not saying that doesn't work for someone else.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

I worked retail in a family business from the age of 10 to 22. Only stopped because I was living my own life out of state. And I gotta say, no one is above any job, full stop. I dated a dude who had earned a degree in mechanical engineering and refused to get any non-engineering job post-graduation. We dated another 8 months and he still didn't have a job. Because he thought he was better than food service, while living rent free with his parents and playing WoW 45 hours a week.

It just comes across as entitled. I doubt that's how you intended it to come across as. But at least to me, that's how it read.

As far as a job wasting your time, that is a perspective you can certainly hold. As a previous supervisor and now doctor, a month is long enough to know if someone doesn't fit with the hospital culture. Say they gave you the benefit of the doubt, tried to train you, but still let you go, would it still have been a waste of time? Maybe not to you, but it certainly would have been for them. I know with how busy my hospital is, having a CSR/VA/CVT/doc who is still struggling 1-3 months after hire hurts us in efficiency, client satisfaction, job satisfaction for the new hire and those around them. An employer has to make the decision of when to call it. The sooner the better for everyone involved.

Just because you didn't click with this hospital's culture doesn't mean you won't with the next one. In my area, hospitals are cut throat right now for support staff. We literally have too many doctors seeing patients for that support staff we have. Keep looking!! Try different types of clinics/hospitals.

I can see why it might come off as entitled but I am far from an entitled person. I am a first generation student who grew up in poverty, 5 siblings and my parents made a combined income of 10K annually. I worked at McDonald's for years just to afford to be able to buy a crappy $900 car and get my license at 19 (bc my parents certainly weren't getting me one). That car helped me get to community College where I got my AS which eventually led to my BS (while still working as a barista-customer service). I am above that job because I have been there and in their shoes and know how badly they were treated and how tough the work is only to be paid crap wages. I now have opportunities because I chose to pursue an education and frankly I'd never go back to that....that's why I said I am above it. Key word there-it. I wasn't saying I was above any person but a position.

 

[starryradiowaves]

The veterinary medicine industry is for the animals but run by people for people. Liking animals alone is not enough to survive and outpace the burnout. We will always have to work efficiently as a team in order to serve the community…regardless of what you’ll do with a DVM.

Maybe you would be better suited for a different career but only you can decide that and if the hundreds of thousands in tuition are worth it. I’d recommend some reflection and time to think. You came to this forum for advice and input but you don’t seem open to considering other opinions that don’t align with yours.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

The veterinary medicine industry is for the animals but run by people for people. Liking animals alone is not enough to survive and outpace the burnout. We will always have to work efficiently as a team in order to serve the community…regardless of what you’ll do with a DVM.

Maybe you would be better suited for a different career but only you can decide that and if the hundreds of thousands in tuition are worth it. I’d recommend some reflection and time to think. You came to this forum for advice and input but you don’t seem open to considering other opinions that don’t align with yours.

I actually agree with you completely. Getting fired from the VA job opened my eyes and made me do some soul searching...the truth is that I am pretty sure the debt is not worth it considering my niche interests and the fact I will have less earning potential as I'd be starting school at a later age.

 

[battie]

I now have opportunities because I chose to pursue an education and frankly I'd never go back to that....that's why I said I am above it. Key word there-it. I wasn't saying I was above any person but a position.

The reason you're getting push back in general is not that you don't click well with customer service. It's the way you're phrasing/conveying your distaste for it. I think there are a ton of people here that feel very similarly to you tbh.

My husband is the same way, and so he works in hotel housekeeping. Gotta tailor your work to your strengths if you can. However, as a pre-professional trying to get into an industry that gets more competitive by the year, that is simply a luxury that might not exist in the traditional routes of our industry. At this point experience is likely going to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the deciding factor of earning this particular doctorate. As others have mentioned, less traditional routes (lab animal vets) may be your best option if you can find them. But 500 hours as an ER VA will certainly be easier to get than 500 hours with a lab animal vet. Hence why I mentioned finding a different hospital with a different culture.

You also mentioned that you're an older student; if you're visibly non-traditional, the expectations may be higher for you to pick things up or being able to handle things more quickly. One suggestion I would have if that may be the case is being very clear about previous experience with any new hospitals you go to.

I never claimed you said you're above other people. I claimed no one is above any job. Which i still stand by. Everyone is above poor treatment. But when as the bread winner in my home (3.5-4x what my husband makes), being choosey would not cross my mind if our financial security was at risk. If my hospital closed tomorrow and the only job I could get tomorrow was McDonald's, I would still take it. Extreme example right now for sure. But it was reality for a lot of veterinarians in 2008 and 2009 where doctor jobs were very difficult to find.

 

[DVMDream]

Vet med requires strong communication skills; being in research or a lab environment is the same. I agree that communication is a skill that can be learned and polished, but it will require effort. I disagree that it’s the job’s responsibility to teach you. Certainly fair that they set and communicate their expectations, but I’m of the opinion that the onus is on you to build your skill set.

I should've clarified in my post. My job didn't train me at all. It was basically "we need you to communicate better and if we don't notice an improvement by x timeframe we'll have to let you go." There was no training, it was sink or swim time. And I agree, it isn't the job's responsibility to train you how to be less anxious and communicate better, you've got to figure it out.

 

[DVMDream]

I agree that anywhere you go you will need some sort of communication skills but I actually have some laboratory experience and it seems I get along better with more like-minded people. I had more in common with colleagues and I perform much better in that environment. Being in the laboratory also allows for Independence and it's definitely not customer service...I have worked in the food industry for 5+ years and frankly I am above that....it's menial, degrading, & not mentally stimulating. As far as the VA job goes, I feel like they were too quick to let me go and it seemed like they wasted my time.

I mean that describes vet med some days. There are some days of just nonstop routine tasks that aren't mentally stimulating and then you have clients and colleagues degrading you on top of it. I feel like just about every job falls into those categories at some points. Quite frankly some days I'd love to jump into fast food, it might actually be interesting for a change.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

The reason you're getting push back in general is not that you don't click well with customer service. It's the way you're phrasing/conveying your distaste for it. I think there are a ton of people here that feel very similarly to you tbh.

My husband is the same way, and so he works in hotel housekeeping. Gotta tailor your work to your strengths if you can. However, as a pre-professional trying to get into an industry that gets more competitive by the year, that is simply a luxury that might not exist in the traditional routes of our industry. At this point experience is likely going to be 1/3 to 1/2 of the deciding factor of earning this particular doctorate. As others have mentioned, less traditional routes (lab animal vets) may be your best option if you can find them. But 500 hours as an ER VA will certainly be easier to get than 500 hours with a lab animal vet. Hence why I mentioned finding a different hospital with a different culture.

You also mentioned that you're an older student; if you're visibly non-traditional, the expectations may be higher for you to pick things up or being able to handle things more quickly. One suggestion I would have if that may be the case is being very clear about previous experience with any new hospitals you go to.

I never claimed you said you're above other people. I claimed no one is above any job. Which i still stand by. Everyone is above poor treatment. But when as the bread winner in my home (3.5-4x what my husband makes), being choosey would not cross my mind if our financial security was at risk. If my hospital closed tomorrow and the only job I could get tomorrow was McDonald's, I would still take it. Extreme example right now for sure. But it was reality for a lot of veterinarians in 2008 and 2009 where doctor jobs were very difficult to find.

Your feedback is constructive and I appreciate you taking the time to offer your perspective. I completely understand where you're coming from and I guess if no other job existed but fast food that would force my hand.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

I mean that describes vet med some days. There are some days of just nonstop routine tasks that aren't mentally stimulating and then you have clients and colleagues degrading you on top of it. I feel like just about every job falls into those categories at some points. Quite frankly some days I'd love to jump into fast food, it might actually be interesting for a change.

Fair enough 🤷‍♀️

 

[ElizaThornberry]

I should've clarified in my post. My job didn't train me at all. It was basically "we need you to communicate better and if we don't notice an improvement by x timeframe we'll have to let you go." There was no training, it was sink or swim time. And I agree, it isn't the job's responsibility to train you how to be less anxious and communicate better, you've got to figure it out.

That's pretty much how my former boss put it....although with no particular time frame so it kind of surprised me. I get where they were coming from...it's a business after all; but my anxiety was in check enough to get the job done and I certainly made tons a progress over the course of a month...I got the feeling the guy training me might have just gotten tired of all my questions.

 

[Yaya_Cat]

I would really suggest trying a different animal hospital. Sometimes it's who you work with. Sounds like you and I have similar backgrounds and sort of similar goals. I was always good at customer service but it was mentally draining for me at the end of the day. I also love lab work and could see myself doing something more on that scale. Maybe try shadowing a shelter vet too? My very first experience was with a shelter vet and it was definitely life changing. While you still have to deal with customers, working with surrendered/abandoned animals and helping them find new loving homes was everything! Sure there are some downsides there too but I've never felt more fulfilled. If you still do not like it then yes, maybe getting a PhD and doing research is a better career path.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

I would really suggest trying a different animal hospital. Sometimes it's who you work with. Sounds like you and I have similar backgrounds and sort of similar goals. I was always good at customer service but it was mentally draining for me at the end of the day. I also love lab work and could see myself doing something more on that scale. Maybe try shadowing a shelter vet too? My very first experience was with a shelter vet and it was definitely life changing. While you still have to deal with customers, working with surrendered/abandoned animals and helping them find new loving homes was everything! Sure there are some downsides there too but I've never felt more fulfilled. If you still do not like it then yes, maybe getting a PhD and doing research is a better career path.

I guess I never really considered shelter med and I might give it a try. Thanks for your insight, I appreciate it. 🙂

 

[Lupin21]

With your posting history, I will be honest and say I do not think you are in the right field. Keep searching, grow and find yourself.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

With your posting history, I will be honest and say I do not think you are in the right field. Keep searching, grow and find

With your posting history, I will be honest and say I do not think you are in the right field. Keep searching, grow and find yourself.

Just curious, what makes you say that?

 

[Lupin21]

Just curious, what makes you say that?

You have a lot of anxiety related posts. This profession is unfortunately one that attracts those who view animals are a relief from that, but humans are the biggest part of this profession. If you let that get to you, the increased number of misbehaved animals growing thanks to this will make you dislike these poor animals as well and make you feel even more helpless.

This is a viscous cycle if you think animals are a good job solution to anxiety.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

You have a lot of anxiety related posts. This profession is unfortunately one that attracts those who view animals are a relief from that, but humans are the biggest part of this profession. If you let that get to you, the increased number of misbehaved animals growing thanks to this will make you dislike these poor animals as well and make you feel even more helpless.

This is a viscous cycle if you think animals are a good job solution to anxiety.

You have a lot of anxiety related posts. This profession is unfortunately one that attracts those who view animals are a relief from that, but humans are the biggest part of this profession. If you let that get to you, the increased number of misbehaved animals growing thanks to this will make you dislike these poor animals as well and make you feel even more helpless.

This is a viscous cycle if you think animals are a good job solution to anxiety.

I am not entirely sure what you're getting at. I was not interested in the profession because I thought animals would dissolve my anxiety..??

 

[Lupin21]

I am not entirely sure what you're getting at. I was not interested in the profession because I thought animals would dissolve my anxiety..??

Most your posts involve anxiety. I don’t see your preference of research related getting you in as it’s hard to actually get there. You don’t follow rules.

As a moderator, we keep telling you to keep your numerous posts in a single thread to help those wanting to give you advice the most accurate life happenings to comment on, yet you keep making new threads. This all adds up to someone needing to take advice and grow.

You’ve a ways to go as I’ve tried to help again and again.

 

[that redhead]

I am not entirely sure what you're getting at. I was not interested in the profession because I thought animals would dissolve my anxiety..??

Using this as a launch point and to circle back to your original question: why are you interested in the profession?

 

[ElizaThornberry]

Using this as a launch point and to circle back to your original question: why are you interested in the profession?

I guess for a multitude of reasons, but I won't say the cliche "to help animals" as that's a given. To keep it short, sweet, and to the point: the veterinary profession exemplifies a convergence of my passions and talents.

 

[Lupin21]

I guess for a multitude of reasons, but I won't say the cliche "to help animals" as that's a given. To keep it short, sweet, and to the point: the veterinary profession exemplifies a convergence of my passions and talents.

This means nothing. You have to have words.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

This means nothing. You have to have words.

Do you honestly want me to tell you my life story on here?

 

[Lupin21]

Do you honestly want me to tell you my life story on here?

You are missing my point. You don’t seem able. An application is exactly that. A concise explanation why. If you can’t do it, you aren’t there. Doesn’t mean you can’t get there, but three minute elevator speech is as true in this place as any job interview.

 

[cbucks]

Do you honestly want me to tell you my life story on here?

What might help you answer this is to think about what your answer would be if you were in an interview (for a job, vet school, etc.) and they asked you "why vet med?". Somewhere between 'convergence of my passions and talents' and 'my entire life story', what would you say?

 

[Lupin21]

That's fair and I don't have enough experience right now to say for sure....but I keep going back to vet med for some reason. Idk why...because idk anyone personally in the field and no one put the idea in my head....I guess it's because it melds my interests very well (and it helps that I love science). I know I'd be good at it and have always been an advocate for animals. My pets have always been there for me (when my family wasn't) and I see it as a way of giving back. I am aware of how vets are treated and it's terrible and ridiculous but I don't think it's changing anytime soon....but I am very tough. I am a first generation student and my childhood consisted of abuse and trauma. I have since cut those people out of my life and continued pursuing my education without ever looking back....I definitely have thick skin so to speak and I am tenacious. I am willing to deal with belligerent clientele for the sake of animals (although, I am not very interested in small animal practice...I wouldn't be dealing directly with clients).

This is a while back. Seems you still haven't found a reply. You must if you actually want to pursue this pathway or you are wasting everyone's time. I promise this is to help you. It isn't a field for those with doubt, and even those who think they know with prevet experience, find out otherwise way too late.

 

[JaynaAli]

I don’t know you well enough to know whether vet med is or isn’t the right fit for you. But you’re apparently questioning whether it is, and I always say if you’re questioning it, it may be for a reason and you’d be better served to find another option. Maybe vet Med is the perfect convergence of your passions but that doesn’t mean it has to be your sole goal. For example, if someone loves pharmacology or some other aspect of medicine and animals they don’t necessarily need to be a vet, maybe they’d be even happier being a nurse or a pharmacist and volunteering at a shelter or breeding and showing dogs or working at a therapeutic riding barn in their free time. Something can be the perfect melding on paper but not be right in reality. There’s often many ways to find that fulfillment if you’re willing to explore. Maybe that exploration means you take the feedback your recently ended position gave you and you try to find another position on vet Med. Maybe that means you move on and focus on plan B even if you didn’t expect to ever head down that route. But trying to force yourself to love something that seems right on paper but isn’t working out is like trying to put a square peg in round hole. I’d recommend you take some time to reflect and explore other options. Should you decide vet Med is for you, it’ll still be here down the line. Changing course isn’t a bad thing.

 

[that redhead]

…my passions and talents.

Which are what?

 

[ElizaThornberry]

Which are what?

I am passionate about science (especially microbiology- parasitology/ zoonoses) ,epidemiology and animal welfare. My talents also overlap with my passions...don't want to sound pretentious and list them.

 

[ElizaThornberry]

You are missing my point. You don’t seem able. An application is exactly that. A concise explanation why. If you can’t do it, you aren’t there. Doesn’t mean you can’t get there, but three minute elevator speech is as true in this place as any job interview.

1. I want to change the notion that veterinary medicine is for people who are financially well off-my parents never took their pets to the vet...heck I didn't know animal doctors were I thing until I was in about Jr. High. I think poor people should have the privilege to have a pet in their lives, but at the same time owning a pet and knowing you can't afford it is neglectful.
2. I have always been super curious-especially about the natural world. I was that kid constantly looking down at the ground at all the different insects and playing in the dirt. I was exploring nature and being intrigued about the different critters and why they looked and behaved the way the did. When I discovered microorganisms it brought out the little kid in me...they're so elegant, so intriguing...and this is why I love science too because it's satiated my curiosity...It comes from the Latin "Scire" or "scio"-to know...that's kind of awesome.
3. I am a caretaker inherently, intrinsically, and wholeheartedly. This is strange to me because my parents were abusive and neglectful to their own kids. So I found solice in animals and they never hurt me...they stuck by my side(but this also explains my social anxiety). I am also the definition of someone who wouldn't hurt a fly and I have always easily felt the pain and suffering of others...especially animals.

These are just three bullet points, not written with the intention of being judged on grammar or syntax. I just quickly put some of my thoughts down on why veterinary medicine interests me and what makes me...well....me.

 

[SkiOtter]

I want to change the notion that veterinary medicine is for people who are financially well off-my parents never took their pets to the vet...heck I didn't know animal doctors were I thing until I was in about Jr. High. I think poor people should have the privilege to have a pet in their lives, but at the same time owning a pet and knowing you can't afford it is neglectful.

I’m just curious how you’re hoping to go about this, especially if you go into research or lab animal/path?

 

[britzen]

I have similar interests and have some thoughts on things both vet med and not vetmed that I think are worth considering for you

Am drowning a bit atm in clinics for a few days. Ping me in the thread or pm me in a few days if I don't circle back

 

[ElizaThornberry]

I’m just curious how you’re hoping to go about this, especially if you go into research or lab animal/path?

Fair point

 

[ElizaThornberry]

I have similar interests and have some thoughts on things both vet med and not vetmed that I think are worth considering for you

Am drowning a bit atm in clinics for a few days. Ping me in the thread or pm me in a few days if I don't circle back

Absolutely, thanks for your response! 🙂

 

[cdo96]

I think you’re missing the point. If you’re questioning if you should go into the field at this point before you’re truly invested. Run.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. I love being a veterinarian more than anything. But I would not recommend anyone join this field. This field is very broken. We can love animals and want to be a caretaker to animals/ want to make a difference and still be faced with the crippling reality that we can’t do anything for our patients sometimes, whether that’s financially (very common in my situation) or medically. I am empathetic to a fault to my owners and my patients. Try as I might, they mentally come home with me every day.

As someone who suffers with loads of mental health issues (anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicidal thoughts/ideation), listen to me now and hear me later, if there’s any other field that you would be happy in, try that. This field attracts a lot of people for the wrong reasons. Make sure that yours is right. And if you’re one of the people who say that there’s nothing else you would do but be a veterinarian, then realize you already have your answer.