Out of Energy

[skipsbarryimage]

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I feel like college has extinguished any "flame" I had when I started. I am so exhausted all the time. Assignments and studying are extra chore-like than normal. I am completely unproductive. There have been days when I forced myself to be productive, but the next day I am back to my lazy self and it takes me weeks to be able to regain the drive to be productive again.

I've begun to worry about the future - how am I supposed to be a veterinarian if I can't write a 4 page essay on the spirituality of the Cherokee Nation? How am I supposed to have a family and make them dinner and spend time with them if I become a veterinarian?

I don't know if I even want to be a veterinarian anymore - I don't know why I am thinking that..maybe because college hasn't been what I expected it to be. I'm afraid, though, that if I take an easy semester I will get behind. I did make the decision to take Intro to Pottery instead of Micro next semester..but every day I argue with myself as to if it was the right decision or not. I've been thinking about alternative career paths...high school art teacher, research (DVM or PhD or both, though??), being a hobo, etc.

I'm hoping that with winter break and switching schools for spring semester I may find refreshment..but I am looking for advice from others with more life experience than myself.

Apologies for the long winded thread. I am the type that likes to talk through my emotions and thoughts with others and sometimes a new perspective is necessary.

 

[allieoop2714]

I think over break you should take some serious "me" time; we all deserve that after a hard semester! Try and reassess why you are interested in the career. Maybe see if you can get some new experience that will help you realize if this is what you want. A general lack of energy/productivity/motivation could also be a sign of a health problem. I would keep that in mind if things do not seem to get any better after winter break.

 

[sorasea]

Pooo, that oh-so-familiar end-of-term burnout. (I feel you -- cannot handle another paper right now, and have been playing Pokemon instead all day 😀). I think that's why vet schools like to see a healthy dose of extracurriculars: they're healthy. Don't feel guilty about your pottery class! I take orchestra every year, which rehearses 3 hrs a week. Some weeks, it's the only time I have to really sit down and deliberately not think about all the work I have, and lose myself in music. Make purposeful time for your hobby, and try to exercise a bit in the mornings when you can. Works wonders for motivation.

I also agree with allieoop. Have you had a chance to shadow any vets yet? Might open your eyes as to how much you really want to slave away, all for a career with god-awful economic prospects and eventual compassion fatigue.

 

[Scooter157]

Being so steadfast on something can lead to fatigue and doubt - I've been there. When I began undergrad, I did not have vet school on the radar (or, if I did, it was a really tiny blip). As I became more involved with classes and working for a veterinarian, my interests and career pursuits started to shift, but I was never dedicated 100%. It wasn't until after I was done with school and working out in a different (animal-related, but not direct veterinary care) field for a few years that I realized what I was truly passionate about.

Having to go back to school while working two jobs was difficult; it put strain on my grades, my wallet, my personal relationships, and my sanity. There were more than a few times that I thought about throwing in the towel and doing something completely different (including but not limited to: soapmaker, knitter, gypsy, bum...). It took every once of energy I had to focus and get my head in the game. I got my prereqs done, and just applied to schools for the 1st time. Am I happy I continued my path? Yes. Would I have done it if I hadn't strayed away for a few years? Probably not.

Long story short: it may take a deviation from the path you're currently on to decide if vet med and a DVM is truly what you want to pursue. I guarantee the experiences you garner on the way will help you make a decision as to your future path. That is, in a nutshell what my limited life experience has been. I am sure someone else can shed some better light on it, but it sounds like a break from school and transferring may be a breadth of fresh air for you. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[pp9]

Having just ended my most stressful semester of undergrad (2 jobs, 16 credits of 300/400 level science courses, ailing father and grandfather, 6 year relationship ending, roommate drama, the list goes on), I also was wondering if vet med was really worth it. It doesn't help when your boss constantly acts like her job as a vet is more like a curse. You're not alone in that feeling of doubt.

When I get to this point (and if you ask me, everyone does at some point. It's only natural when something takes an exhausting amount of effort) I just remind myself that 15 years ago, a 6 year old named pinkpuppy9 started the fire within me that just needs a little more fuel right now. Even though I'm pretty torn up over a grade I'm disappointed with myself over, I'm still going to use these measly three weeks of vacation to REALLY relax and have fun. Road trips, League of Legends, and my dog. Can't get better than that 🙂 I want to be refreshed and ready to kick ass next semester.

I suggest you use your break to really do what helps you relax. Everyone reaches their breaking point. It's up to you to take care of yourself and remember that you can't do well if you don't feel well, physically or mentally.

 

[Rainheart]

One of my best friends has the same story as you- she realized that vet med was not for her- but that was after she had applied and gotten accepted into the SGU foundations class. She had a hard decision to make, but I think it was the right one for her. She is now following her dreams elsewhere as an Sonography tech. She will be great! Definitely take the time to think about it and decide- be sure that it is 100% what you want to do before you apply to vet school. It is not an easy path- some days, I did have trouble finding motivation. But in the end, it is what I want to do, so I make myself do it. I wish you luck in this decision- it is not an easy thing, but definitely spend a good amount of time thinking on it.

 

[ChittyBang]

I'm in my 30's, decided to be a veterinarian when I was little, got a degree in something non-vet related, etc., etc., etc., but eventually found myself back here because, after much life experience, I can clearly see that veterinary medicine has always had my heart. But I wanted to quit every semester of my pre-reqs, and almost did after that NYTimes article earlier this year, but this is what I really want.

Could you be happy doing anything else? Would teaching art make you happy? Could you really see yourself doing that every day? Or anything else? Some veterinarians and professors have told me that if I can see myself being happy doing anything else to do it. You have to find a way to search yourself and see what YOU really want. It may not be vet med.

If it is vet med, then suck it up and keep pushing through. Cry, scream, throw your notes, run up a steep hill, go get drunk and dance, watch inspiring movies, write empowering quotes and mantras everywhere (I did all those things)... whatever it takes. You have to take time to have fun and be happy or else you will burn out. I know that's easier said than done, but you have to.

Take this break to rest, have fun, and soul-search. Maybe you need to take a semester off to travel. But ask yourself what you really want and then go get it. Best of luck to you 🙂

 

[skipsbarryimage]

Thank you all for your replies 🙂 Not only is school stressful - but the thought of maybe not wanting to do what I've been planning on doing for years is also stressful.
Lately I've been thinking about all of the things I won't like about vet-med..less time for family and I also don't like the extreme weather that I will encounter as an equine vet. I refuse to do small animal because of allergies and the poor job outlook. And I can't seem to think of any of the good things that will come out of the career...but I also can't think of any other jobs that I'd really want to do. Being an art teacher sounds fun...but I've never been a fan of children or confrontation.

I wish I could take a semester off! However, it is not do-able, according to my parents. I am in school or I am out of the house. Yay.

I do plan on shadowing over the break as well as applying for positions at veterinary offices and horse barns. I want so badly to ride horses again, I just need to figure out how to do that financially. I also am going to have a break full of friends, my boyfriend, painting, and other arts and crafts, so hopefully that is enough to refresh myself.

In the OP I had mentioned a possible interest in research...how does one get their "foot in the door" for that field? Is there a possibility of shadowing a research veterinarian? How would you go about that?

Also, I think a large problem with college has also been my diet. Even the carrots at my school taste like they are made of chemicals. How do people eat healthy in college??

 

[ChittyBang]

How do people eat healthy in college??

They don't 😛

Just kidding. Kind of. But seriously, I eat crap when I'm intensely studying - chips, ice cream, soda, pizza...chips - but it helps to have healthy stuff on hand. Keep hummus and veggies in your fridge, buy flavored seltzer/sparkling water instead of soda, pack lunches for school...plan. if you "grab and go" you probably won't eat healthy.

 

[that redhead]

I got my research experience through my undergraduate school by responding to ads placed looking for student workers. I did a year helping with research and over three years working with lab animals. You can talk to your professors that might have research going on, or even look up your campus' lab animal resources department and ask around there. If you want to do research you don't need a DVM; "research vets" are called lab animal vets and large programs (like a university) have at least one floating around. There are also summer programs offered for various levels of students that let you get research experience.

I used the salad bar a lot and stuck to sandwiches over fried stuff in the cafeteria. I felt like there was a lot to choose from, I just had to do my research. Maybe try looking up your schools nutritional information page and go from there. You can also buy yourself snacks from the store (like fruits/vegetables) if those at the cafeteria are bad.

 

[Lab Vet]

Investing in veterinary school is a big decision, with hefty consequences (financial, social, familial). You're right to consider all the things you mentioned. Don't feel pressured to make the decision right away. Many people on these discussion boards have taken other jobs and come back to veterinary medicine later in life. I am currently 34 years old, and am a first time applicant. That being said, undergrad grades can sink an application- any time you apply. If you are at all interested in this career (or any career tangentially related- research, for example), I highly recommend finding the motivation to not allow your grades to slip. Easier said than done. I have also gone through similar periods of de-motivation. It's a difficult place to be in. I read several books that helped me. I'll list a few of them here:

-'What Color is Your Parachute' by Richard Bolles: Do the exercises, they are very helpful in assisting you to determine what's important to YOU in a career.

-'Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity' by David Whyte: Whyte is a poet from Scotland. This book details his own personal struggle for authenticity, in which your own is consequently reflected. Excellent read. Check out 'The Awkward Way the Swan Walks.' My favorite passage from this writing.

-'Let your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation' by Parker Palmer: Palmer's book isn't so much about career as it is about authenticity in general. This book will help you to reflect on what's important to you in your journey, of which career is one part. Palmer is a Quaker, and he details his spiritual practice throughout. Great book. Highly recommended.

-'A Life at Work: The Joy of Discovering What you Were Born to Do' by Thomas Moore. Describes the 'quest' to find your life's work. Not just about career. A life's 'work' encompasses many aspects.

-'Now, Discover Your Strengths' by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. Brilliant analysis of YOUR areas of personal strength that make you excel in any given career path. This book changed the way of how I think about my personal 'fit' in career. 'Strengthsfinder 2.0' (by Tom Rath) is an update to the analysis portion. All authors work for the Gallup organization. I have referred back to the original text many, many times.

All of these books have helped me on my career journey. You many want to check them out on Amazon, or find another, related title that speaks more to you. I have found much comfort in words. Best of success. Remember, your journey is your own. Let no one hurry, rush, or force your decisions.

 

[allieoop2714]

You could ask someone in your department for some suggestions regarding research. My advisor was the one to introduce me to the professor I did research under. I believe she called him "the animal guy," and that solidified my interest 🙂

 

[hedgehogcatcher]

Meeeeee too. When winter break starts have a sleep and do nothing day. You earned it. And then do some tidying (it supposedly helps "unclutter your mind") and then go do something fun. ANYTHING that gets your blood flowing properly and ideally makes you smile. <- endorphins.

Look into other DVM jobs- I'm looking into lab animal vet or industry jobs or public health. Lots of cool options.
Look into other career paths. Take a class or volunteer or something related to a few options that interest you. At the very very least it'll give you an awesome plan B list. Can't lose.

I agree with that redhead that you should look for research/lab positions and work your way up, it's good experience and it can be rewarding.

Do something else fun.

If you are legitimately run down and emotionally exhausted then you are in no position to be making large life decisions clearly. On the other hand, when you feel better again, don't get over ambitious (the on fire-burnt out- on fire cycle is not healthy). Make a reasonable plan with reasonable short term goals.

 

[jerseyshoregirl]

Couldn't have said it any better than Scooter and Chittybang.... There have been more than a few times during the process of taking pre-reqs, working full time, and relationship stress when I simply wanted to give up. During those times, I definitely harped on the negatives of becoming a vet (couldn't even remember any of the positives). I contemplated other career paths on several occasions - art or biology teacher, nurse, registered vet tech, or an adoption counselor for a shelter.... essentially any job that would provide either immediate or higher financial compensation or less school. Just over the summer, right before I applied I was dead set on nursing and actually started to fill out applications for accelerated BSN programs. But then when it came time for VMCAS to be due, everything suddenly became crystal clear, and I realized I wanted nothing other than to become a veterinarian. The negatives didn't seem to matter anymore and the positives and enthusiasm for the profession I had once had returned.

But now, as I struggle through my last couple prereqs and await admissions decisions, I am losing all semblance of motivation to study and worry that if I do get in, how will I find the drive to get through 4 years of vet school? I am worried about not having enough time for my family as well. I do feel much better after visiting a few vet schools for interviews though. Both the student and faculty panels at every school I've visited could not stress enough the importance of maintaining a normal personal life during vet school. They really want you to remain true to your relationships with family, friends, and significant others, as well extracurriculars and relaxation time during vet school. They stressed that grades are not everything once you are in vet school as long as you pass and are personally satisfied with yourself (unless you are pursuing a specialty, then grades matter more). It was nice to learn that the faculty recognizes that mental/emotional health during vet school is as important to reaching your goal of becoming a DVM as academic achievement is.

The bottom line is that the road to becoming a vet is tumultuous and full of self contemplation. If it is the right path for you, it will become clear for you at some point in the not so distance future as you spend time working/shadowing veterinarians. Try not to worry right now about what the outcome of your decision will be, just know that it will work out either way. I firmly believe that there is not one "right" career path for each person - you could be happy doing a variety of things especially if you have varied interests like myself, i.e. art and science.

 

[NStarz]

Thank you all for your replies 🙂 Not only is school stressful - but the thought of maybe not wanting to do what I've been planning on doing for years is also stressful.
Lately I've been thinking about all of the things I won't like about vet-med..less time for family and I also don't like the extreme weather that I will encounter as an equine vet. I refuse to do small animal because of allergies and the poor job outlook. And I can't seem to think of any of the good things that will come out of the career...but I also can't think of any other jobs that I'd really want to do. Being an art teacher sounds fun...but I've never been a fan of children or confrontation.

I just wanted to comment on this...can anyone in the equine industry comment? I didn't think the equine job market was much better than small animal right now...but that's another point altogether.

Also, writing a 4 page paper in a gen ed class has absolutely NOTHING to do with being a vet. Being bored in gen end courses is a common occurrence. Do you enjoy your science courses? If not, that would be more concerning.

 

[skipsbarryimage]

I just wanted to comment on this...can anyone in the equine industry comment? I didn't think the equine job market was much better than small animal right now...but that's another point altogether.

Also, writing a 4 page paper in a gen ed class has absolutely NOTHING to do with being a vet. Being bored in gen end courses is a common occurrence. Do you enjoy your science courses? If not, that would be more concerning.

I was under the impression that all areas of vet med aren't in very high demand but SA is the worst?

This semester I did not enjoy science..but it was an intro to botany that was required by my school and does not transfer anywhere or count at any vet schools I am interested in attending sooooo...and I'm just not a giant fan of chemistry in general. Bio is usually more my thang.

 

[anesthtc]

Not trying to minimize the important stuff that was said, but do you have friends that you study with often? I guess I sort of had a lot of what you described freshman year, and yeah I thought that it might have had to do with career choice and stuff like that, but honestly I realized I just didn't have enough people to be accountable to. It's one thing to be accountable to yourself or your parents for your grades, but it's different when you have 2 or 3 people texting you asking why you're not at the library with them. At this point I have like 10 people I regularly study with and it's actually a lot more fun that way. It's also a lot harder to get away with procrastinating when you have people around you getting things done or someone looks over and sees you on Facebook and pokes fun at you for it. It's kind of like having a workout buddy... but many of them.

Also I wouldn't get caught up in the doom and gloom I'm seeing in this thread. Vet med is not a dying field. It isn't going bankrupt. People aren't getting laid off. It simply went through some tough times (like many other industries) and is going through a phase of finding new direction. I would actually put SA at the healthier spectrum in spite of all the news you hear about there being too many of them. It's a distribution phenomenon more than anything else. If you try looking for a job in like Ft. Collins as a general day vet, you're gonna have a bad time. But if you travel to some smaller cities, especially in states that don't have vet schools, there are people looking for good vets. If you get yourself board certified or good at some specific sub-sector in the field, people will want you. I've spoken to several vets who are looking to sell their practices to someone willing to take it on. Honestly this field is what you make of it.

 

[DVMDream]

I was under the impression that all areas of vet med aren't in very high demand but SA is the worst?

I might be wrong, but I am rather certain that small animal is the better off amongst small animal, food animal and equine and food animal med prospects are the worst with the worst pay. Again, could be wrong, but that was last I had heard.

I agree with what everyone else has posted. Also, how far are you into your pre-vet studies? I am just curious, because I wonder if this is early freshman burn out from not quite getting into the swing of college quite yet (it happens) or if this is later on junior year burn out... there is a difference. Also, there is nothing wrong with taking a semester to enjoy some non-science coursework, or to maybe only take one science class; if you need to do that just to have a bit of some breathing space. I also recommend to get some really good experience with a vet, see if you still want to be a vet. There is no point in pushing yourself to continue on if you discover that you really do not want to be a vet any more.

Honestly, if it is needed take some time to relax and enjoy some more "fun" college courses, it can't hurt and it may help.

Also, if you heart is set on something else or there is something that seems to make you happier or something that gives you that "spark" or "flame" of motivation, perhaps it might be worth looking into a career more focused on that. Do what makes you happy; even if it isn't what you had first imagined yourself doing. The last thing you want it is to continue to pursue a career because it was what you "always" wanted to do and then to just be unhappy in that career for the rest of your life. Do what makes you happy.

 

[skipsbarryimage]

To answer recent questions:
I am a first semester freshman and honestly I feel like I made no friends here so I really only have one study buddy ...and she took different classes than I did. At my next school I already know a good 3 or so people taking similar course work. Plus, I feel like being in an environment that is more familiar to me I have a feeling I will be able to find a few more.

If I do become a veterinarian I would be specializing further, reproduction or sports medicine are large interests of mine.

 

[DVM882029]

I'm in the same life failure boat... I only took 13 credits this semester and worked one job, but 40 hours a week, and I'm stressed about next semester. I live and am responsible for my own finances, so how can I take the pre reqs I need while working to be able to pay rent/live/eat???? I'm really worried and ready to throw in the towel.. I dont know what to do. 🙁 I'm so done, and finals just ended Wednesday and I'm pre-emptively stressing over next semester already. UGH.

 

[Scooter157]

I just wanted to comment on this...can anyone in the equine industry comment? I didn't think the equine job market was much better than small animal right now...but that's another point altogether.

I am entrenched in the equine industry, and we have felt the pressures of the economy just like everyone else. I cannot speak about job prospects, but I have witnessed a decrease in financial support of the sport/hobby; Owners are more unwilling to put money into treatment, or simply are skipping routine prophylaxis. That, coupled with the fact equine veterinarians fresh out of school are (historically, and generally speaking) making less money and spend more time on call than their small animal colleagues, creates a less than ideal reality for equine vets.

I am still committed to becoming an equine veterinarian, but realize that if the job market doesn't change, I may need to consider small animal practice as a way of making enough to support myself and my debt load. That flexibility give me more peace of mind as I pursue this career path. You still have time to hash out the details and figure out what is best for you - just don't discount other avenues.

 

[Rabbit Riot]

I was lucky enough to go to a massive state university in undergrad that gave me many options when it came to general education coursework. Perhaps your new university will give you better options in that regard?

You're still new to college, so while you may feel "academically fatigued" now, you may still be adjusting. It took me about one or two years to really get into the swing of things (I was always reserved and perhaps a little sheltered coming out of high school). Once I started my major and minor coursework, I was much more engaged in school because I was able to take courses that actually meant something to me. Keeping an open mind to alternative career paths is not a bad thing either. I doubt there are few people who haven't at some point along the path to vet school thought about giving up. I think that's a perfectly natural part of the process. Questioning is a good thing. It's a hard road and money-wise it's expensive as all hell.

If you love art, take more art. Don't feel guilty about taking "leisure" courses. Just be prepared that some art classes can be as demanding as any of your hard sciences and pricey to boot (I easily spent over $350 for supplies for a drawing class my freshman year).

School isn't a race. You can always take time off if you need to and come back when you're ready. There are always other options and there is always time.