Work laments; I just have to get this off my chest and hopefully get some feedback.
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A little background on my position: I was hired in July as a full-time, third shift (11p-7a), unlicensed emergency tech with minimal experience. I was desperate for a job, so I accepted the very low wage offered to me (not even double digits hourly). I was told that third shift was busy, and so I actually CHOSE to work overnights instead of second shift (keep this choice in mind because it's a key fact). In my first few weeks, I worked many nights as the only tech before the others were hired/trained. It was trial by fire, but I learned that I'm GOOD at this, I got to know the doctors, and I was just happy for the experience.
Now some background on the employer: This clinic has been full of drama for years. There are BAD employees there only because they've been there for years and years. Nepotism is abundant among the office staff (read: crucial decisions made over Sunday dinner gossip). The ENTIRE third shift (doctors and techs) turned over a few months ago. My co-workers and I have prided ourselves on being ambitious, hard-working, efficient, and effective; we all got awesome marks on our 90-day reviews. Additionally, I don't agree with some of the practices of the vet that owns the place, which makes me uneasy at times (thankfully I don't work with her; she couldn't pick me out of a line-up). She debarks a lot, tail docks at 6 months if an owner wants it, and she tries to be a "breeder," but she doesn't do any of the work herself because most of the dogs stay in clinic kennels all the time (like a puppy mill? But it's legal?)
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All that said, I love the work itself, and the other third shifters are great, including the doctors. We know how to work together, delegate duties, and respond to critical emergencies urgently but calmly. I like seeing a variety of cases. I had an owner call me on my shift so he could thank me for spending time with his dog during her last hours; it gave him comfort to know she was cared for.
We recently found out that no raises are being given. Okay, I should have asked for more to begin with. Then they told our LVT that she will not get the pay bump they PROMISED her when her license officially came through (she started at a lower, temporary rate until the piece of paper arrived; now that rate is permanent). And now, the techs on third shift (nobody else in the entire clinic) are having our hours cut by as much as 10 hours a week! During the freaking holidays!!:cry: Other shifts get slow for techs, receptionists, and other positions, but only third shift techs are getting hours axed. And the poor doctors had to tell us because admin didn't have the guts to tell us themselves.
All of us techs on overnights are looking elsewhere, but there's not many opportunities, and we'd be competing against each other at this point anyways. I don't know if any of you have any advice, but I appreciate the opportunity to RANT to people who might feel my pain!