RANT HERE thread

[abbielovescats]

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So I made the decision to put my deposit down for the SGU waitlist, just because I've read and read and re-read everyone's advice on here, facebook, and reddit about what to do. It at least will give me the chance to maybe be pulled off the waitlist for fall, while I reapply to vet schools and pursue a master's program (So excited to potential get a MS in micro!). The hardest part of this whole process besides rejections is dealing with my parents' obvious disappointment and borderline dismissive attitude towards my options for the next year. Regardless of how many times I tell them vet school applications and acceptances aren't like regular undergrad they don't here it. They think I'm making a mistake regardless of outcome, and they don't understand that waitlists don't necessarily mean I'm being pulled off it.

I'm just annoyed knowing that they are acting like its the easiest thing in the world to deal with, and that I'm throwing away my life by possibily having a delay. It seems hypocritical because they didn't go back to school after undergrad when they were in their 30s

So my situation is a little different, but before I applied for the first time, I decided to wait a year to gain more experience, increase my gpa among other things. When my dad heard that I wasn’t applying and taking a gap year he was quite annoyed and lectured me and was mad. Even tho things worked out, he still just this past week was saying how wouldn’t I have liked to be in vet school already and all of the things I should’ve done to make that happen. He has a lot of regrets and I think is living through me or whatever else psycho analysis lol.
But yeah I totally get it, not to talk about me, but just saying I see where you’re coming from. And definitely get that masters, sounds like it would be amazing. Maybe, if you’d think it’d work, ask to sit down with them and tell them how you’re feeling and have a conversation.

 

[puppydogtor]

So I made the decision to put my deposit down for the SGU waitlist, just because I've read and read and re-read everyone's advice on here, facebook, and reddit about what to do. It at least will give me the chance to maybe be pulled off the waitlist for fall, while I reapply to vet schools and pursue a master's program (So excited to potential get a MS in micro!). The hardest part of this whole process besides rejections is dealing with my parents' obvious disappointment and borderline dismissive attitude towards my options for the next year. Regardless of how many times I tell them vet school applications and acceptances aren't like regular undergrad they don't here it. They think I'm making a mistake regardless of outcome, and they don't understand that waitlists don't necessarily mean I'm being pulled off it.

I'm just annoyed knowing that they are acting like its the easiest thing in the world to deal with, and that I'm throwing away my life by possibily having a delay. It seems hypocritical because they didn't go back to school after undergrad when they were in their 30s

I can definitely relate to having unsupportive parents. I took a gap year after high school (very uncommon where I'm from, basically everyone goes straight to college). My parents told me people who don't go to college right after high school usually don't end up going at all. Then I decided to become a vet and was met with comments like "you don't want to do that" or "school costs too much money" and they were always disinterested in what I want to do. They support me now, but that only started once they started seeing other people's positive reactions about me going to vet school. It can be very tough dealing with your parents' reactions when you're not living up to their standards. It's also extremely frustrating when they don't attempt to understand certain things; similarly to how your parents don't understand how the vet school application process is nothing like the undergrad application process. Hang in there, we've all got your back. I really admire you pushing on and being excited about whichever path you take to get to vet school.

 

[battie]

Had my first direct conflict with a client over how she treated one of our techs. She complained to reception that I "lectured" her after I exited the situation. Us younger vets are trying to foster an environment with support staff to report client naughtiness to us immediately so it can be handled then and there. My first incident just happened to be with a client that did not acknowledge our concerns. So I'm just going to wait and see over the week if this comes to bite me in any way.

Rave because it was a good first step to experience standing up for the staff. Rant because it was a rough first experience.

 

[KCgophervet]

Had my first direct conflict with a client over how she treated one of our techs. She complained to reception that I "lectured" her after I exited the situation. Us younger vets are trying to foster an environment with support staff to report client naughtiness to us immediately so it can be handled then and there. My first incident just happened to be with a client that did not acknowledge our concerns. So I'm just going to wait and see over the week if this comes to bite me in any way.

Rave because it was a good first step to experience standing up for the staff. Rant because it was a rough first experience.

To the client:

 

[SkiOtter]

To the client:

Reasons I asked about firing clients when I was interviewinggggg

 

[battie]

To the client:

I wish I had that power. So do the 3 techs, 1 assistant, and 4 receptionists that were involved -_-

 

[vetmedhead]

I wish I had that power. So do the 3 techs, 1 assistant, and 4 receptionists that were involved -_-

Gotta go with constructive firing where you're all just equally as difficult for her to deal with as she is to deal with lol.

"Also, to be clear ma'am, I chastised you, not lectured you. Please note that one involves more scolding and I'm hoping you picked up on that, if not I am happy to try again with different words until you understand my expectations for your behavior"

 

[battie]

Gotta go with constructive firing where you're all just equally as difficult for her to deal with as she is to deal with lol.

"Also, to be clear ma'am, I chastised you, not lectured you. Please note that one involves more scolding and I'm hoping you picked up on that, if not I am happy to try again with different words until you understand my expectations for your behavior"

Her dog's issue involves bandages and no pain meds/sedation on board. So she returned yesterday due to the bandage slipping and demanded the hospital transfer her records. So we'll see if she returns for her appointment next week!!

 

[awesomenessity]

So I'm switching to a PhD, so I need to do a qualifying exam. My committee decided writing my literature review would be a good way to meet the requirements of the exam, and give them something to grill me on. Great! ... then they said "yeah you can do that in 6 weeks right?" 😳Guess I'll be needing lots of coffee for the next little while...

 

[WildZoo]

So I'm switching to a PhD, so I need to do a qualifying exam. My committee decided writing my literature review would be a good way to meet the requirements of the exam, and give them something to grill me on. Great! ... then they said "yeah you can do that in 6 weeks right?" 😳Guess I'll be needing lots of coffee for the next little while...

Welcome to PhD land, please leave your soul at the door

(and good luck!)

 

[SquirrelSam]

3rd year has brought me to an all time low. Imposter syndrome is hitting me hard. I’m terrible at practical skills like blood draws, catheter placement, and intubation. I think it’s because it’s my first time actually doing these things but I still feel like maybe I don’t belong here. Did anyone else feel this way? Does it get better?

 

[battie]

I’m terrible at practical skills like blood draws, catheter placement, and intubation. I think it’s because it’s my first time actually doing these things but I still feel like maybe I don’t belong here

I want you to know that, as a doctor, my techs sweep the floor with me at these skills. Especially on cats. They don't define your medical skills because they aren't the most important things you'll learn. Doctoring is the more clinical aspect for you personally. Yeah, is it nice if you can get blood if the techs have done the two poke rule and didn't get it? Sure. But that's not your "job" per se.

Keep practicing 🙂 You got this.

 

[WildZoo]

3rd year has brought me to an all time low. Imposter syndrome is hitting me hard. I’m terrible at practical skills like blood draws, catheter placement, and intubation. I think it’s because it’s my first time actually doing these things but I still feel like maybe I don’t belong here. Did anyone else feel this way? Does it get better?

These things take practice and familiarity. It's not something most people pick up and are good at immediately. It'll get better 🙂

 

[jaboo]

Might delete later, idk.

I managed to get this far without getting the Rona and almost 2 years on the nose from the shutdown, I got it. Spent my 5 days in isolation. Was like a bad cold with a very sore throat and cough. Didn’t lose my sense of smell or taste, which is good. Felt pretty normal since day 6 with just some mild wooziness and headaches at times. Went back onto clinics on day 7 and have been keeping my mask on all day, feeling fine. Today is day 9 and all of a sudden it feels like someone is holding a feather under my nose and I can’t stop sneezing. My ears feel full and my nose is dripping clear goo all day. Great. Very possibly could be something else like allergies, but from what I’ve heard about this virus, it’s unpredictable. So I’m gunna go with Occam’s razor on this one. Problem is that I can’t take more days off of clinics without having to make up time after graduation. So FML.

 

[puppydogtor]

3rd year has brought me to an all time low. Imposter syndrome is hitting me hard. I’m terrible at practical skills like blood draws, catheter placement, and intubation. I think it’s because it’s my first time actually doing these things but I still feel like maybe I don’t belong here. Did anyone else feel this way? Does it get better?

Can't speak on whether it gets better, but I definitely feel this way going into vet school. I only worked and shadowed at a vet for the first time last summer and I'm starting vet school this fall. I feel pretty inadequate, especially when some people have been techs for years. My skills are limited to running blood tests, giving vaccines & fluids, holding animals, and getting tools during surgeries. I've drawn blood less than 10 times. I am very excited for vet school but honestly I'm more terrified/nervous that I'm going to fall flat on my face.

The best advice I've gotten from current vet students in your situation is to utilize your peers who are more experienced. Don't let their experience make you feel like you shouldn't be a vet, but instead ask for help.

 

[Trilt]

3rd year has brought me to an all time low. Imposter syndrome is hitting me hard. I’m terrible at practical skills like blood draws, catheter placement, and intubation. I think it’s because it’s my first time actually doing these things but I still feel like maybe I don’t belong here. Did anyone else feel this way? Does it get better?

The bulk of my SA pre vet experience was at a fairly small clinic where I can remember seeing catheters placed... a couple times. And the single dr single RVT practice just did everything without any chance for others to really work on skills. I was absolutely overwhelmed in clinics when I suddenly had patients with central lines (?), dialysis caths (?????), and all sorts of tubes.

But you figure it out, skills come with the practice, and everybody knows that people come in with different levels of tech experience. 🙂

 

[Fluffywombat72]

Seeking advice from everyone and anyone. I’m starting vet school this fall and could not be more excited. I’ve always dreamed of working with small animals. My heart is set on working in general practice, but I’ve always been open to/excited about exploring the different specialities that small animal medicine has to offer. I apologize for sounding naive, but am I supposed to figure out what route of specialty i want to pursue prior to entering vet school? I thought this would be something that I could discover during vet school by joining different clubs that spark my interest, but I’ve recently felt discouraged by seeing other pre-vets already knowing what they want to do (I.e orthopedic sx, cardiology, etc). Any advice? My imposter syndrome is already hitting and school hasn’t even started yet

 

[JaynaAli]

Seeking advice from everyone and anyone. I’m starting vet school this fall and could not be more excited. I’ve always dreamed of working with small animals. My heart is set on working in general practice, but I’ve always been open to/excited about exploring the different specialities that small animal medicine has to offer. I apologize for sounding naive, but am I supposed to figure out what route of specialty i want to pursue prior to entering vet school? I thought this would be something that I could discover during vet school by joining different clubs that spark my interest, but I’ve recently felt discouraged by seeing other pre-vets already knowing what they want to do (I.e orthopedic sx, cardiology, etc). Any advice? My imposter syndrome is already hitting and school hasn’t even started yet

No. You don’t need to know. And many many of those who do think they know will change their minds. You’ll be exposed to everything, figure out what interests you, and you can plan from there. People even change their minds during 4th year and internships…sometimes what we imagine doesn’t live up in reality.

For example, I know someone who swore and planned for years to do oncology. But in clinics they learned they like the oncology workups and diagnostic process and not so much just talking over the diagnosis and administering chemo…which is the biggest part of an oncologists job. Most cases come to an oncologist already diagnosed or mostly diagnosed so their favorite part was already done. So now they’re an internist man’s get to work up complex stuff all day. Some people like everything and decide to go into GP. I think @cdo96 wanted to be a surgeon but realized she likes er surgeries more than ortho, and now she’s gonna be a criticalist. Many equine focused people will end up in small animal med because pay and lifestyle is better. There isn’t a timeline you have to know by, and you can always change your mind.

 

[WildZoo]

Seeking advice from everyone and anyone. I’m starting vet school this fall and could not be more excited. I’ve always dreamed of working with small animals. My heart is set on working in general practice, but I’ve always been open to/excited about exploring the different specialities that small animal medicine has to offer. I apologize for sounding naive, but am I supposed to figure out what route of specialty i want to pursue prior to entering vet school? I thought this would be something that I could discover during vet school by joining different clubs that spark my interest, but I’ve recently felt discouraged by seeing other pre-vets already knowing what they want to do (I.e orthopedic sx, cardiology, etc). Any advice? My imposter syndrome is already hitting and school hasn’t even started yet

1) Don't compare yourself to others. Start killing that tendency now. You are on your own path and just because other people know what they want to do (or think they know) doesn't mean anything for you.

2) No you absolutely don't have to know what specialty you want to do going in. It helps for some particular fields to already have an idea that you have an interest early, but you absolutely have time to explore. I have friends who are currently surgery and neuro residents who didn't know that was what they wanted to do until 3rd year. I know people pursuing specialties who figured that out much later. Hell you can decide partway into your career that you want to shift gears.

3) People change their minds all the time anyway

 

[battie]

What I wanted to do coming into vet school: ER, nutrition, non-traditional welfare/herd health.

What I wanted to do by the end of 2nd year: wildlife/zoo med

What I wanted to do by the end of third year: pathology, oncology, zoo med, welfare in general

What I wanted to do at graduation: small animal GP.

What I want to do 10.5 months after graduation: exclusively ER; potentially welfare, teaching, and/or at home euthanasia in the future once my current fetus is ~5years old.

Most of us are making this up as we go, even after graduation. Take your time to decide. It's your life; do what you want with it.

 

[Polocrosse2017]

You don't need to know what you want to specialize in. Undergrad I was set on being an equine surgeon, first year vet school decided SA surgery or opthamology looked better. End of first year thought about research then discovered cardiology and love it but recently have found I like and am good at radiology. So ... we will see. Every new experience and new class I learn what I do and don't like.

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

Came into vet school wanting to do internal medicine or equine ambulatory. 0 interest in ER.

Leaving vet school wanting to do critical care or at least ER if I decide not to specialize. Beginning to contemplate radiology as well but I think it would be something I would go back to later on if I started to burn out of the ECC lifestyle.

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

3rd year has brought me to an all time low. Imposter syndrome is hitting me hard. I’m terrible at practical skills like blood draws, catheter placement, and intubation. I think it’s because it’s my first time actually doing these things but I still feel like maybe I don’t belong here. Did anyone else feel this way? Does it get better?

Truly doesn’t matter, a bunch of my classmates had little experience with this until 4th year. I sort of started to learn practical skills between 2nd and 3rd year but the bulk of my tech skill experience came from the summer going into fourth year. It’s certainly super useful to have solid tech skills in fourth year, but no one expect you to have them so it’s fine if you don’t. I didn’t actually learn to intubate and be comfortable with it until my anesthesia rotation this year. And that being said, I was at a spay/neuter clinic this past weekend where they intubate without a laryngoscope and every single one I did went esophageal. So I’m useless if I don’t have thr very specific tools I learned with lol.

 

[DVMDream]

I am nearly 6 years post graduation and am still not convinced on what I want to do. 🤣🤣🤣

 

[vetmedhead]

And that being said, I was at a spay/neuter clinic this past weekend where they intubate without a laryngoscope and every single one I did went esophageal. So I’m useless if I don’t have thr very specific tools I learned with lol.

This is hilarious because I learned to intubate at a S/N clinic without a laryngoscope and for the longest time somehow always did it esophageal when I used one. It didn't even make any sense.

I can do it now but still prefer without, with the exception of cats and animals I think are going to be difficult (like brachycephalics)

 

[DVMdreamcometrue]

Spent the last 2 weekends looking for apartment for the next year during my second internship. Gosh, rents are so incredibly high 😱. The only decent ones I found that fits my needs, most importantly allow dogs as big as mine (actually not very big, just ~40lbs), will cost me almost 2/3 of my intern salary May be I'll be so busy that I won't have time to eat, then I can save 💰 on food

 

[dolphin106258]

Spent the last 2 weekends looking for apartment for the next year during my second internship. Gosh, rents are so incredibly high 😱. The only decent ones I found that fits my needs, most importantly allow dogs as big as mine (actually not very big, just ~40lbs), will cost me almost 2/3 of my intern salary May be I'll be so busy that I won't have time to eat, then I can save 💰 on food

Rents are insanely high everywhere, I'm sorry you're in that spot. I was so hopeless moving to florida finding a reasonably priced one bedroom, I ended up using almost like a realtor service for apartments. It didn't cost anything I just had to put on the app that so and so person at this company helped me and she found the cheapest place around closest to my job. Even videoed the tour she went on of the unit for me since we were coming from out of state. I was honestly blown away at how close it was to my job for the price compared to everywhere else. I don't know if you have anything like that in your area but sometimes they can find more things available than you can on your own!

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

Identogo is probably one of the worst company experiences I have had in a long time.
First off despite accepting out-of-country fingerprints for processing, they don't allow any form of non-US forms of payment (even though my credit card is one that is designed to be used internationally and I have used it for US purchases/in the US many times in the past). So I couldn't register until a friend of mine with a US credit card paid for me. The customer service staff had no idea and were not helpful in the slightest.
Now that I've paid extra money to register, I then had to pay additional fees to get my fingerprints done locally and mail them tracked mail to the headquarters. Also, despite there being 4 different fingerprint cards I could have gotten, they didn't specify which one I needed. So I had to take a guess and I'm still waiting to find out if I was right.
They say email 5-7 business days after your card arrives to check on the status. Emailed several days ago (>10 days after arrival) to check status like they say to and haven't heard a thing. Called this AM to confirm it was received/processed and the lady told me to piss off. Said that since I used tracked mail that should be enough of a confirmation and the next thing I will hear is when the veterinary board receives it. And that depending on state it could be a month. When I asked if she could at least confirm for me that my card was indeed received and sent to the state police, she told me it wasn't her problem.

So I guess I'm now once again just waiting and hoping it has actually arrived, been processed, and was what they needed. If in a month I find out it wasn't, there is a 0% chance of me having a veterinary license anywhere close to my internship start date.

 

[SkiOtter]

Identogo is probably one of the worst company experiences I have had in a long time.
First off despite accepting out-of-country fingerprints for processing, they don't allow any form of non-US forms of payment (even though my credit card is one that is designed to be used internationally and I have used it for US purchases/in the US many times in the past). So I couldn't register until a friend of mine with a US credit card paid for me. The customer service staff had no idea and were not helpful in the slightest.
Now that I've paid extra money to register, I then had to pay additional fees to get my fingerprints done locally and mail them tracked mail to the headquarters. Also, despite there being 4 different fingerprint cards I could have gotten, they didn't specify which one I needed. So I had to take a guess and I'm still waiting to find out if I was right.
They say email 5-7 business days after your card arrives to check on the status. Emailed several days ago (>10 days after arrival) to check status like they say to and haven't heard a thing. Called this AM to confirm it was received/processed and the lady told me to piss off. Said that since I used tracked mail that should be enough of a confirmation and the next thing I will hear is when the veterinary board receives it. And that depending on state it could be a month. When I asked if she could at least confirm for me that my card was indeed received and sent to the state police, she told me it wasn't her problem.

So I guess I'm now once again just waiting and hoping it has actually arrived, been processed, and was what they needed. If in a month I find out it wasn't, there is a 0% chance of me having a veterinary license anywhere close to my internship start date.

Since you’re at a university you should be able to still practice under the university license, right? That’s a thing iirc?

 

[JaynaAli]

Since you’re at a university you should be able to still practice under the university license, right? That’s a thing iirc?

Depends on the state. Some states just let you practice at the university without a formal license but others have you get a “faculty” license. And some make you get a full regular one. I mean benefit of license issues during an internship is that you’re gonna have oversight especially the first month or two so someone else can officially sing off but it’s still a headache.

Most government entities suck to deal with and I can’t imagine having to deal with it from another country. So my sympathies @TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo

 

[katiemcat]

Getting a cavity filled this AM 🥲

 

[abbielovescats]

Getting a cavity filled this AM 🥲

My coworker just said she has a couple to have filled too. I hate having that done. Good luck!

 

[MixedAnimals77]

At least I'll hopefully only be homeless for 2 months.....No one has any short term rentals that I've been able to find at this point so that's fun🙃

 

[Kaharian]

I’m so upset with myself. I submitted a scholarship application a week before the deadline and thought everything was fine. But I guess they needed my parent’s income info (even though I’m not a dependent?) but gmail marked the email from the financial aid office as spam and they had only given me 2 days to add the info so because I don’t check my spam folder every day I missed it and the financial aid lady says it’s too late now.

 

[that redhead]

Not a real rant, more of an eye roll, but how fitting that on World Veterinary Day our supervisor forgot and then bought us lunch today and swore they knew it was yesterday and had pre-planned to buy us lunch today…sureeeee And what more veterinarian-y way to celebrate than by having this lunch arrive late and be scarfed down at my desk before running off to do the next thing (euthanasia too!) It’s like the vet-y-est thing ever

 

[MixedAnimals77]

The dreaded being right....
My parents called today and said my heeler wasnt feeling well-slow moving, not interested in food. Told my parents to check her gums. Dad said they were white. Told them to go to the vet asap. She was tachycardic. Had vet tap her abdomen and got hemorrhagic fluid off... She was 13. Knowledge is a blessing and a curse. One of the times I wish I was wrong. I was so close to making it home to see her again which is the sucky part of it all I think.

 

[that redhead]

@MixedAnimals77 We lost our (also 13yo) family lab to presumptive hemangiosarc when I was in college. Obviously I didn’t know as much as a vet tech compared to now but it still sucks to have that gut-feeling and then be right. I’m sorry you didn’t get to see her one last time but I hope all 13 years of memories bring you a smile.

 

[BlackCatsRuleTheWorld]

being a client can be a real bummer😅

 

[DVMdreamcometrue]

Spent the last 2 weekends looking for apartment for the next year during my second internship. Gosh, rents are so incredibly high 😱. The only decent ones I found that fits my needs, most importantly allow dogs as big as mine (actually not very big, just ~40lbs), will cost me almost 2/3 of my intern salary May be I'll be so busy that I won't have time to eat, then I can save 💰 on food

Thought I'd post a follow up on my apartment search. Because of good timing, I ended up finding a place that's only 1.5 miles away from the vet hospital! Although it will still cost me 1/2 of my salary and I have to start the lease half a month earlier than I'd want, but it meets almost all other criteria of my apartment search. I can save on gas and commute time. I am happy

 

[TheGirlWithTheFernTattoo]

To continue my Identogo rant started weeks ago.

Finally was able to talk to an employee today who was willing to search the system and try and find out what happened. Told me that my application got denied and fingerprints sent back because my envelope didn't contain a required document.

Now, this document was not mentioned in literally any email I received. It specifically stated my fingerprint card and the cardscan registration form must be included, which I included. There's another form which I guess is from the veterinary board however the veterinary board didn't say I needed it nor did Identogo so I'm really not sure how I was supposed to know that.

At this point I don't really have enough time to do this all over again so I guess I'll just have to do it in person after I arrive in the country and have a delay on my license (which my program is sure to be absolutely thrilled about).

 

[futuredrj00]

I need some advice.

I've worked at my current clinic as a vet assistant for just about 3 years now. About 3 months ago we hired an LVT and ever since then it's been absolute chaos. The work environment has turned so utterly toxic because of her negativity and the work flow has been severely disturbed because of how slow she is - everyone has noticed. I had originally planned on my last day being July 22nd which would only give me a week off of work before moving to Oklahoma all the way from NJ to start classes in the fall. I decided only a week ago that I was going to move up my last day to July 1st because of how this now incredibly toxic work environment is affecting my mental health and overall sanity.

I didn't tell anyone except one of the highschoolers that we have working as a kennel assistant for us. Our office is very small, so it's very probable that someone else could have heard when I told her, but I would have expected my coworkers to keep something like that to themselves so that I would be able to tell my boss what was going on. I was planning on telling him today, but I called out of work sick since I wasn't feeling well this morning. To my surprise, I got a text from the highschooler kennel assistant that my boss asked her if she knew that I was planning on leaving earlier than I had told him.

I'm furious that one of my coworkers would tell my boss this without it coming from me, and I have a pretty good idea of who it is, since she loves to gossip and spread other people's business (she's quite the brown noser). I asked my boss if I could call him tomorrow since the office is closed on tuesdays, but now I'm really stressed out. I don't want him to think that I was misleading him or was going to purposely leave him short staffed. I was literally going to tell him today. I don't know how to go about this conversation with him or how to handle that one of my coworkers was gossiping about my personal business when I wasn't there. My biggest fear is that I'm going to get fired or that my hours are going to get cut. I really can't afford to lose this job.

Does anyone have any tips?

 

[Cami194]

I need some advice.

I've worked at my current clinic as a vet assistant for just about 3 years now. About 3 months ago we hired an LVT and ever since then it's been absolute chaos. The work environment has turned so utterly toxic because of her negativity and the work flow has been severely disturbed because of how slow she is - everyone has noticed. I had originally planned on my last day being July 22nd which would only give me a week off of work before moving to Oklahoma all the way from NJ to start classes in the fall. I decided only a week ago that I was going to move up my last day to July 1st because of how this now incredibly toxic work environment is affecting my mental health and overall sanity.

I didn't tell anyone except one of the highschoolers that we have working as a kennel assistant for us. Our office is very small, so it's very probable that someone else could have heard when I told her, but I would have expected my coworkers to keep something like that to themselves so that I would be able to tell my boss what was going on. I was planning on telling him today, but I called out of work sick since I wasn't feeling well this morning. To my surprise, I got a text from the highschooler kennel assistant that my boss asked her if she knew that I was planning on leaving earlier than I had told him.

I'm furious that one of my coworkers would tell my boss this without it coming from me, and I have a pretty good idea of who it is, since she loves to gossip and spread other people's business (she's quite the brown noser). I asked my boss if I could call him tomorrow since the office is closed on tuesdays, but now I'm really stressed out. I don't want him to think that I was misleading him or was going to purposely leave him short staffed. I was literally going to tell him today. I don't know how to go about this conversation with him or how to handle that one of my coworkers was gossiping about my personal business when I wasn't there. My biggest fear is that I'm going to get fired or that my hours are going to get cut. I really can't afford to lose this job.

Does anyone have any tips?

I don't know what your relationship is like with your boss, but you are still giving them a significant amount of notice before leaving (way more than you're legally required). They already knew you would be leaving in July so they should be planning to hire on new staff to support the practice with your upcoming departure.
They're also not entitled to the reasons why you are leaving, but if they hassle you about the change, I would outline why. A toxic work environment is a totally valid reason to leave sooner, and this example of a colleague sharing your decision with the boss before you had a chance to is a prime example of this toxicity! It's your bosses job to mitigate or manage toxicity in the workplace, not to perpetuate the behavior by trying to wheedle out more information from the kennel assistant.
Needing to get ready for your move and prepare to start school is also a totally valid reason for changing your plans even without the toxic LVT.

Talk to your boss as soon as you can but don't stress too much. If you fear retribution from your boss or the LVT for the month and a half before you go, focus on the reasons why that relate to needing more time to prepare for vet school and emphasize that you are willing and able to commit to your hours through July 1st. I would also underscore that this change in plans wasn't information for others to share on your behalf. I know these conversations are nerve wracking. Good luck!

 

[JustPaws]

way more than you're legally required)

There is no legal requirement for giving notice. 49 states are at-will employment which means an employee can quit without reason or notice at any time. Giving notice is a courtesy. Even my employement contract states that while they request a months notice, they can't require that.

 

[battie]

I don't know how to go about this conversation with him or how to handle that one of my coworkers was gossiping about my personal business when I wasn't there. My biggest fear is that I'm going to get fired or that my hours are going to get cut. I really can't afford to lose this job.

I agree just talking with him will be enough. At this point, I don't think you'll be fired as retribution since they're already concerned about being short staffed. Committing to the new timeline is important; however, I cannot stress enough that leaving would be better if things go downhill for you.

And while you're under no obligation to give a reason, telling him that the toxic work environment is totally valid too. Not knowing all the background, I would certainly say that's a primary reason. Employers can't fix something if they don't realize it's a problem (obviously giving him the benefit of the doubt here).

 

[futuredrj00]

I don't know what your relationship is like with your boss, but you are still giving them a significant amount of notice before leaving (way more than you're legally required). They already knew you would be leaving in July so they should be planning to hire on new staff to support the practice with your upcoming departure.
They're also not entitled to the reasons why you are leaving, but if they hassle you about the change, I would outline why. A toxic work environment is a totally valid reason to leave sooner, and this example of a colleague sharing your decision with the boss before you had a chance to is a prime example of this toxicity! It's your bosses job to mitigate or manage toxicity in the workplace, not to perpetuate the behavior by trying to wheedle out more information from the kennel assistant.
Needing to get ready for your move and prepare to start school is also a totally valid reason for changing your plans even without the toxic LVT.

Talk to your boss as soon as you can but don't stress too much. If you fear retribution from your boss or the LVT for the month and a half before you go, focus on the reasons why that relate to needing more time to prepare for vet school and emphasize that you are willing and able to commit to your hours through July 1st. I would also underscore that this change in plans wasn't information for others to share on your behalf. I know these conversations are nerve wracking. Good luck!

Just a bit of an unfortunate update, my boss said "I might do it sooner than July 1st then", implying that he'll fire me. Apparently one of my other coworkers approached him about wanting more hours. I personally just think my boss is mad at me because I was supposed to cover someone else's vacation that last week before I left on the 22nd. But he's also very cheap and tries to make people miserable so that they quit rather than him firing them so that he doesn't have to pay unemployment.

Regardless, I'll be asking for an official termination letter if he does let me go before July 1st so that I can collect unemployment. I also do have some hope though that he won't fire me, seeing as he will do anything in his power to avoid confrontation, so we'll see what happens. It's just very unfortunate that one of my coworkers forced my hand in this.

 

[that redhead]

Just a bit of an unfortunate update, my boss said "I might do it sooner than July 1st then", implying that he'll fire me. Apparently one of my other coworkers approached him about wanting more hours. I personally just think my boss is mad at me because I was supposed to cover someone else's vacation that last week before I left on the 22nd. But he's also very cheap and tries to make people miserable so that they quit rather than him firing them so that he doesn't have to pay unemployment.

Regardless, I'll be asking for an official termination letter if he does let me go before July 1st so that I can collect unemployment. I also do have some hope though that he won't fire me, seeing as he will do anything in his power to avoid confrontation, so we'll see what happens. It's just very unfortunate that one of my coworkers forced my hand in this.

This doesn’t sound like a great place period, regardless of the new employee you don’t like.

I’d stay cool and hold him to it: “I understand if you choose to terminate my employment early. If that is your final decision, please notify me via written, signed letter by xxx date.” That way he can’t jerk you around/hold it over your head when he’s going to fire you if at all.

 

[battie]

Agreed with TRH. Get the letter, get the unemployment, say bye, and wnjoy your vacay.

 

[SkiOtter]

Yeah, if you or anybody else bug me in May I can also add you to quite a few groups as I'm in a zillion of them for some reason. Including, if anyone is interested, separate pig and poultry groups lol. I think the only big one I'm not on are the horse groups and that's just because I try to keep those away as patients

Oh, and I know this applies to you but also if it does for anyone else, I'm in a Veterinarians with Chronic Disease support group as well if anyone is interested down the road

H e l l o I am vet now

 

[futuredrj00]

Just a bit of an unfortunate update, my boss said "I might do it sooner than July 1st then", implying that he'll fire me. Apparently one of my other coworkers approached him about wanting more hours. I personally just think my boss is mad at me because I was supposed to cover someone else's vacation that last week before I left on the 22nd. But he's also very cheap and tries to make people miserable so that they quit rather than him firing them so that he doesn't have to pay unemployment.

Regardless, I'll be asking for an official termination letter if he does let me go before July 1st so that I can collect unemployment. I also do have some hope though that he won't fire me, seeing as he will do anything in his power to avoid confrontation, so we'll see what happens. It's just very unfortunate that one of my coworkers forced my hand in this.

So I spoke with my boss today and said that I would need a written termination letter if he's going to let me go before my end date of July 1st and he said "you're terminating our verbal agreement that you would work until July 22nd so you can't get unemployment". I reminded him that a verbal agreement is not a contract and I'm being courteous about giving him 6 weeks notice. He's still being rude about it. My question is, does what he say have any truth to it? Or can I still collect unemployment if he fires me before July 1st because I expressed that I am willing and able to work until July 1st and he would therefore be terminating my employment early, resulting in lost wages?

He's really showing his true colors here.

 

[DVMDream]

So I spoke with my boss today and said that I would need a written termination letter if he's going to let me go before my end date of July 1st and he said "you're terminating our verbal agreement that you would work until July 22nd so you can't get unemployment". I reminded him that a verbal agreement is not a contract and I'm being courteous about giving him 6 weeks notice. He's still being rude about it. My question is, does what he say have any truth to it? Or can I still collect unemployment if he fires me before July 1st because I expressed that I am willing and able to work until July 1st and he would therefore be terminating my employment early, resulting in lost wages?

He's really showing his true colors here.

He's got nothing.