Vet Nurse - Wages - Supporting Self

[Lady Flying Furball]

I can understand your hesitation with that pay... Why not satisfy the animal side of things in a different way eg, rescue, volunteer work etc and study human nursing for better pay and a world of employment opportunities to boot. So many interesting fields and the animal passion can still find a place in your life in a different form

I have thought of human nursing, but i can't say i am as patient with humans as i am animals, and i'm still hesitant to go back and study something for a long period of time. 3 years i think it is. My mum used to be a nurse. Hated it and gave it up to look after the kids all day. I guess i've only ever heard mums hate of the job. Never spoken to anyone that loves nursing..

I know, it can be very individual. I have a friend who has been a nurse since leaving school and her mother was a nurse too, they struggled with the hospital system but my friend loves aged care. Lots of different fields of work and I do think it seems well paid to be honest. at least lots of jobs out there: in a GP practice, alcohol and drug work eg. methadone clinic, travel medecine etc. Universities offer accelerated 2 year courses of nursing.

I am just doing my qualification in Social Work (at age 42!). As some have said, all work has its good and tedious points but security and feeling decently paid, having enough for the important things in life is important, having some interest and scope for change within the field, plus job availability...all considerations.

My dog trainer who has a one-to-one training business in people's homes and does puppy pre-schools at a few vet surgeries was originally a vet nurse. She may in fact still do a few days but has become a trainer with a private business and she is great.

Good luck and keep us posted

[Greytmate]

What about physio? I've paid $50 to $60 for a half hour of accupuncture or message therapy, done by someone who worked out of a vet practice. I don't know what the therapist took home, but I'd guess they make well over $50k working less than 40 hrs / wk. It's hard to find a good dog therapist . . . I think because the training practice isn't straightforward.

The only canine physiotherapy degree that I know of (UQ) is only open to people that have already qualified in human physio. But there are unqualified people out there performing these services too.

I agree with those that suggested the OP look at using her existing degree in a company that manufactures for animals. Vet repping is very hard to get into, but having a degree along with a passion for dogs puts you in that lucrative job market.

Why not do some voluntary work in the mean time, with a reputable animal welfare organisation or community based obedience club? This sort of voluntary experience is generally viewed favourably.

I think it is important that everyone should try to be self-supporting, because earning a low wage will reduce the opportunities you have in life and won't allow you to get ahead. Survival is possible on a low wage, but it means less freedom of choice.

[gone]

What about studying for jobs with animals only on the periphery of your work?

• Environmental Officer ( on the mines they do occasional rescue ) AND this opens up many fields of work.
  
• Customs Officer / Quarantine
  
• Local Government - Ranger
  
• State Government - Department of Environment and Conservation
  

AND if youre arty - Photography?

If youre able to sell - marketing degree would help :

Heres a sales rep job in Perth:

http://www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au/sales-jobs/sales-execrepresentative-sales-animal-health-veterinary-pet-care-95k-circa/1806558

[gone]

I think work sucks and you should win the lottery or marry a rich man

OR This

[Juddabug Whippets]

I think at the end of the day you need to do what is right for you.

Can you withdraw your resignation from your current workplace?

Bear in mind that most dream jobs seem awesome from the outside, but sometimes once you are there the politics, management style, etc may make it your nightmare.

I work in an industry with a relatively small number of staff Australia wide and quite specialised., and highly competitive. We are not rolling in cash, do it for the love of the animals and whilst I have days where I love what I do, the day to day monotony can make me forget how awesome my job is.

I used to earn $32,000 a year in this industry in NZ, paying $600mth in rent alone, electricity ($100mth) and phone bills were much higher than here and I still managed to travel home to Oz or even month long trips overseas. I don't drink, smoke or waste my cash... It can be done if you budget.

Whilst my salary has increased, my spending habits haven't.

I say go for it. With vet nursing and marketing, you could get into some cool positions!

Good luck.

MnDM

[tiff-689]

I think work sucks and you should win the lottery or marry a rich man

OR This

If only it were as easy as it sounds hey!

Very out of the blue, but last night i got an email from a girl i went to uni with years ago. I saw that she was now working as a HR advisor so i got talking with her and asked some questions about what she does all day, if she likes it etc. Anyway the idea kind of stuck with me so i might even see if i can get my foot in the door by applying for some HR admin or assistant jobs. I could even go study a cert IV in at tafe..The only downside is that it is apparently quite a competitive field. I always seem drawn to those jobs!

I still of course would love to be a vet nurse but i am now starting to doubt just how long i would love it for.

Edited November 23, 2011 by tiff-689