Ross PK Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 For the last couple of months, I've been thinking about working with animals. It seems to be the only kind of job that I'd enjoy, and also helping animals would make me feel good too. I never thought I'd be writing a post like this, but I almost feel ready for making steps towards making this happen. I'm not sure what the first step is that I should take though. I've been unemployed for years, with no qualifications, so obvioulsy I don't expect to just be able to walk into a decent job straight away. Maybe if I started off with some voluntary work with animals, then that would give me a better chance of getting this kind of a job. Maybe I should go to college, but then wouldn't that cost me something? I don't want to dive into anything too soon, but I'm going to give things more thought, and see if there's anyone I could talk to about it.
Crusoe Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 Sounds like a good idea Ross. If you started with voluntary work you will soon meet people who can point you in the right direction as to how to make a career out of it. RSPCA are always looking for help, as are most animal shelters. You could also try pet shops, stables, farms etc, if you wanted to jump straight into paid work.
Jannah Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 For the last couple of months, I've been thinking about working with animals. It seems to be the only kind of job that I'd enjoy, and also helping animals would make me feel good too. I never thought I'd be writing a post like this, but I almost feel ready for making steps towards making this happen. I'm not sure what the first step is that I should take though. I've been unemployed for years, with no qualifications, so obvioulsy I don't expect to just be able to walk into a decent job straight away. Maybe if I started off with some voluntary work with animals, then that would give me a better chance of getting this kind of a job. Maybe I should go to college, but then wouldn't that cost me something? I don't want to dive into anything too soon, but I'm going to give things more thought, and see if there's anyone I could talk to about it. Definitely start with volunteer work, perhaps a local shelter. You will start off doing basics such as cleaning out the kennels, feeding the feral cats (wear durable gloves ) and walking the dogs. It's not for the faint of heart (the sights, smells, filth/excriments, and emotional dealings with the animals). I found that some of the workers were pretty rude at times to other workers, but given their surroundings, I am sure they have their reasons. Especially when you're cleaning feces in 90 degree humid weather.
carhill Posted February 23, 2011 Posted February 23, 2011 Zoo docent or shelter volunteer is a great way to start. I've done both, in the past. I was a zoo docent for almost a decade. Even went to Africa to get the 'wild' perspective on those animals I had contact with at the zoo. Also, it's a good way to meet women
new era Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 I've been thinking about working with animals. Oh gosh...that's the one job I could never do. I love animals too much. You're not going to work with only the healthy ones, you know. What you'll also see is the sick, dying, and suffering. I'd be an emotional wreck. I'd last no more than 1 hour.
Author Ross PK Posted February 24, 2011 Author Posted February 24, 2011 Wow, I feel really unmotivated now, after reading Jannah and new era's posts.
Nightsky Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 You should visit a shelter today. It won’t be hard to find one looking for volunteers. They will gladly train you to handle dogs and cats. You’ll also have easy access to people who’ve made animals their career.
donnamaybe Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 Please don't let any negative issues take you off course here. You might find working with animals is very rewarding for you AND your little furry friends! Check out your local humane society. They are always looking for volunteers. If you go to the FAFSA website and apply for grants and student loans, you can go to school and get extra money for living expenses while you get some hands on experience with animals. I've noticed on your threads that it seems you have a certain amount of unease with meeting people and such. Sorry if I am wrong about that, but if I recall correctly, working with animals might be something that will help you become more self assured and confident to being more open in all aspects of your life. Edited to add: Shoot! I'm sorry. Just realized you're from the UK, but I'm sure they have the same types of programs. You'll just have to search them out.
Author Ross PK Posted February 24, 2011 Author Posted February 24, 2011 No, you're pretty much right about the unease about meeting people. I do like people, but I can be quite shy. Also, I cannot stand the thought of being somewhere where people would be being rude to me. Even if someone was rude to me just once it would effect me quite badly.
donnamaybe Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 No, you're pretty much right about the unease about meeting people. I do like people, but I can be quite shy. Also, I cannot stand the thought of being somewhere where people would be being rude to me. Even if someone was rude to me just once it would effect me quite badly. Yeah, but if you can tell yourself to remember that people like that simply ruin their OWN day MUCH worse than they could ever ruin yours, it helps. You'll always encounter those kinds of people. In working with animals, you will also encounter people who treat animals like things; possessions, rather than the sweet, loving little creatures that they are. Again, if you remember that there need to be people willing to deal with the a-holes to make an animal's life better, it might get you past those types. You come across as a compassionate, quiet kind of guy. I think abused and unwanted animals could benefit greatly from someone like you.
Author Ross PK Posted February 24, 2011 Author Posted February 24, 2011 Yeah, they would. I do want to help them, and I just love interacting with them anyway.
donnamaybe Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 Yeah, they would. I do want to help them, and I just love interacting with them anyway. Then maybe your want to help them would actually aid you in being able to overlook someone's lousy attitude. You should most definitely look into it. Just think of all the good you could do!
Author Ross PK Posted February 24, 2011 Author Posted February 24, 2011 Then maybe your want to help them would actually aid you in being able to overlook someone's lousy attitude. You should most definitely look into it. Just think of all the good you could do! I will do, definately.
donnamaybe Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 I will do, definately. Keep us posted, with pics too if you're inclined! I'd LOVE to see you schmoozing with the puppies and kittens.
Jannah Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 Wow, I feel really unmotivated now, after reading Jannah and new era's posts. I just don't want to see you going into it thinking it is a bed of roses, because it isn't. However, it can be highly rewarding, depending on how you look at it. I was only able to do it for a year, I stopped not because of the job itself but because of the people I worked with. Which wasn't fair to the animals, because I was supposed to be there for them, but I couldn't be in an environment where I am volunteering my time and emotions only to have other workers be nasty and rude. If you love animals, just try it, and see how it goes.....
sammyd Posted February 24, 2011 Posted February 24, 2011 There's courses u can do if you're interested, and for free, and undertaken in the workplace, so you can train on the job instead of college. Have pm'd u my email for details. I did one a few years ago:)
Recommended Posts