Career change.. to what?

[Bluebell1]

Little intro:

I work on a lovely private yard, and it’s really lovely, a decent(ish - £8/hour) wage, and is close to my home, horses are really lovely, but it’s really hard work. I don’t currently have my own horse as I find it too much when working with them too, but this is currently at the top of my list of things I REALLY want.

I’m starting to think realistically for the future... as my OH wants kids and I wouldn’t mind a few either, at some point in the future (no rush!). I will probably get maternity leave from my current job as I’ve been there for years, but I’m not sure if I’d want to work whilst pregnant as horses are so unpredictable. So my plan is to find something else to do for a living that I will hopefully enjoy as much as being a groom. I’d love to keep it with animals, and don’t mind going to uni for a year or two if I have too, but I’d rather avoid being an apprentice unless it’s the only way into that area. I’ve worked in retail before and I HATED it. Never again. I also did 6 months in an office and actually didn’t mind that to much, although I had no interest in the work I was doing so found it pretty boring.

So, the question is... Does anyone have any ideas on what I might enjoy that doesn’t involve 4 years of studying??

 

[SallyBatty]

No idea what kind of salaries you would get, or how long the training might be, but here are a few suggestions that would keep you working with animals:

Vet nursing, rescue centre, kennels, rspca or other welfare organisation, pet shop, saddler, physio

 

[Orangehorse]

Lots of ex grooms I know go into nursing and do it very successfully. At least they are used to long, unpredictable hours and no doubt some experience of treating injuries, dealing with traumatic situations, calming people and just getting on with things. At the moment it is a 3 year university degree, but there is talk of going back to a more "on the job" learning where the training is done in hospitals. There are many, many different NHS jobs which might be worth looking at. It is the employer to work for, 1 year off maternity leave.

I know this isn't working with animals, but all the above jobs with animals might not be well paid. I should think the veterinary nursing would be the best. Saddler you would be doing a lot of travelling and have to be selling. Physio takes ages as you have to qualify for human physio first and there is a lot of competition for places, do human practice for a certain length of time and then do horse physio. My physio said it took 7 years for her to qualify.

 

[teddypops]

I went from working on yards/ grooming to being a vet receptionist. First at a busy mixed practice then to an Equine Clinic.

 

[VRIN]

Theres often jobs for vet receptionist.

 

[joosie]

Hmm I'm in the same boat. Been a professional groom for 12 years, travelled a lot and had a blast, but now I'm being more realistic about the future and where I want to be. You can't live on a groom's wages forever. So I'm currently still grooming but just to earn money whilst studying an online TEFL course and will then go and do the practical college course in the spring. Eventually I'm hoping to work in adult literacy. These days I'm dreaming of just being a hobby rider!
There's loads of stuff you can study online, either shorter courses like mine or you could even do an Open University degree whilst still working.

 

[Antw23uk]

DON'T have kids, they ruin everything. Life is so much better without them. Dont feel brainwashed or pressured into following all the others and breeding unnecessarily!

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

DON'T have kids, they ruin everything. Life is so much better without them. Dont feel brainwashed or pressured into following all the others and breeding unnecessarily!

This has got to be the most honest post on this forum! And one I can very much relate to! I don't ever plan on having kids, ever, but I do plan on getting out of working with horses soon.

 

[GirlFriday]

Depends a bit on who hyou want to bring your kids up... I'm guessing that if you're a groom 'posh nanny' won't be an option. So, that leaves basically yourself/your OH and any grandparents/babysitters/etc or a string of depressing group childcare situations. Like most people

So, what you might want to think about, as well as the pregnancy, is what will fit around you being available to look after them - and you may find that being a groom isn't actually so bad for that if, e.g. you could do early shifts while hubby takes them to school and then you'd be free by 3:30 to pick them up, or if you went free-lance, or asked about job share in your current place you may be able to reduce hours.

Anything in eduction (are you near any schools/colleges which have animals?) might be helpful hours-wise. Or you may find that a (vet) receptionist job suits really well if you do the weekends which will probably be best paid and also least popular with other staff who don't have young kids...

Fixed, non-standard (or non-'whatever your OH does') hours are your friend here. Chanigng shift patterns are almost impossible to arrange childcare for unless the hours are very, very small.

 

[turnbuckle]

Depending on where you are, dog-walking/daycare might be an option if you can get the right rates.

 

[Ahrena]

I have recently moved from horses to a call taker for the police so I take 101 and 999 calls.

I was freelance and whilst I loved managing my own diary, I had had enough.

I wanted more money, a stable income, a pension, I was sick of being tired all the time and I wanted to do something that /matters/ a bit more.

I was nervous about changing jobs as I was really worried how I'd manage full time hours (freelance worked out more or less as full time hours but I had the flexibility to work around my horses).

I have good a-levels but beyond that I'd only ever worked with horses and McDonald's (during A levels!) so I struggled to get interviews for even basic entry level jobs - I applied for a few as I was getting desperate to leave but I'd of struggled to pay my bills on that salary.

I LOVE it, it's office based which actually I rather enjoy especially when it's raining Haha but the calls are so varied and the feeling after you've had a good call where you have quite possibly helped save a life or at least have been a reassuring voice at the end of the phone during a crisis...it's a brilliant feeling.

I don't think it's for everyone, personally I love the shifts and I excel in a crisis but in just 2 months of being on the phone after I've already heard some awful awful things which I don't think everyone could cope with.

 

[Abi90]

DON'T have kids, they ruin everything. Life is so much better without them. Dont feel brainwashed or pressured into following all the others and breeding unnecessarily!

This is wonderful. I never want kids. I upset my mother in law recently because she wants grandchildren and apparently I'm being selfish. And she can't understand why I wouldn't leap at the opportunity to sell the horse and bring a screaming stinking baby into the world!

 

[Embo]

DON'T have kids, they ruin everything. Life is so much better without them. Dont feel brainwashed or pressured into following all the others and breeding unnecessarily!

Love it! And my sentiments exactly

I've always been anti-kids, my OH would agree but I sometimes got the feeling that he wasn't 100% convinced. Well, now his brother has 2 kids, one very recently born. His attitude has changed completely.

The other day, brother & baby popped round for a quick visit. Later on that evening, one of those Vet adverts came on the TV with lots of puppies and kittens. He picked up one of our cats (holding it like a baby, no less ) and said "Why would anyone want a human baby when you can have a kitty baby?"

I was so proud lol

Sorry to derail the thread a bit!! Do carry on

 

[Antw23uk]

This has got to be the most honest post on this forum! And one I can very much relate to! I don't ever plan on having kids, ever, but I do plan on getting out of working with horses soon.

This is wonderful. I never want kids. I upset my mother in law recently because she wants grandchildren and apparently I'm being selfish. And she can't understand why I wouldn't leap at the opportunity to sell the horse and bring a screaming stinking baby into the world!

Love it! And my sentiments exactly

I've always been anti-kids, my OH would agree but I sometimes got the feeling that he wasn't 100% convinced. Well, now his brother has 2 kids, one very recently born. His attitude has changed completely.

The other day, brother & baby popped round for a quick visit. Later on that evening, one of those Vet adverts came on the TV with lots of puppies and kittens. He picked up one of our cats (holding it like a baby, no less ) and said "Why would anyone want a human baby when you can have a kitty baby?"

I was so proud lol

Sorry to derail the thread a bit!! Do carry on

I feel humbled and blessed to have found kindred spirits. Together we will take over the world. You all rock

 

[fankino04]

A friend of mine works for the appropriate adult services and really rates it. She says some times it can get a bit dark depending on the crime that the person is accused of but if you can cope with gruesome crime details it can be really good. She says you essentially pick when you are available to work so can do as much or as little as you want so the flexibility would be great for working around a new horse when you get one or a new baby (although I'm with Ant on that one, can't think of anything worse but each to their own)

 

[Bluebell1]

Lol, the replies have really made me laugh. I’ve never been bothered about kids but my OH is really interested and it’s kind of hyped me up a bit for it. If he ever gets sick of me I’ll probably stick to a kid-free life.

I love the idea of a vet receptionist. Is there any courses I can do that might help me in this? I would love to be a vet nurse but don’t think I could handle the 4 years of uni, and not sure I’d get in as I don’t have a science a level. I’m lucky because there’s an agricultural/aninmal college about 20 mins from me so maybe I’ll have a look at their courses in animal care. My OH works in the police so I’d rather steer away from anything to do with emergency services if possible as both of us in there might end in Mahem with all the shift work and long hours.

 

[Bluebell1]

I went from working on yards/ grooming to being a vet receptionist. First at a busy mixed practice then to an Equine Clinic.

Do you have any tips on getting into this? Think I’d really enjoy this, as I enjoyed being a receptionist before, only it was for a building company which I have absolutely no interest in, but if animals are involved, even if it’s mainly on paper, that could be perfect!

 

[Bluebell1]

Hmm I'm in the same boat. Been a professional groom for 12 years, travelled a lot and had a blast, but now I'm being more realistic about the future and where I want to be. You can't live on a groom's wages forever. So I'm currently still grooming but just to earn money whilst studying an online TEFL course and will then go and do the practical college course in the spring. Eventually I'm hoping to work in adult literacy. These days I'm dreaming of just being a hobby rider!
There's loads of stuff you can study online, either shorter courses like mine or you could even do an Open University degree whilst still working.

I’ve never herd of an online studying course. Is it widely recognised as a proper qualification?

 

[teddypops]

Do you have any tips on getting into this? Think I’d really enjoy this, as I enjoyed being a receptionist before, only it was for a building company which I have absolutely no interest in, but if animals are involved, even if it’s mainly on paper, that could be perfect!

I just wrote a letter and sent my cv to every vet practice within driving distance. I had never been a receptionist, but experience in my previous jobs and my degree gave me the relevant experience. Good luck!

 

[joosie]

I’ve never herd of an online studying course. Is it widely recognised as a proper qualification?

Oh yes there's loads of qualifications you can do online!

 

[Landcruiser]

I'm a vet receptionist in a busy small animal practice. Previously I've been a bookseller, farm labourer, tramp, sailor, primary school teacher, dog walker...child minder...antique seller...greengrocer....and other bits and bobs! Of all of them, I think I'm consistently enjoying my current job the most, and after 3 years I still look forward to going into work every day.

The pay is dire - less than you are on OP. But you don't need any special qualifications. I have 2 degree level qualifications, other receptionists at the practice have similar or no qualifications, and come from a wide range of backgrounds. It's more about social skills (or acting skills if you like - I'm a sometimes grumpy awkward sod in real life, but to the clients I'm charm and welcome personified). Loving animals is a given, but you have to learn to deal with the very sad and heartbreaking situations too. Speaking on the phone to a dying woman who is asking for her little old dog, her constant companion who lies on her death bed all day, to be put to sleep before she loses the ability to ask for this to be done...because her husband has never liked the little dog and she's afraid of what will happen to him after she's died. Stuff like that. It's not all meet and greet and booking in appointments...

You also have to be a good team player, and be willing to work very hard and under a lot of pressure. You have to face difficult and stressed clients, think on your feet, and juggle a lot of balls at the same time. But it's a great job (as long as you work with a good team, and I think ours is exceptional).

 

[GirlFriday]

I feel humbled and blessed to have found kindred spirits. Together we will take over the world. You all rock

And then you'll all die leaving the world back where it started (but with wealthier cats' homes!).

I'm totally in favour of people who don't want kids not having them (wish more people who didn't want didn't have!) - but there is a basic problem with non-breeding animals, as any panda lover will tell you!

 

[Lanky Loll]

If you wanted to keep working with horses looking at the rescue centres isn't a bad shout. A friend of mine was working for the Blue Cross, good money, reasonable hours and funded training offsite with good trainers.

 

[Bluebell1]

I'm a vet receptionist in a busy small animal practice. Previously I've been a bookseller, farm labourer, tramp, sailor, primary school teacher, dog walker...child minder...antique seller...greengrocer....and other bits and bobs! Of all of them, I think I'm consistently enjoying my current job the most, and after 3 years I still look forward to going into work every day.

The pay is dire - less than you are on OP. But you don't need any special qualifications. I have 2 degree level qualifications, other receptionists at the practice have similar or no qualifications, and come from a wide range of backgrounds. It's more about social skills (or acting skills if you like - I'm a sometimes grumpy awkward sod in real life, but to the clients I'm charm and welcome personified). Loving animals is a given, but you have to learn to deal with the very sad and heartbreaking situations too. Speaking on the phone to a dying woman who is asking for her little old dog, her constant companion who lies on her death bed all day, to be put to sleep before she loses the ability to ask for this to be done...because her husband has never liked the little dog and she's afraid of what will happen to him after she's died. Stuff like that. It's not all meet and greet and booking in appointments...

You also have to be a good team player, and be willing to work very hard and under a lot of pressure. You have to face difficult and stressed clients, think on your feet, and juggle a lot of balls at the same time. But it's a great job (as long as you work with a good team, and I think ours is exceptional).

Something I'm definitely going to look into. Not sure I could deal with being paid less though, I'm not exactly rich currently and if I was to get my own horse too I'd probably start rolling in debt. Maybe I'll do some research and see if there's any jobs going near me and what they pay.

 

[eventer and proud]

My friend worked as a nanny for a top showjumping couple. Mainly looked after the kids but rode with them.at the weekend and went abroad about once evey 2 mounths as a groom-everything was paid for by them. Also wnet to HOYS, liverpool ect. Well paid, a few horses but not much

 

[Bluebell1]

If you wanted to keep working with horses looking at the rescue centres isn't a bad shout. A friend of mine was working for the Blue Cross, good money, reasonable hours and funded training offsite with good trainers.

I was a bit gutted that years ago, literally 1 month into working in my current job, a job came up in the equine department of a rescue center near me, for the same wages I'm on. Couldn't really apply as I'd only just started a job, and haven't seen anything else other than the odd part time position advertised since. I would love to work in a rescue center, it's always been a dream of mine, but it kind of leaves me in the same boat with the whole maternity leave thing...

 

[Umbongo]

I would love to work in a rescue center, it's always been a dream of mine, but it kind of leaves me in the same boat with the whole maternity leave thing...

Not all jobs in rescue centres will be manual jobs. Quite a lot will be officey jobs like working in organising campaigns, fund raisers, open days etc.

For a vet receptionist I would guess you are looking at min wage, possibly slightly more if you are also handed more management jobs.
I am a veterinary nurse. Training is generally 2-3 years but can be very hard to get in to in the first place. I worked as an assistant for 1.5 years until my employer sent me to college. I work long, unsociable hours, never finish on time and don't get paid that much....I do love the job though (most of the time).

Kennels/cattery? Still manual but bit less unpredictable than horses.
My friend was a groom, then manager at the tack shop I worked at, now works for an international horse transport company in an office role.
Office jobs working with feed companies, breeding, racing? Have a look on https://www.equine-careers.co.uk/

Alternatively you could do something entirely different, you just have to have an idea of what you would like to do

 

[Sussexbythesea]

I'm not sure entirely what your job involves but you do have rights if you are pregnant for work adjustments. I don't know if there are other employees and whether your work could be flexible at all such as not doing the more risky things.

Just another thought really as surely there are plenty of women in quite manual jobs such as care work that have to adjust what they are doing whilst pregnant. You're not pregnant forever and much of it unless you're unlucky you'll be able to carry on fairly normally. You may of course be hankering after a complete career change anyway.

https://www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

 

[Umbongo]

Just another thought really as surely there are plenty of women in quite manual jobs such as care work that have to adjust what they are doing whilst pregnant. You're not pregnant forever and much of it unless you're unlucky you'll be able to carry on fairly normally. You may of course be hankering after a complete career change anyway.

Yup forgot to say in my job, whenever a nurse is pregnant they pretty much stop doing a lot of jobs due to the heavy lifting and drug handling, risks with anaesthetic gases, radiation etc. So probably wouldn't be any different to if you became pregnant in your job. Your boss should do a risk assessment and see how they can adjust your jobs. If you are a sole worker then your boss will have to put something in place during your pregnancy ie: another member of staff?

 

[Umbongo]

duplicate