I've mostly worked retail/people facing jobs for my career. I do not have a college degree so my choices are somewhat limited.
Hated food service. Grocery store was okay.
I LOVE veterinary medicine.
Yeah. Theres the nasty wounds and lots of noise and shit, but idc. That doesn't bother me.
I love coming in to work. I like my coworkers. Our clientele for the most part are really cool people. I go home tired, but content and knowing I did something good.
I make $15 an hour. In NY state.
The only reason it's been doable is because my husband has a higher income. So I still contribute to household expenses but me making less is not a huge issue. Til recently.
Our electric bill is very expensive. We dont have central air so our window units are constantly running – NY summers are brutal and humid.
We have 2 children and 3 animals. Pretty normal numbers.
Yet we are having to go to the local food pantry, donate plasma, and pray to God we can eat for the rest of the month.
I have to budget down to the last dollar. I calculate things 2 and 3 and 4 times to make sure I have enough for bills, food, and if im lucky, to get myself a few cups of coffee.
I stay because I love the job. But the reality is I am going to have to leave soon.
Our clinic owner came to our clinic and told us, with a smile of “pity” on his face, that they couldn't afford merit raises this year. And the rest of the meeting was brainstorming about how we can make more money.
Sounds like a higher up problem. Not the problem of the people who are actually sweating and hustling every day.
Our manager took one of our office chairs away because we were sitting too much. I immediately emailed HR. That was 2 months ago, the chair has not returned.
Every day the toxicity seems to just keep bubbling up a little more. Which sucks ass. Bc I truly do love the field. But I cannot afford to live.
I hate living in America and I hate capitalism. I am going to have to go work a job I despise just to fucking continue living.
I am angry and I dont know what to do about it.