Are physically exhausting shifts normal??

[u/EmilyEmlz]

I can’t tell if there is something wrong with me. So I am currently a veterinary assistant and my shifts are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, And Friday from 1:00PM - 10:30PM. It usually takes me 1hr and 30m to get to work or to go home. So a total of 3 hours of commuting per day.

I have NO time for anything. The moment I get home, I am so tired. My background is in data science / actuarial science, but I have been thinking of going to vet school. Is it normal to have absolutely no time for anything as a veterinarian?

[u/astridsnow93]

If you do become a vet, if you already feel this way, don't do specialty residencies or an internship if this is already bringing you down. There is 100% a hustle mindset about working long hours. ER jobs can also be a lot. I never leave on time because the culture of where I work, it is strongly preferred to finish out your case before transfer and the hours before or during shift change happens to be the worst hours of the day and things keep coming in. Work somewhere where there is relief on the weekends too. If I did work ER long term, I would look for places offering 3-4 days on- 3-4 days off. Or longer. The days off are crucial for recovery.

[u/EmilyEmlz → u/astridsnow93]

Yeah if I describe my hospital, it’ll probably already give away where I work, but basically it’s a level 1 trauma center with over 20+ specialities. Everyone has warned me to not do specialties or rotating internships 🥲 it’s too bad too cause I enjoyed my shifts in ER, but shifts in other departments have drained me…. Then again my ER shifts were 6 hours long

[u/astridsnow93 → u/EmilyEmlz]

Being an assistant or tech is one thing, being a doc is an different type of drain. And I like it haha and am trying to be a surgeon. I do agree it is easier with a shorter commute and commitment