I need advice/input...or maybe I just need to write this out and organize my thoughts

Saeleofu

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#1
So, currently I work at the vet clinic on Mondays, Fridays, and every other Saturday. Lately I've been having to scramble to get someone to cover for me Monday mornings because I have been needed at the zoo, and the zoo takes priority, period. My typical hours for the zoo are every other weekend all day both days, and Wednesdays mornings, and filling in as needed.

Today I was offered more hours at the zoo - cover lunch for 2 hours every week day, plus animal care Wednesday and Friday mornings, plus every other weekend (actually, every weekend for now, since our other weekend person just quit).

I really want to say yes and take the hours. BUT.

1. It would mean quitting the clinic, and quitting NOW. As in, I really need to send in my 2-weeks notice tonight or tomorrow at the latest. This is not a bad thing, just...it's sudden. I was talking with a client today and she asked me how long I'll be here (this was prior to receiving this offer), and I told her I really don't know, but it won't be much longer. I set a goal at the beginning of the year to not be working at the clinic anymore come the end of the year. And today I was on the verge of tears many times thinking about how much I DIDN'T want to be here (this was not helped by getting handed and evaluation form asking about what factors affect my attitudes at work...and at this point, I really wouldn't be able to hold myself back, it would HAVE to be honest, and my boss really, REALLY wouldn't like what I have to say. Though he did say I can do it in reaction gifs if I'd like...)

2. I am applying for a part-time job in a different department at the zoo. I CAN work in both departments if the hours don't conflict, but I highly doubt that will be the case. BUT...I don't even know if I'll get the job, or if I get offered the job, I don't know if I'll accept it. It pays more per hour, but may be less hours per week compared to this new arrangement.

3. I still need to finish a practicum. This current schedule allows me to work afternoon in practicum (and still get to volunteer in Farms once a week if I don't get the job in Farms or choose not to accept it). But it doesn't allow for mornings, and mornings is when most stuff is done. Practicum means learning EVERYTHING a zookeeper does, so I need to work mornings. HOWEVER, when we get another weekend person in, I can work every other weekend in the morning.


I know what I WANT to do. I know what I probably should do. I just need a little push and some confidence that it'll be okay when I take that leap. Also, how does one actually go about quitting a job properly? Do you go in person and resign? In writing? Via e-mail? All of the above? I don't work again until Friday, but if I take this opportunity, I can't wait that long to resign.
 

Airn

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#2
I think you should do what you want. Work fully at the zoo. I would, if you feel comfortable, voice your concerns to the zoo management. It might out your mind at ease and show them how interested you are in the position, among other things.

I would write a short letter, saying when you are quitting and why. (A simple and sweet why.) And I would go as soon as you can and hand it to your boss. (Or someone equally 'important')

Good luck. If you plan on working in a zoo full time, you might as well start now. I remember you saying you spend all your free time there anyway.
 

meepitsmeagan

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#3
When you talk about the zoo you are ALWAYS happy. I remember hearing about how much fun you've had teaching the kids and taking care of the animals. It's just freakin' awesome, no doubt about it.

Do it. Just do it. You know it's what you want for the long haul, so go for it.

You've got us behind you, if it's any consolation.
 

Beanie

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#4
When you talk about the zoo you are ALWAYS happy. I remember hearing about how much fun you've had teaching the kids and taking care of the animals. It's just freakin' awesome, no doubt about it.
Definitely this.
Do it. Your ultimate career goal is more down this path anyway, yes? So do it, because it's the correct choice for your career.

As for how you do it, most places I have quit I just give a verbal "I accepted a position somewhere else, so I am giving my two weeks notice, and my last day will be such-and-such." The radio station did request I put it writing but it was basically just the above. Sometimes it takes a bit of courage to start the conversation, but you kinda just have to rip the bandaid off about it. Take a deep breath and say it.

Change is always scary and stressful, even when it's for good stuff. And really this sounds like good stuff. Go for it.
 

Saeleofu

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Do it. Your ultimate career goal is more down this path anyway, yes? So do it, because it's the correct choice for your career.
Yes, indeed.


When you talk about the zoo you are ALWAYS happy. I remember hearing about how much fun you've had teaching the kids and taking care of the animals. It's just freakin' awesome, no doubt about it.
You're very right. I love the zoo so much, and I hate the clinic so much...I've been trying to get out of the clinic for YEARS. And now that it's just two weeks away, it's a little terrifying. But I'll be at the zoo EVERY DAY.

A bonus is that everyone at the zoo knows I have a service dog (even though he doesn't come to work with me), and are VERY accepting of it. Even though I'm "out" about Logan at the clinic, I still get weird questions about him, and I'm not 100% sure my boss is sold on the idea. I just...I can be ME at the zoo and enjoy every moment of it. I dread the days I work at the clinic.


Thanks for the support {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}. I told my zoo boss that I'll take it, and let her know my last day at the clinic is August 12, so I can be even more flexible in the future if needed.

I guess I'll deal with the Farms job as it comes. I haven't even submitted my application yet, so there's no need to panic yet, right? I'm happy working in either department (or both), so I'll just wait and see what is the best fit when the time comes.

I was going to email my resignation tonight...then realized I don't have anyone's email address. Derp. So I'm probably going to stop by tomorrow and give the news. I do wish I had more time to say goodbye to clients, since I literally have TWO DAYS left. I work Friday, then I'm off ALLLLL next week to teach summer school at the zoo (though that may change, but I'll be doing SOMETHING at the zoo lol), and then I work Monday two weeks from now. And that's it. Good thing we hired someone at the clinic today, eh? ;)
 

Paviche

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#6
Looks like I'm a little late, but I'm definitely on the zoo boat for you. :) I agree with Megan that it really shines through your posts how much you love working at the zoo. Change is scary, but if you're so unhappy at the clinic, then this can only bring positive things! I'm excited for you! I want to road trip and have get an awesome tour from you and learn all kinds of things, haha. There's nothing better than learning from someone who is so passionate!
 

Saeleofu

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#7
I want to road trip and have get an awesome tour from you and learn all kinds of things, haha.
DO IT! Lol I have a free pass to the zoo with your name on it ;) CharlieDog did it, you can too! :rofl1:



I got an email from my zooboss toay, and she's thrilled with my decision :) She even rearranged a few days to make sure I have a moring for Practicum, an afternoon for Practicum, and an afternoon for volunteering at Farms. I put all this stuff into my Google calendar, and it's so pretty :) (I color code stuff, and there's NO BLUE, which is the clinic's color lol).

I'm actually reconsidering whether to apply for Farms or not. I graduate in December, at which point I REALLY need to find a full time job with benefits, since I turn old this year and can't be on my parents' insurance anymore as of January. So I feel like it wouldn't be fair to work in Farms for 4-5 months and then leave...they've had their ENTIRE staff change over the past year, and I don't really want to subject them to more changes lol.
 

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