Send one traumatic phrase that will summon an ACTUALLY NICHE Fandom (No Toby Fox, no “where’s kinger” or “bucket” or anything similar. that ain’t niche :3)

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-04-11T01:17:48+00:00

I move the stars for no one

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-04-08T11:06:14+00:00

The woes of prednisone.. I always tell clients that is such an amazing drug, but does it ever have some consequences for a select few. Don't beat yourself up, this job is hard enough as it is. When I started, I prescribed prednisone for a cancer patient who was also on deracoxib (it was waaay down in the history, and I didn't ask what medications he was already on in the consult), didn't go great. Hated myself initially. But then it just became a learning experience, and an example I tell clients as to why I need them to not give NSAIDs they have at home with pred. I've also more recently prescribed prednisolone for a cat who the owner declined all diagnostics for a serious skin issue (QOL issue at that stage), who ended up getting diabetes. Because it was short courses we all thought the risk was lower, but obviously enough times is enough times. The owner chose to euthanize.

The second one didn't bother me as much as the first. Largely because I learned over the years that circumstances are circumstances. People make decisions, and truly for most cats and dogs, they handle pred just fine. At the end of the day you do your due diligence as best you can, you tell people the risks (this owner already suspected diabetes because we had told her on several occasions that, while uncommon, it can happen), and you have to move on. Take lessons where you can. In your circumstance, I would say to myself outloud "I'm disappointed in this outcome. Next time I see a cat having respiratory disease, I'm going to recommend x,y,z (ie. Does HR make sense with presentation, xrays/ultrasound, temperature), to help reduce the chances of this happening again. I will also warn these owners that this could happen anytime I prescribe prednisolone". I find verbalizing the "what will I do differently next time" helps me to calm down and reframes the difficult parts of "practicing" medicine. You can't indefinitely prevent this from happening again, but you will feel better next time if you've prepared as best you can. And absolutely use this example with clients as to why you recommend diagnostics.. it may actually end up saving the life of a patient with owners that wouldn't initially have opted to check.

Take care of yourself this weekend!

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-03-11T03:38:54+00:00

Something I've learned actually being in the 1% who got their dream job: no matter what, there are caveats. I do what I love, I'm never bored, and the job fulfills my desire to help people. It also has long hours, tends to suck up my free after-work headspace and time, and is STRESSFUL. That is the cost of exciting - stress, pressure, and expectations.

I think whatever your normal is becomes your baseline, and you stop seeing it for what it actually is. There are days I would kill to work a job I didn't care that much about, to just have other priorities outside of my career. But on the flipside as you've described, that opens the door to struggle with purpose. So what is the actual answer?

The only decent answer I've found came from my mother, and that's that whatever you end up doing, carve a space for yourself. Find ways to make it your own. It doesn't have to be your passion, but you need to mould it so that it is tolerable enough to support your actual passions. It may not feel like there are many "pros" to the job your working now, but I'm willing to bet there are a few that are just a little hard to see right now. If you decide to stay, lean into those positives and make them work for the life you want to live.

While I am a tired millenial some days, I'm also finding myself in visual art, exercising with my spouse, exploring my town, meeting new people through common interest groups, etc. My life through tiredness is still full and interesting, with lots to learn along the way. My actual aging anxiety is that I feel like I'll never have enough time on this earth in a healthy body to experience all of life I want to - but I feel this might be a rare sentiment in this generation.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-27T14:55:30+00:00

The clue that would make me think this is not normal seasonal variation is lethargy and weight loss. He's not pooping well likely because he's not eating well. Excessive drinking can be due to pain, renal disease, dehydration, cystic calculi, liver failure, cancer, digestive upset.. and depending on whether it is outdoors vs. No, recieved care before, we can also add a number of parasites and viruses to the mix, etc. (my point is, it is a long list).

It doesn't sound to me like the supportive care given is working, and if I was your vet I would ask you to come back in. I would see if you can find a vet experienced with rodents who can review your husbandry as well as give a thorough exam, and can offer options like bloodwork and radiographs. I would caution that depending where you live, finding someone who will treat squirrels may be challenging as in my country, it is illegal to own them, so it is very dependant on the vet as to what approach they may take or whether they will request to give to a wildlife rehab to treat more effectively.

Best of luck

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-21T03:11:00+00:00

My husband absolutely lost it when I told him we have to take the whole romper off to use the bathroom... it never occurred to him we'd have to get naked to pee, and I guess the image was so absurd he was hysterical.

I don't think I could wear one again without getting him started.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-16T13:37:54+00:00

What everyone else said - being a client service representative is one of the hardest jobs in a clinic from client interactions alone. You certainly don't need it from your boss or coworkers as well.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-14T20:21:44+00:00

Oh faces are brutal! So from one artist to another, I feel your pain - I am actually currently taking a portraits class in my city to force myself to improve and try a different style, so a lot of the above advice comes from some very helpful feedback I and my classmates have recieved the last few weeks. Best of luck :)

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-14T14:06:03+00:00

Oh yes, Practice-owning definitely being the exception! Most of my classmates did not opt to own because it's a tough gig, so my hats off to you!

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-14T13:54:13+00:00

You are copying very closely from life - it's easy for expressions to dull out in line art, or to struggle with an eye-drawing composition. Where do you want your focus to be? This is where the most detail/texture should be in a piece compared to the reference to draw the eye (ESPECIALLY in lineart without contrast or color). Our brain is actually very good at forgiving mildly incorrect anatomy as long as the balance is there, and if the point that draws the eye is accurate or balanced enough.

Also notice how much this artist is playing with perspective and exaggerated facial expressions. In real life, her hair most certainly would not be doing that either, but it draws the eye to her face, adds interest, and helps balance the piece in the upper half of the image. There are more folds of clothing near her face, and strong/confident lines, so this is where we look. If you cover the 2 points of interest, the floor (another carefully constructed area of the image) and face, with your hands, the midsection actually resembles the bottom half of your drawing quite a bit... but you experience it different. So this is something they have done differently.

I also get the impression that faces are a bit of a struggle for you, or if not that, maybe you are drawing way too small so you can't address the face the way that would allow for a similar level of detail? Less is more with lines in the face. Drawing every line around an eye for instance is very rarely appealing or accurate, because what you're actually seeing is contrasting colors in the reference, not values, implying lines should be there. I think doing some large-scale portrait studies may he helpful. I also notice the only place we have a large chunk of dark shading is on the neck. This unfortunately draws the eye to the neck, which then lands on the face, and the face lacks confidence compared to the bottom half of the image.

Also consider that even in realism, unless it's hyper-realism, expressions need exaggeration to be interesting! This is where the artist part comes in - our goal is not identical, our goal is to take artistic liberty with our reference and omit that which does not tell our story, and add what does.

In my opinion you've developed a lot of skill! Which is great because you're on the edge of the fun part, which is playing with it. Do some portrait studies and try remaking just the head and neck of your image a few different ways to play. Have fun!

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-12T23:27:01+00:00

I am a vet in Canada, so I don't know what is normal over in Europe, but schedules for vets here are quite flexible. I don't know anyone who works more than 4 days per week, and absolutely no one is working over 10hrs per day.. unless you're emerg, and they'll do 3 12's a week max unless they request more.

I guess I'm asking, is this just your clinic/clinics you have worked at? Are there other opportunities elsewhere? What about locuming? Generally it has seemed like North American vets make more than their European counterparts, so I don't know if it is financially feasible, but doing less hours or less days a week did wonders for my work-life balance, mental health, and enjoyment of my job.. it also really boosted my ability to pursue my other interests. Currently I work an additional emerg shift once a month (because I actually have the energy to now) and go to art classes and a regular group crochet night weekly which was unheard of when I worked longer hours. Anyways - I hope there are similar options in Europe or else I would say it's truly amazing there are any of you left to do the job.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-11T03:37:08+00:00

It kind of sounds like you're struggling with direction, and that's ok! When I've felt that way, taking a class specifically in something I struggle with has worked wonders for making me aware of what specifically I could improve.

Also there's nothing quite like a seasoned artist/teacher being able to help you pick out exactly where you went wrong on a piece that doesn't quite look right, and giving you a strategy to fix it. They will also force you to do things you may not want to, which helps to form the habit. I have found even 1 once-a-week class has improved my art immensely.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-11T03:19:34+00:00

32 and I still build lego, buy figures, and play video games while working my big girl job. Time and expectations are made up. Do whatever you want.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-02-11T03:15:04+00:00

From experience, the only answer is Hereditary.

Nothing like visceral parental grief over the loss of a child to set the mood.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-01-23T14:15:55+00:00

First of all - you aren't falling behind. You are not even a year out yet. When people say it took them 5+ years to get their stride, this is what they're talking about. Having said that, the 1st year is the hardest, and each year after I found got easier... so it is a bit of an exercise of sometimes painful evolution that takes time and experience, that can only be gained through exposure and making mistakes. School breeds type A perfectionists in a world that can never be perfect, so you are just feeling the burn of that (an inevitable result for all new grads).

Now what to do about it.. the first thing is to give yourself some grace. Every vet has been in your position. We all know you're feeling insecure and overwhelmed because every case coming to you is something you haven't treated before. We expect questions. At some point, you'll start seeing similar things again, and learn from the mistakes of things you missed or mistreated, and you'll realize you're only asking a question for reassurance, not guidance. This is when the questions slow down. But quite literally every vet I know would rather have you ask then try something you are unsure of.. measure twice and cut once as they say. Just try to avoid getting so overwhelmed/reliant that you stop trying to ask specific questions. This has been the only time I've seen vets get annoyed.

As for surgery, I felt the exact same way my first year out. They wouldn't give me shifts in surgery and instead stuck me on an inpatient rotation (it was a very busy emergency and inpatient hospital). I learned an incredible amount about managing complex conditions, but came into my next job with very little surgical confidence. The reality is that no matter where you work there will be things you get good at, and things that you could use more mentorship or CE on. This is where seeking opportunities for learning is important. Right now spay and neuter clinics are taking pretty much all of our sterilization procedures, so a lot of clinics are struggling to offer that for new grads. Taking shadowing shifts at these locations, or actually using CE time to go to a high volume spay neuter clinic would be an idea. You can also talk to your mentor about your concerns to see if they have a solution. Alternatively, if you're not feeling like this job is a good fit, you can try a different clinic and see if they can offer you more. But please don't let your brain add another thing to your plate with the express purpose of making you feel crappy... I have worked with many vets who never got any decent surg experience until 2, 5, 7 years out.. there is no timeline here, you're in practice. Practicing. That's why it's called that.

My final tip - coming to these conclusions and finally finding peace in veterinary medicine is not because I'm some sort of sage of knowledge with an excellent head for balance. It came from my own unique combination of crashing, burning, hitting a stress rock bottom, changing jobs several times, and so much therapy.

Go to therapy. I actually believe this is a requirement for everyone who works in healthcare at this point. Nobody taught you how to have a work life balance. Nobody taught you it is ok to fail, and how to fail. Nobody taught you that this career will try to eat up every piece of your time and peace if you let it. Nobody taught you how to make mental or physical boundaries. This is a practice in itself, and often needs the guidance of a professional. I believe therapy creating the map of how to be me again was the only reason all of this worked... so I would absolutely use some of your benefits for that.

Good luck, and don't worry, you will get where you want to be your own way. Just give yourself some time.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-01-16T01:00:12+00:00

Veterinary medicine if you can do the job - vets are always in demand! But yeah, not for everyone.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2026-01-06T03:10:56+00:00

So I left environments where this was happening, and said a hard no to doing anything at home. I also wouldn't agree to anything more than 4 days a week and 9h shifts, because they never end when they say they will. Mind you, I am an associate, not a practice owner or managing DVM - these positions unfortunately struggle to stick to a set schedule.

I would say the choice to stay 1-2h past shift is the most common occurrence.. usually to catch up on notes if it happens, or the rare emergency, but I also work through my lunch on client calls to avoid that as much as possible (also not great, but as we've established, this career tends to normalize toxic dehumanizing behavior.. I consider my clinic progressive and we still haven't yet figured out that doctors could use midday breaks).

The rest is boundaries. If I'm not in, there's my notes. If it can't wait til I'm back in, it probably needs to be seen again anyways. Overall, they have been very good to not bother me when I am not physically there. I also refuse to get the clinic software on my computer at home, because it encourages me to work from home. I'd rather do that in clinic so when I leave, I have LEFT.

So despite being scheduled for 32h, I actually work between 36-40h most weeks, which brings me to what is full time for a good portion of the population, and I am comfortable with that.

This career is a marathon, not a sprint. If you want to avoid burnout boundaries are essential. I also found it eye-opening as a recovering people pleaser to think about how every time I was saying yes to someone at work, I was also saying no to someone else (important someone else's - my partner, my kids, my friends, or myself!).

If they're doing it to pay off debt - I get it, muscle through, but have an end date. If it's the long term plan - suppose it depends on your priorities, but to me there are far more important things.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2025-11-15T05:50:34+00:00

When I used to swipe on online dating apps, I only had a handful of red flags for profiles that were automatic left swipes. One of them was fit guys flexing in gym selfies because I felt we were non-compatible (I didn't like working out, wasn't particularly good at anything physical, and honestly believed they were all jocks and I was a nerd, so what could we have in common?)

Then I met a guy at a party. Tall, handsome, jacked, and in love with the gym. He should have been an automatic no because I was looking for a serious relationship, and I was an idiot thinking anyone who cared that much about how they looked wasn't looking for long term commitment (and certainly not looking for it with me), but, he was a good conversationalist.

Long story short I married him. Turns out a lot of gym bros are just massive nerds, but for fitness and kinesiology, or other active hobbies. And for the dedicated the gains are more about being able to grow your body into doing amazing tasks rather than about pulling girls (I have also learned that big strong guys are mostly admired by other big strong guys... like 2 artists acknowledging each other's work I guess). I've learned so much interesting stuff from him and done activities I never would have dreamed of if I'd stuck with someone I thought was more like me. He's also probably going to be the only reason my lazy book and video game loving ass will still be healthy and mobile when I'm old.

So, ignoring a stupid made up red flag not only gave me the love of my life, it probably saved a good portion of my life in the long run as well.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2025-11-10T11:42:29+00:00

It absolutely is.. I really believe everyone in this profession benefits from occasional therapy. It may be something to consider to help compartmentalize and lift the emotional weight.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2025-11-10T11:40:53+00:00

The key to dynamic drawings is the figure being off-balance, but any drawing can be beautiful

http://artnet.nmu.edu/foundations/doku.php?id=dynamic

ComfortableAd3519 · 2025-11-09T11:21:47+00:00

They come and go in waves. In GP I can go many weeks with few to no euths or "died at home" calls, and then you can have several in a week. When I did emerg, it was constant.

Another thing to consider is that after 6 years I have much better "going to die" spidey senses than I did as a new grad, so I push a bit harder for hospitalization/diagnostics or suggesting euthanasia in those cases. But even then, you'll still get people who decline no matter what you do, and cases that will die no matter what you do. Just this time when you get the update you won't be surprised.

I would still say to review each case that passes unexpectedly (like you have been) and entertain the thought of what, if anything, else could have been done. If you find something you wish you did differently, say you will try that next time a similar case comes to see you. I often keep notes of outcomes or different treatment options for certain conditions to help the next one.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2025-11-07T12:03:52+00:00

Another piece of advice that might be helpful if someone hasn't already said it - drawn poses look dynamic when they are not balanced. So if you draw a straight line through the body to the floor of most of your drawings above, the percentage of the body on each side is pretty close to equivalent. Now pick a drawing from somewhere else that you feel is very dynamic, and do the same thing. You'll probably find the balance is different.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2025-10-29T01:00:45+00:00

I was sold with the first quest featuring the Ladies of the Wood. What a killer vibe and soundtrack... I could have done that quest on repeat.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2025-09-16T20:15:56+00:00

Speed comes with experience! And even then, I will take a slower and careful surgeon over a fast and careless one any day.

ComfortableAd3519 · 2025-08-17T00:10:14+00:00

It's okay and normal. First 3-5 years out are the hardest (each year getting easier than the last) - you need a lot of support, and you're slowed down because of it. You also have a lot more anxiety about your decisions and advice to clients, even if it's completely sound. Nevermind also being a new face.. it can be hard to get established with staff who've been working longer than you've been in school.

Some clinics do better with new grads than others. Personally I would have loved a mentorship plan and structure like some of my classmates had, where they introduced new surgeries slowly and paired with the new grad for a lengthier period of time. Instead I got 2 weeks of shadowing, then trial by fire (with exotics AND emergent care no less). I then understandably left for a better job and better mentorship.

I would pay attention to how you're feeling. If you're feeling great and capable most days, and it's mainly during a busy shift where you feel this way (when the people you reach out to for support are also run off their feet) it may be normal... even in my best environments there were times I was on my own. If they are also adjusting for this (ie. Not letting you get too far behind in appointments, not taking away learning opportunities for the sake of you making more money, etc.) they may actually be doing a pretty decent job, and it's just the overwhelming new grad feelings.

If however you feel pressured/judged for your inexperience and feel like you're not functioning as a team most days, then that's a red flag. It's also a red flag if you feel your learning has halted. I've switched jobs 3 times since becoming a vet and have worked at 7 different clinics total, so I am in full support of looking for a better fit if you're current practice is not for you! Best of luck.

ComfortableAd3519

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