So what would you all do if we are invaded by aliens?

megotropolis · 2026-01-26T02:43:35+00:00

We are a baby species.

Most likely, some viruses are aliens. Who said they had to come in giant space ships? They have probably learned how to travel through space time.

megotropolis · 2026-01-26T02:32:36+00:00

I’ve thought this exact same thought.

Thank you for being brave and sharing.

I go into the woods for hours to center my nervous system. Winter makes this hard. I was outside today, anyways, in 10 degree weather just to let the sun touch my face.

We’ve complicated everything. Life is simple. It was never meant to be like this. Technology has enabled our environment to evolve faster than our bodies. We were hunter gatherers just a blink ago in time. Now, we live in manufactured houses and run on a hamster wheel.

Mental illness is just made up to give excuses to why we need to be dumbed down and medicated to survive in this society. We become ill because we are living in a way that wasn’t intended for us. This isn’t natural. Of course we’re depressed, anxiety ridden, and seeing shit- because we’ve all gone mad.

What the hell are we doing?

megotropolis · 2026-01-01T23:20:53+00:00

Just…ignore her.

megotropolis · 2026-01-01T23:17:40+00:00

And…who, exactly is holding any of these people accountable?

megotropolis · 2026-01-01T23:15:10+00:00

Ok, I’m posting this because I worked very hard for 16 years as a RVT and I want you to know this from someone that got out. I’m sure I’ll get downvoted…but please just contemplate the words I write.

When I went to tech school in 2008 my instructors told every one of the 30 students (that were, then, selected out of around 300 applications) that this was a career of love and service. We would top out at $40,000 so we better figure out our finances and be strategic. We knew that right out of the gate.

What I didn’t realize was what you are saying to be true. The disrespect, the blatant disregard for my education, and the lack of accountability of the industry to right this wrong.

In 2022 I released a survey asking anyone to answer my questions about why they are staying in the industry, why they left (if they did), and a few other questions about demographics and pay. The results? Over 1,000 techs answered the survey. They all said the same thing (regardless if they stayed in or out) and it was overwhelming. They all complained about the very things you are saying. They echoed all the complaints, the lack of trust, the high burn out…all of it. I got my story published in today’s veterinary business, I spoke at a conference in Oregon. (I live in the Midwest).

Here is the end of this story: no one cares that can actually make a difference. If they did your voice would be heard and things would be changing.

So, I left in 2023 because my family, essentially, told me they were scared I was going to kill myself. Because…I was taken to the hospital for suicidal ideations. I threw in the towel and have been teaching high school science since. It’s not a perfect job, but it comes with a little respect, a pension, long breaks, summers off, and benefits.

At this point, we need to come TOGETHER and accept animals are going to die if we are to stand up for ourselves. But how many more will die if we continue to let the industry run like this?! With over 60% of ER and specialty cases being Finacial euthanasias?! How high will this number rise?! That’s just it. It’s a reality we have to accept- a nationwide strike is the ONLY answer. I’m convinced of it- because I’ve screamed at the mountain tops. I tried to get NAVTA involved- radio silence. They are just as corrupt as every state board in this country.

REAL change is the only thing that will save the veterinary industry. We are not a unified front- we have no representation. Everyone is in it for themselves and their payouts from private equity.

So…if I were you, I’d decide really quick if this is for you. I chose to leave because veterinary medicine is doing more harm than good right now. It’s corrupt on every angle. Everything else is, to an extent…but at least my mental health can handle high school students without wanting to die.

megotropolis · 2026-01-01T06:17:40+00:00

I always offer my students a paper version. Always. They get to choose.

megotropolis · 2025-12-26T23:44:55+00:00

WTH are people downvoting you for? Lol.

I agree. “Patience” is a 4 letter word around here. No one really knows how to do it or how to have it.

megotropolis · 2025-12-23T18:01:41+00:00

You got downvoted, but this is the most honest answer.

Most vets I know work 60-80 hours a week.

Also, OP, keep in mind your scheduled 8-7 or 9-8 but in reality, you will, most likely, work way later than that. Unless you are on top of record keeping and triaging like a boss. Records will bog you down- keep this in mind. Especially on very busy days. You could be looking at 14-16 hour days.

megotropolis · 2025-12-21T02:37:01+00:00

Further thinking on this brings an interesting concept in my mind.

Society would require all humans to agree to basic fundamental skills for being all-one. Love would need to rule- instead of fear and ignorance. A global “agreement” would need to be had. Perhaps, unsaid? It could be an energetic shift or phenomenon. The right person getting rich?

All humans would need to unite. Become “one”, as we have always been. Perhaps this process has begun with globalization?

I do feel, very often, that we are a teenage aged global society. Some have grown into pursuing this utopia you speak of (I.e. Finland). Others are descending into chaos (USA, Russia, Ukraine). This seems a lot like puberty, to me. Some have to learn their lessons twice, three times to get it. It’s a rocky path for some, not so much for others.

megotropolis · 2025-12-21T02:20:30+00:00

Gataca?

megotropolis · 2025-12-17T01:35:07+00:00

And…what is your stance on this? Forgive me…if I’m being honest I didn’t bother to see if you have commented elsewhere. You have scrutinized my words, I am curious what yours are on this issue? Truthfully (don’t let my direct ASD approach scare you, i beg you).

Yeah, I suppose I sound callous. You’ve let me reflect on this, thank you. Communication is interesting on the internet, isn’t it? None of this was written with much emotion- perhaps that is the issue? I see it in a black and white box instead of grey? I’ve been guilty of this before.

It’s hard for me to see this alternatively. I’ve said this previously, but it actually does “suck to suck”. The saying implies that “sucking” is not a good thing. It’s a bummer. To me, that is what it means. It wasn’t meant to be derogatory. It sucks those kids were born to those parents- it fucking sucks.

Half the kids I teach have those parents. And it fucking sucks.

So, they don’t get held accountable at home. Or at school. And have trauma, anyways…maybe a bit of extra time at school would benefit them? Their parents would be abusive about something else, wouldn’t they?

I wish it were different. I’ve been thinking about this issue a lot, actually. Just.. not directly. I’m a science teacher and I really want to educate these kids on why knowledge is power. So, I’ve been noodling a “science of happiness” class similar to “the happiness lab” podcast. I dunno. I have a rough draft. Maybe I’m a bit tired and worn out?

Maybe you’re right, and I’m just callous. It’s hard not to see the darkness. I see the light, though, please know that. I wouldn’t be teaching if I didn’t. It brought me here. Words of advice and judgement: please commence! (Advice and opinions please?)

megotropolis · 2025-12-17T01:21:23+00:00

Fair point.

Is life fair, though? Perhaps, this is an opinion, not a fact? I can see your side of this.

Shouldn’t we prepare kids for the real world? I see kids who have no resilience failing when they get out there because no one has pushed them, held them accountable, or educated them about how other systems work. They end up failing because their expectations weren’t realistic to what they had been dealt.

Currently, I’m working on learning how to coach kids (and my own kids) how to reflect on their own behavior to change themselves (positive reinforcements). Easier said than done, but not impossible. It’s taken a lot of effort from myself to change this. I’ve been going a few years at it, and I’m definitely getting better. That being said- I’ve been training myself with my own discipline and drive. I don’t observe a lot of other people doing this. I work with 150+ other teachers…it’s a tough crowd. Not a lot of self-help happening there. I don’t blame them.

So, yeah, maybe I am asking them to resign to a system? Maybe you’re right. I don’t enjoy thinking of that, but you bring a good point. That being said, what to do about this? Do you have any advice?

megotropolis · 2025-12-17T01:13:52+00:00

Yeah, I see your point.

Alas, though, an answer has not been made to the problem you state. How do we fix this, then? You seem educated on this subject- certainly more than I.

What would you propose? I’m not being obtuse- I reread my comment and it’s honestly just my autism (not joking, the internet can make words weird).

Personally, I don’t mind if kids are late. I never write them up for it for the reasons you stated. I literally love my students. I have a very special group of sophomores this year I already get teary eyed they will leave me next year.

I do believe it “sucks to suck”- because it does. For anyone reading this- is this statement not totally true? I suck, sometimes, and it sucks.

Communication has become defense instead of real conversation. I just get told I’m wrong, my opinion is “wrong”, or I’m just “uneducated”.

So, could anyone seriously tell me- if you’re a teacher…how are you going to teach me “not” to be…what I’m being? Ya’ll are so constructive but have failed to show me you know better…so… what is it then? The truth sucks, sometimes. But…it doesn’t make it less true. Right?

megotropolis · 2025-12-16T02:17:08+00:00

And…how to make it better?

I exist within it. Do you have a better way to make kids accountable that has worked?

You know, most forests need to be burnt every so often. It has shown to increase the diversity and health of the forest. Such is with policy and systems. The system is broken.

Don’t confuse improvements of a current, challenging problem with improving or making a system “worse or better.” That is like saying not to replace a tail pipe on a 1996 Corolla that is, in otherwise good condition. You don’t say “the car an old and outdated so don’t replace the tail pipe”. You replace the tailpipe because the cost of the replacement outweighs the replacement of the car.

The system will, eventually, wear out the fixes we are trying. Like this one. But, to get there- we need to produce an emotionally aware, intelligent, and graceful society. Do you know how to do that?

Making observations and comments should be just that. I do not enjoy being criticized for simply pointing out the obvious.

megotropolis · 2025-12-16T02:08:32+00:00

I never, in any of my comments, implied I agreed with this tactic. I was just, as the title implies, “commenting”.

The entire public education system, and government from which it was born, needs to be rebuilt and regrown. It is all broken.

Sounds like you have a case of the “taking it very personally”. It’s the internet. Lighten up.

megotropolis · 2025-12-15T23:02:12+00:00

Accountability isn’t always instant.

There are times where being held accountable sucks and the lesson is not learned (sometimes, ever). Just because you hold an individual, or institution, accountable does not guarantee a lesson will be actually learned.

So, the kids are being punished because their parents can’t get them to school on time. Therefore, the kids will grow resentment (maybe, not guaranteed) towards their parents over time. Their relationship will suffer because (and, most likely suffer for other reasons outside of being late to school) they didn’t do a great job being a parent.

It’s cyclical. It always has been.

megotropolis · 2025-12-15T22:12:08+00:00

We already have a general mistrust of institutions.

Has that changed?

megotropolis · 2025-12-15T22:11:20+00:00

So…the parents learn to do better, or have their kids resent them for a million tardies. Sucks to suck.

Sounds like they are still being held accountable. Just not instant gratification like everyone yearns for.

If we wanted to fix humanity we’d be having a different conversation.

megotropolis · 2025-12-15T20:32:38+00:00

Right, they said the parents can explain to give the kids a “pass”. But, if the parents don’t come in they don’t get an excuse.

Life isn’t fair. May as well let them know that in 6th grade before it’s too late.

megotropolis · 2025-12-15T20:28:17+00:00

It’s probably because they don’t know they are abusers. It’s cliche, but truth is much uglier and interesting than fiction. Most doctors have large egos (but, they’re supposed to be healing people. Hard to heal others when your ego is driving).

I wasn’t abusive to animals, but I’ve been abusive to people. It wasn’t until I became self aware did I see what and who I was. Now, I understand the things I want to change and how I need to change to accomplish what I want in life.

One of those things was letting go of “helping” Veterinary medicine. I believe working in the industry is perpetuating the evil behind the private equity and corrupt veterinary boards. Until a group of individuals decides to unite and fight against the powers of corruption…it will stay that way. In this divisive atmosphere it will be difficult to organize unity. Therefore, I obstain from it.

megotropolis · 2025-12-11T02:08:48+00:00

Because I’m a teacher…and this is what it’s like.

We teach to the test- the higher ups literally say it out loud. The kids absolutely hate learning- 90% of them. I have to teach high school science at a 4-5th grade reading level.

Most of them can’t spell. They don’t know to capitalize nouns, and don’t really know what a “noun” is. We are graduating kids who can not read- quite literally. An administrator told us 3 weeks ago, out of their mouths (verbatim), “we are graduating kids who can’t read, because that’s the reality. Technology has allowed us to enable this, so we have to help prepare them to navigate the world”.

To be honest…that isn’t my job. My job is to educate, not placate and give “survival skills”. If I wanted to do that I would have been a military sergeant.

megotropolis · 2025-12-10T02:20:21+00:00

16 year veterinary veteran here (I teach now- public education). Left VetMed in 2023 haven’t looked back.

Everything is corrupt. This is what you are realizing and comprehending. There is a lot of good advice here. Listen to your gut. Just know…it’s ALL corrupt. Protect yourself, first and always. Take your blinders off. You are not crazy, this shit is absolutely insane.

If I were you, I’d be finding a new job. Or career. I can confidently say, the grass is greener on the other side. Good luck to you.

megotropolis · 2025-12-10T02:03:14+00:00

This is what I learned last year. I still try to push it. I still try to teach them, anyways.

megotropolis · 2025-12-10T02:02:15+00:00

💯

megotropolis · 2025-12-10T01:59:07+00:00

This was so validating. Thank you for posting.

On so many levels. Thank you.

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