No time like the present

I was recently approached by a veterinary technician who was stuck in a situation where here current and past position were both unsatisfying.  While I have little experience with vocations outside of veterinary medicine, I feel like our profession has more than its share of people content with their sub-par situations to the point of avoiding change like the plague.  For my veterinary friends in New Mexico, we know that the plague is not so bad!  Is my advice to run for the hills if you don't like your job?  No, to the contrary, fight to make your job a source of pride and honor.  If you can honestly say, "yes, I have given this a fair try and it is still not the place for me."  then recognize that there are options you haven't considered yet.  In the case of my new found friend, she stated that her only two options were not going to work for her lifestyle and her career.  In a city of 153 listed veterinary clinics, there are more than two options.  Until you spend 25$ on resumes and postage, you will not know how many options you have.

Advice for staying put.  Look at why you are unhappy.  Devise plans to fix it.  Approach management or the owners with enough information to back up your proposed plan.

For example, you want to ensure that training is a priority.  Create a training plan and enlist those with academic drive to join you.  Approach a specialty and let management know how this can increase their clout and their profits.

For example, there are mean girls.  Approach the situation with care and tenacity.  Talk to those involved, let them know how you are feeling.  Talk to those in management, let them know how you are feeling.  Exhaust your options for mediation before you walk out on an otherwise great position.

For example, technicians are underutilized or underemployed compared to unlicensed staff.  Research your states practice requirements.  Bring these and examples of the training involved in licensure to management.  Bring to their attention any improvements in patient care that could be wrought from increasing the numbers of licensed staff and then encourage your coworkers to join the party.  Many states offer grandfathering for those with time in the field and now online schooling options make technical degrees an attainable option.

 I welcome your additions and comments.  A lively debate is great, but disrespect of fellow posters will never make your point.