Reply #13: Yes

[Coyote_Bandit]

I was raised on a working ranch/dairy/farm and have been around many, many animals. I currently have two dogs and a bird which I trained. Because of where I grew up, I have worked with more abandoned and dumped dogs and cats than you can imagine - and quite a variety of farm animals as well.

I have absolutely no interest in working as a veterinary tech. Why? Because I also happen to have ten years of college, three graduate degrees and two professional licenses. And absolutely no desire as a single 40 something woman to continue in any traditional type of career. I will not be able to return to a position similar to my previous two positions. I have now been jobless for over three years (but doing a bit of freelance and consulting work). Like it or not, I am forced to make a career change - and I have been unsuccessful in finding work in related fields. I am looking for something I will enjoy and find rewarding while being able to be independent and primarily self-employed. That is the only way I can forsee avoiding a similar position during the next economic downturn. I trust my ability to secceed in my chosen endeavor over the reliability or integrity of any employer any day. I figure if I have a skill and can work for myself then I am better off than if I work for somebody else and allow them to profit from my work. I am also hoping yo find work that will also provide an opportunity for me to leave the city and live and work in a small town setting. That will give me the ability to spend time with my young niece and nephew and help care for my aging parents.

Perhaps you have a better suggestion. I'd be interested in hearing it. Seriously.