Anyone have advice for remote work for someone with a Masters in Animal Science?

14 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 1:08PM UTC

   I've seen social media/marketing/communications roles and would look for those types of titles. The hard thing with some remote jobs (for caregivers) is that they expect travel, and even quarterly or twice a year can be quite a burden.

   People don't seem to understand that you can totally DO the job in many cases because you have a patient who sleeps a lot or just needs someone to make sure they don't open the door to strangers/do other dangerous things, but those things (and trusting a sitter/respite care) make travel too nerve-wracking for you to contribute while away.

2. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 1:09PM UTC

   There's an article on this very site that lists several sites you can use for targeted job searches for remote work here: https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/how-to-find-remote-jobs-31-places-to-look

3. Michele SinclairApril 22,2024 at 1:11PM UTC

   Find the company you want to work for and start courting them. Reach out to people on LinkedIn.com that can help you meet or network w the hiring manager. There are so many proactive things you can do!

4. Kimberly McApril 22,2024 at 1:58PM UTC

   Are you moms full time care giver? If you are, and you need flexibility in when you work, that is going to limit your options. (And I say this with my mom who has Alzheimer’s living with me). I have someone who is with mom during the day to allow me to WFH As much as possible and my work folks know that I have lunch with her from 12-1 every day.

   You don’t mention your situation (nor do you need to) but please be honest with yourself about how much you can get done and what hours you will actually be able to work without distraction. Remote/wfh work isn’t always “on your own”. Don’t set yourself up for failure.

5. Tami L CannizzaroApril 22,2024 at 3:50PM UTC

   This! I cared for my mom who has dementia and it's very hard to work, even though I was working from home AND working for myself. That said, there are ways to accomplish this depending on the level of care your mom needs/what stage she is in. For example: given your background in social media and animal science, set yourself up as a Social Media consultant (think "contractor) and find local veterinarian offices who may need assistance with their social media. Start with one, then as you can take on more clients. Remember to build your own website so you can refer people to it who may be looking for someone with your skills. That's just one idea; there are many ways to market yourself as an independent worker, if you can afford to do this. It was my only way to work and help mom for many years until it got to the point where she needed more help than I could provide and she moved to memory care. Best Wishes to you; this is very tough.

6. Jeanne SchnellApril 23,2024 at 4:53PM UTC

   Thanks Tami! She is currently on the cusp of stage 6 so we're getting to a very difficult area and I know that we will have to move towards memory care in the near future. I appreciate your advice and will look at more contractor type work. I like the idea of doing social media management for veterinary offices.

7. Tami L CannizzaroApril 23,2024 at 5:33PM UTC

   You're welcome! This is such a difficult journey. FYI - once she moves to memory care (which for my mom has been a great experience) it may take you some time to get back in the rhythm of things. if ever! Example, yesterday the nurse called to ask if I could get mom an appointment at her dermatologist for her skin condition; of course the appointment they had was this morning which meant my day went sideways. Oh well. Also - to get yourself started with the social media consulting biz, reach out to your friends and network. If necessary, offer to do small job for free OR at a discounted rate. I did an "introductory offer" when I was first starting out to initial clients, as I got going and understood my pricing better, I raised prices for new clients. For my first website, I traded work with someone I met through my network: he helped build my website in exchange for me writing some content for one of his projects. There are ways to get things done. Best of luck!

8. Jeanne SchnellApril 23,2024 at 4:52PM UTC

   I am. My partner assists but he is out-of-work at the moment and is traveling for interviews, plus some of the things like toileting/dressing, I have to do. We don't have the means to pay for in-home care (insurance issues that we are trying to resolve at the moment) and you are right - WFH doesn't always mean being on my own as I do have to take time out to help her if/when my partner can't.

9. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 4:57PM UTC

   If you're at all interested in the IACUC side, some of those admin roles are remote. Depends on whether the office staff are part of semiannuals or not.

10. Jeanne SchnellApril 23,2024 at 4:47PM UTC

    Any advice on what to look for when combing the job sites as far as titles? I do have IACUC experience but I don't see anything that asks for that on Indeed.

11. AnonymousApril 23,2024 at 7:19PM UTC

    I typed IACUC and remote into Indeed and had several pops. Try the PRIM&R site (job listings don't look like they are limited to members). Couldn't find anything on AALAS, but seems odd there wouldn't be a job listing option. Also try key terms "animal welfare" and "animal care" to capture some differently-titled offices. Also, IACUC background might be a segue into IBC or other research compliance areas. Not sure how much of that is currently remote, but worth checking to see if you have relevant background and find any of it interesting enough to do well. Good luck!

12. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 5:33PM UTC

    It's a quota for the recruiter to get as many resumes (sales) as possible. Very few are legitimate and those that are usually involve temporary roles.

13. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 6:57PM UTC

    You need something with flexible hours in your case. Working for yourself seems like the most logical answer here. Look into becoming a paid caregiver for your family member through the state you reside in. I believe Medicaid and VA offer these options but you would need to contact them. Of course it won’t apply in all situations either. I’m sorry about your mother’s condition, it’s rough when you have to go through something like this. Please ensure that you also take care of yourself as you become a caregiver. Self neglect is a huge issue once you take on this heavy responsibility.

14. Jeanne SchnellApril 23,2024 at 4:49PM UTC

    I appreciate the feedback and the concern. Thank you!