Archives for 2009

In my early years I spent a lot of time helping people at no charge and giving free advice. Today I don’t often do that unless I choose to do so.

The exception to the rule is that I do eventually get to my subscriber questions.

I figure if people are interested in supporting me through subscribing and and are interested enough to read my written advice–they get priority over the web surfers.

Even so, despite having a note on my contact page that I give that type of advice under, “Hire Animal Expert,” people still ask for free advice.

I usually just put it in the queue but sometimes, although I know better, I answer them directly.

Recently I did just that but probably won’t do it again.

Why?

Several reasons, first I charge for that expertise and invested years in education, research, and dollars for that training so I could make a living.

Second, those people who pass through the blog and use the form rarely spend any time doing research–or even reading what I have written on the topic.

If they did, they would know how to go about contacting me or other professionals in the field. PLUS I’ve usually already answered many of the questions they ask and they are already displayed online which the surfer would know if he or she bothered to check.

Finally, I rarely get a thank you back from people whose questions I do answer.

Manners have certainly gone down the toilet.

The exception to my non-answer rule involves my subscribers.

They do usually thank me and are thrilled that their question made the blog.

Now, when I was a young whipper-snapper I pestered many professionals but I had already done my research, always asked if they had time, I always said thank you–and I usually kept in touch about my progress.

If you are seeking help, better keep that in mind.

In the meantime, here are my answers to the web surfer’s questions.

1. Is it difficult to find work in this field? Are there many jobs available working with animals?

It is a huge field so unless you define the niche desired it is impossible to answer with a blanket statement. Pay is notoriously low due to the high numbers of people who dream of working with animals.

2. Is it difficult to find work as an Animal Behaviorist? Where would one look to find this work?

You need to have a degree in this field if you want to work as a behaviorist. Today there are degrees specifically for animal behavior. If your XXXXX desires to go into the health profession, a veterinary behaviorist might be a substitute. There are also physical therapy positions for treating animals. See what I wrote on Animal Behavior Careers.

3. Can you suggest some careers working with animals?

Read my Unusual Animal Career series online or see Animal Career Secrets.

4. XXXXX is in her first semester of college in XXXXX, XXXXX. Are there any animal rehabilitation centers or something in that vein in that area, that you know of, and would be able to suggest for her to do some interning? And/or do you have any personal contacts in the area, that she could use as a mentor?

She has to research this on her own. XXXXX will have a variety of different offerings once she decides what animal field or activities she might be interested in. I don’t tend to give out recommendations to people I don’t know or who have not studied with me.

As you can see, I am struggling to help her on this path. Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Although I appreciate your interest in helping XXXXXX, she really needs to do the legwork herself. Unless she has the drive to do so on her own–she won’t be taken seriously and won’t get very far.

So, is any of this information useful to you?

I hope so. I tend to get really specific and in-depth when I do personal or phone consultations…but I just gotta ask you, do you work for free?