Alessa

Both my local Petsmart and Petco are hiring. Should I even bother and apply since I am in desperate need of a Job?

Chief_waterchanger

... If I were in desperate need for a job I would be applying at <insert random burger joint> asap just for the income, but would be thrilled to work somewhere dealing with animals instead of flipping burgers. (No offense to anyone that enjoys flipping burgers.)

Alessa

Thats what I meant. I could apply somewhere else... it is just that I dont know if it would be such a good idea to do it at the pet chain places. In one hand, I love working with fishes and animals in general, in the other hand... I HATE the way they handle animals, and I kind of have the clue I could change things a bit around there, but not as far as to do things the way they are supposed to be done.

college tuition has me this time around...

mrsmuffin

At least if you were working there a) you would collect a paycheck and b) that would be one less PetSmart/Co employee out there giving bad information!

Tom

Go for it, this way you can probably get a discount on your new fish, and get a good selection before they are even in the tanks, and also you can spread the knowledge you got from here, and use it there.
Tom

Alessa

Thats true and it would be very rewarding!

but then I start thinking... what am I going to say when someone is like: "ok, I just bought my tank, let me take 20 fishes now"

At that point, (and them not selling tetra safe start) I would not be able to help them and say "ok, do daily 50% water changes...." or "go to ACE hardware and get yourself a gallon of ammonia...."

Butters

I would get a job ASAP at any pet store that would be hiring. that reminds me... I gotta see if my LPS is looking for help since I dont have much a of winter job. Lawns dont grow to fast in the winter!

Darlene

I think it would be great if you could help some people out working there. Good luck if you apply

voiceless_kat

How about this " Be the change you want to see in the (world) pet shop". With knowledge and integrity, you can be the smart, caring employee. Go for it girl!

Val

Alessa

Thanks Kat

Slug

Not to mention a discount. hehe.

When i looked into it Petsmart/Pecto didn't pay anywhere close to what i could make at UPS....so i didn't take their job offer. But its better then nothing and you could possibly make a difference in the hobby, even if its small.

I'd explore your options first. If its really what you enjoy doing, by all means. I know at Petsmart though they make you work birds, reptiles, small animals, etc along with fish. So there is no real dedicated fish person.

Lucy

That's what I was thinking!


Alessa, If you think you would enjoy it, go for it, your knowledge of fish will be a life saver to some of them.
I think some people lose interest in the hobby because they weren't educated in proper cycling and care, you could make a difference.

If it doesn't work out, there's no rule that says you can't look for something else.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

Alessa

Thanks guys!

I will apply and like lucy said, if it does not work out i will definately look somewhere else!

Blub

If it where me, I'd get some basic knowledge on reptiles, dogs and cats etc... You don't want to be as bad they we know Petco is with fish.

Alessa

I have worked with the Chicago Herpetological Society for the Reptile Fest... USA's largest reptile exhibit and I have also had dogs for a very long time.

Although, of course, I would need to do the research for common things like meds. I'd rather not work there at all than give bad advice to people like it was given to me!

COBettaCouple

I'd go for it. I almost ended up working there myself looking for a job. It's a paycheck and maybe you can make a difference for a lot of fish and send them home to a proper tank.

Alessa

Ok fishloreans, I applied to both.
But...
I also applied somewhere better! I applied to The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago! I heard they where hiring people with museum educational experience (I have worked in the field museum for quite a while, and my most recent job was youth volunteer coordinator for the summer program).

So... Send TONS of good vibes this way! not only the pay is way better but also the job is way better! I would be working face to face with the awesome fish! (including the great whites )

Chief_waterchanger

*envies Alessa, but still sends good vibes her way*

Lucy

Hey, the Shedd aqaurium sounds ideal!

Here come the good vibes.

Alessa

Thanks Chief and Lucy! I seriously hope I can get It!

nitz

Oh wow. Good luck Alessa. They'd all be lucky to have you.
Good vibes coming your way!!

Alessa

Thank you Nigel

Jess

Alessa think of all the amazing things you'll learn at the Shedd Aquarium. THAT is what you should do with your enthusiasm and dedication. (I'm a mom I can't help it : )

Alessa

Thank you Jess! I am sooooo hoping they get me!

ok, here is the link to the exhibits... drool and enjoy!

Darlene

Good Luck. I hope you get the job, it sounds great.

Samanthrax

Hate to bring this thread back up after its been dead for more than a week.

But Alessa you know me from petsmart in evanston, and I saw you mentioned stupid customers. We have the right to deny sales of anything to anyone.

I know when you see me at work I act happy and stuff, mostly just to see you!!! Lol someone who isn't stupid. But it sucks, you feel like after at least a quarter of the sales you have to make. But you feel better that you stop most of them.

I did mention your name to my manager and gave him the sticky with your name and number so I hope he calls you. In the mean time I applied at Old Town Aquarium!!! I hope I get the job he seemed to appreciate the experience I have.

I need to learn more about saltwater. I hope he calls *crosses fingers*

Alessa

lol, me too, I applied there... but they want someone with a good deal of experience in saltwater reef setups, corals and annemones...

I hope they call me too... From anywhere! lol.

Steve420

How far are you from the 'burbs? There is a LFS in Schaumburg called Aquarium Adventure and Petland that always has signs up looking for help. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

(after think about it though...seeing as how you were looking into the Shedd, I'd imagine your not all that close)

Alessa

I live in the north side of the city... but I dont mind public transportation at all