Is my job looked down upon

[CoffeAndCakeAddict]

I’m a receptionist in a veterinary surgery.

It’s stressful and money is rubbish but I love my job.

When people ask me where I work and I say the vets, they say ‘are you a vet?’
When I tell them I’m a receptionist I’ve had some funny responses.
do you want to be a nurse or vet?
only a receptionist?

it makes me feel a bit rubbish.

honest opinion please.
what do you think of this job? Is it a type of job that’s looked down upon?

I can’t bear it when people are sniffy about admin/reception/clerking/support functions in a business. They’re essential to the smooth running of it all.

But it's a completely different job with a different skill set.

Ive always thought it looks like a lovely job - all the fun of the animals without the gruesome bits like removing stuff from dogs’ stomachs.

People are odd. I can’t think of a job I’d look down on - though I might give a Daily Mail columnist a sidelong glance…

I always consider applying for veterinary receptionist jobs whenever I see them advertised. I used to love being a receptionist.

They're different.

I don't - our vet receptionists are efficient, helpful and kind. We're short of vets already, the LAST thing we need is them taking time off treating animals to answer the phone, make appointments and process all the bills!! Receptionists are a vital part of the team.

Wouldn't dream of being snobby or weird about a receptionist job. I've done similar jobs myself.

I wish we were better as a society at recognising that every job in an organisation has its part to play, and being the CEO doesn't make you a more worthwhile person than the night security guard, or a receptionist.

I'd love to be a receptionist at a vets practice ❤️

I was out with mY mum the other day and she bumped into an old friend. She introduced me and she said my daughter works at a vets. I lady said ‘are you a nurse?’ My mum answered ‘No, she’s just the receptionist’. It was how she said it- it made me feel really insecure.
After we walked away she said ‘I wish I could say you were a nurse - it sounds better’ — thanks mum

ive been doing this job for 15 years. Im very fortunate that my husband pays the bills and it’s my part time job and fits with the kids.
it’s such a lovely job - we get a lot!! Of abuse from clients but I’ve become an expert dealing with angry clients

The receptionists in my vet's practice are lovely - kind and empathetic human beings (and, of course, huge animal lovers!).

Everybody has different skill sets - the vet who treats the animal may not be an expert Excel user like the receptionist, and the receptionist who understands the IS systems will not be able to prescribe medications in the same way that the vet nurse does.

Complementary skills and team work.

I think it's just one of those places where, if you say you work there, they'd assume you're a vet. Bit silly, I know. But that's how some brains work.

Anyone who says “only” a receptionist is a dick. How often has that actually happened though?

Those asking if you’d like to be a vet nurse or vet - it’s just making polite conversation and if you feel judged it’s likely your own hang up.

I agree with the poster that said it may stem from you saying you work at the vet practice leaving it open, rather than saying you’re a receptionist.

Could the “only” comment have come from someone who thought you were initially trying to mislead that you were in a more qualified role there?

Sounds like a great job to me, I can't imagine thinking anything else if I met a vets receptionist.

As a previous poster said, your job comes with ANIMALS! 😁

Id say “ what do you mean “only” a receptionist?” Watch them squirm for putting you down. Then say you enjoy the social aspect of the role, the ever changing day to day, meeting new pets/owners etc. drop in some funny things that have happened etc

dont let it get to you. Shame on them for looking down on you. Theres nothing wrong with being a receptionist x

I would not look down on you at all. Some people do still judge others by the job they do.

And as someone who has also had to learn how to deal with the odd angry person calmly & professionally, that's a real skill.

This

Exactly this.

My OH and I are both directors in our orgs, but we wouldn't be able to do our jobs without support staff. They are vital.

I monitor how people (especially interview candidates) interact with support staff, particularly receptionists / janitors / concierge staff etc. Generally, if they're bell-ends towards people they view as 'lowly', then they'll be bell-ends full stop.

It's a useful proving ground.

I monitor how people (especially interview candidates) interact with support staff, particularly receptionists / janitors / concierge staff etc.

In my last two jobs we've always asked receptionists how people appear to them/interact with them. It goes a long way.

There are people we've not employed because they've been rude or dismissive to the receptionist.

The job is so varied.
Receptionist jobs like answering the phone, making appointments, taking payment etc..

we also dispense medications, help process prescriptions. Lots and lots of cleaning!
ordering medications.

we very often have to help the vet hold animals for PTS or bloods.

Puppy and kitten cuddles are the best. Also giving gigs treats from the treat jar ☺️

Your mum's attitude is horrible

The receptionists at my vets are wonderful. They wrote my cat a get well card after his operation and said he was a good boy.

Receptionist is a perfectly respectable job.
It sounds like your mum, through her own insecurity, trying to big up your job, not having the foresight to see how the conversation would go and then handling it badly. That's totally on her.

Not at all, In fact I'm rather jealous!

This completely.

I enjoyed working as a receptionist, and I would have loved it if it came with animals too!

Thanks everyone

i need to have a bit more confidence- and not feel so insecure