My mom hates my career choice and says she doesn't support me?

The best paid job I ever had made me more miserable than I have ever been. As for the pay, I don't know where in the world you are, but in the UK, vet techs make more than minimum wage. OK, they aren't very well paid, but it's better than that. It's more than either my wife or I currently earn too, and we manage. OK, we only have one (2nd hand) car - we don't take exotic holidays, but we do manage, and as long as we're careful - we're pretty comfortable. Good luck. ETA: As far as support: This is your first degree, and if you're in the UK there is quite a lot of financial support available from the government , both for fees AND for living expenses. For all the fuss that's been made about tuition fees in the media - for your FIRST degree, there's more support available now than there has ever been. You'll be able to do it by yourself, and you'll be able to do it more comfortably than any generation before you. That said, I know from an emotional standpoint you'd benefit from parental support. The down-side is that once you've taken your first degree, that's it. You're unlikely to ever be able to afford to study again. If you've been to university once, the government will no longer support you, and you're unlikely to find the money to study again on a vet tech's salary, so be sure that it's what you really want to do. That said, if you're doing something that your heart ISN'T in, then you're less likely to succeed anyway, and you still won't be able to afford to study again unless you make a really, really good salary. Whatever happens, good luck.

No question about it: do what you ENJOY. Money can't buy happiness, and if you're miserable working in a hospital, what kind of life would that be? Check out if there are any grants or scholarships offered. Also look into student loans. Start looking NOW, it might take a while. Apply for anything you can. See if you can either work or volunteer at a local vet's on Saturdays or after school (if the vet is open evenings). It's possible the vet might be able to help you too. Your mom has to learn that you have to follow YOUR dream, not HER dream. And if she isn't there to support you in the end, she isn't much of a mom. It's not like you want to run off and join the circus. Being a vet tech would give you a reliable career.

Your mom is just being selfish. It will be your life not your mom's. Do what makes you happy.

I'm pretty sure your Mom will come through for you when the time comes. Just follow your dream.

Well, your mom made herself clear. You have a choice to make. You can try to put yourself through school and then make minimum wage as a vet tech but not be able to support yourself on it. But then, don't expect your mother to let you live at her house either. Just remember that even if you are a vet tech, a lot of your job will be dealing with the people who own the pets. Have you thought about being a vet?

A mother should suppourt her child in whatever he/she decides so long as its lawful and its their childs true passion. She prolly sees your brains and not your heart. They always say "follow your heart" and its true. Ive always wanted to work in the animal field, but I chose to work in construction instead because I knew I could make ALOT more money if I joined a union and all that jazz... And let me tell you, im miserable. I make good money, and im good at what I do, but as a woman, I hate going to work and getting dirty all day and coming home smelling like a rabbits salt block because im so sweaty and exhausted. If I werent used to the paycheck, I wouldnt be doing this job, but now that I am, I cant afford to do anything for less pay and most jobs involving animals dont make much money... So im stuck being miserable and hating my job. My only consolation is that Ive learned to train dogs as a hobby and I do that in my down time during the winter when there is no work. That could be you one day if you do what makes your mom happy. Youll get used to the paycheck and end up with bills you couldnt logically pay if you took the pay cut to do what you love... So I say your best bet is to start out doing what you love and youll be happy for the rest of your life.... Just marry a doctor :->

if you really think its the right choice go for it. if you have doubts rethink. if you really do have that gpa like you say you do, you could always apply for scholarships. many teachers would be thrilled to write recommendations for students who excel. trust me with that gpa you can get many scholarships. heck i got so many on top of a full ride that i was basically paid to go to school.

If you dont feel that you would get a working wage with a college degree there isnt really a reason to get one. We are talking large type debt for little financial reward. Figure out how much more a degree will get you and figure out how much it is going to cost you. If it takes forever to make up the difference than I wouldnt go that way and just get hired as a tech. You are going to have to make a decision, are you willing to have a reduced income to do something you want to do, as in are you willing to drive an older car, not have fancy things, ect to do what you want?

Ask your mom why she won't support you. Tell her "It's my life and being in this career would make me happy, regardless of the pay."