Pet Store

Question
I'm going to turn 16 soon, and I'm beginning to look for a job. I have had fish practically my whole life, and I've been thinking about going into the field of (marine) biology or something. But i'm always up at the local pet store getting fish or supplies for my 75 gallon tank, and I LOVE it! All I'm worried about is finding a good job. Since you have many years of store experience, I thought I'd ask you.
How good is the pay when you get past just regular employee?(generally. I know stores vary) And is there anyone who needs a degree to work usually?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Spencer;

Go to college and earn a degree if you have that opportunity. With a degree, you have so many more career options and you can always keep fish as a hobby. The wages working a fish or pet store are not very much and pretty close to what you would get in a fast food establishment. Management positions will get a higher income but they take years of experience and a business degree is helpful but not necessarily required. It all depends on the store and who owns it. Get some experience if you can find a job in a local store. Then you can decide if you like all the other aspects of the business. There is much more to running a store than taking care of the fish. It's a full-time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week commitment, even if the store is closed.

Good luck!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins