u/mort-or-amour

Hi all! I’ve been in the vet industry for 6 years and for the past year or so have been thinking about a change of careers. I’ve been lucky enough to get an interview for a funeral assistant tomorrow.

I have little relevant experience (have never worked in the funeral industry) but I have a lot of experience working with grief and loss from people losing their pets, as well as coordinating between pet cemeteries and crematoriums and such, which I think is transferable. Many owners have thanked me for my compassion and understanding and helping them with end of life and aftercare of their pets so I think I must be doing something right there. I know it’s not the same as dealing with the loss of people but it’s still difficult and emotionally taxing work that has to be approached with care and tact.

My position would include collecting decedents from hospitals, morgues, nursing homes, and families homes, transporting them to funeral homes and crematoriums, as well as delivering ashes to families, helping set up funerals, pallbearing, and a few other tasks. I’ve been looking to get into the funeral industry for a while but was heavily motivated by the passing of my own grandfather last year and the passion of the people who helped my mum and I organise everything for him.

What do I need to know about the industry in advance? What are some things that may help give me a leg up in the interview process as someone with limited relevant experience? Do you have any tips or tricks for someone wishing to get into the industry?

I have an old flame I wish to rekindle. We separated because of me (I broke it off due to a lot going on in my life, multiple deaths in the family in a short period of time, pre-existing depression, and my mother, father, and grandfather all suffering from severe health issues at the same time, I couldn’t cope). We have remained friendly, we have been apart for over a year now. I’ve done a lot of soul searching and therapy and have begun to love myself again. I still have my ups and downs but I can now manage my mental health, recognise when I’m struggling, and reach out, which is something I’ve never been able to do. Previously I’ve always just isolated myself until I reach rock bottom, and I’ve finally overcome that hurdle.

I have always loved him, and I feel he still loves me but doesn’t want to get involved again in case the same thing happens.

Lately I can’t get him out of my head. Every time I see a beautiful flower, a brook or a stream, I think of him. He appears in almost every dream I have. He’s been messaging me more.

Tonight I set up my altar. I collected all the momentos, keepsakes, and photos that I’ve kept of our relationship. I channeled all the energies and intentions I can. I’ve sealed our names, dried rose petals, and fresh honey into a jar topped with wax I’d been burning throughout the whole process. I set up everything on my windowsill in perfect view of the full moon. Our corresponding zodiac tarot cards (he is the Heirophant, I am Death) and of course, the Lovers. I’ve burned the sage we used to share. And I’m putting every ounce of my being and soul into what is not a love spell - but an intention. To communicate to him energetically how much I love and care for him. And if he still feels the same way - maybe he will sense and reciprocate that energy I’m putting out into the universe.