I was a vet tech during my summers at college. Graduated with a BS in Biology. Went back to teching. Worked as a chemist at a major pharmacology company. Went to work as a surgical vet tech. Got burn out from all the stress and decided to go to grooming school. I'm SO much happier now and don't have any where near as much stress as I had in the past. I enjoy going to work and don't count the seconds until its time for me to leave. I groom all breeds, big to small, puppy to senior, sweet to aggressive, submissive to stubborn ass (lol), etc... Plus I now have a mentor that is teaching me the "zen of hand plucking" terrier coats, which i am loving.
I'll be honest with you, if you are in any way intimidated by dogs or afraid of being bit, then this is not for you. The dogs will walk all over your if you let them. When i was at school there were two people that decided to go to grooming school because they loved dogs and wanted to have fun with puppies all day.
they didn't last a week. The dogs totally took advantage of them because they did not know how to handle dogs properly.
Also, I wouldn't choose petco or petsmart as one of my first choices for training. Check your area for grooming schools. There are quite a few out there now. There is also a great grooming forum with lots of knowledgeable people who can give you advise too. There is a grooming convention this weekend in NJ so the forum may not be as busy as usual.