Unfortunately there are more cons than pros.
Management is so stressed about producing enough money for the month that they will do anything to help cut costs at the office.
I was hired a full time employee and after 5 months promoted to lead assistant for a new office.
My first office had been open for 5 years and was doing pretty alright. However I would be sent to lunch for 2-3 hours many times a week. I wouldn't even be able to clean if there was down time. I was always told to clock off.
My second office was even worse and it was a different office manager. I was the lead and was hired to work full time. It started off great working 5 days a week and getting about 38 hours a week (never getting overtime). Then I was told I had to drop down to 4 days a week. For three months the office was so slow that I was working less than 25 hours a week. Many times I got 20 hours or less. I was taking long lunches, being sent home for the day because there are not enough patients for two assistants and even getting texts early in the morning saying I'm off or dont come in til 1. I sat down with the office manager and told her how much I was struggling with money and I really need to get at least 30 hours a week. I said there is always something that can be done when there is a break in the schedule but she told me that there was nothing she could do to help. If there aren't patients I can't be clocked on.
I have now left the office and they are still very slow.
Not only did I struggle with hours but also pay. I was hired on at 12.50 as a D.A. When I got promoted to Lead D.A it took 3 months to get a raise of 1 dollar. 2 months after that corporate sent out an email of minimum wages for each position and stated that everyone must be making the minimum. I was suppose to be hired at 13 as a D.A and should have been raised to 15.50 when I got promoted to lead D.A. I contacted my office manager and she tried to pretend she didn't know what I was talking about. Then said we would meet and discuss it. It then took one month for that raise to be on my check.
Most offices are opening on saturdays which makes having a weekend hard for most. You will work different hours everyday.
Overall I would suggest working for private practice. I am at a private office now and I am making more and guaranteed hours even if the doctor is out of town. The environment is so much more relaxed and welcoming. The doctor is amazing. I was provided scrubs for free and great bonus system and benefits. The office is even more involved with events for other doctors and the community. Could not be happier.
