"Should I leave clinical vet practice?"
If you've found yourself reading this, chances are you're feeling frustrated or unfulfilled in your current clinical veterinary role.
At Vet Empowered, we understand these feelings well.
We have helped many people who have been where you are, and we're here to help you navigate this challenging period with compassion and clarity.
Let's also be real, we can't give everything in a whole blog post - this would turn into a novel. We want this to be an awesome starting point.
Your Value Extends Beyond Your Job Title
First and foremost, it's crucial to remember that your worth isn't tied to your job title or clinical role. It's understandable why it would feel that way, as often we have been praised repeatedly for being a vet or a vet nurse by those we love. We've also often worked our entire lives towards this career.
A reminder: You are a unique individual with talents, passions, and potential that extend far beyond the clinic walls. Veterinary medicine (and nursing) is a profession and a degree, but it doesn't have to define your entire identity.
It's perfectly acceptable to explore other options and redefine what success means to you.
Recognising Burnout - Leaving Clinical Practice
Before making any significant career decisions, it's important to consider whether you might be experiencing burnout. Burnout is a prevalent issue in our profession and can significantly impact your perspective on your career.
Signs of burnout include:
Emotional exhaustion and physical fatigue
Cynicism or detachment from work
Reduced sense of accomplishment
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Physical symptoms like headaches or sleep disturbances
If you identify with these symptoms, it may be beneficial to take a step back and reassess your current situation. Consider seeking support, taking some time off or implementing new self-care strategies before making any major career decisions - remember, overcoming burnout is as much about work-based and team strategies as it is for individuals.
Learn more about burnout here, or speak with your GP.
Clarifying Your Career Goals Before Leaving Clinical Vet Practice
When contemplating a career change, it's crucial to consider both the factors pushing you away from your current role and those pulling you towards new opportunities.
Grab a pen and paper, and reflect on previous roles, whether inside of outside of vetmed. What did you love about them? What would you rather leave behind?
Push factors might include:
Long hours and poor work-life balance
Emotional stress from difficult cases or client interactions
Physical demands of the job
Feeling undervalued or underpaid
Driving long hours for work
Pull factors could be:
Desire for more creativity or innovation
Interest in applying your skills differently (e.g., research, education, industry)
Passion for a specific area (e.g., animal welfare, public health)
Need for more flexibility or autonomy
Feeling to be part of a team
Understanding these factors will help you make decisions that align with your values and goals.
An important question: Could anything change about your current job role that would make you feel differently about it?
If there's something that comes to mind, could you consider having a conversation about it with your line manager?
We speak to lots of managers who sadly share that things shared at exit interviews could actually have been changed in the conversation had ever been had.
(Psst... the vast majority of people on the Vet Empowered Signature Programme never actually change their job role. Make of that what you will!)
Exploring Different Clinical Roles
Before deciding to leave clinical practice entirely, it's worth considering that not all clinical roles are the same. Your dissatisfaction might be with your current work environment rather than veterinary medicine itself. Every clinic is different - please don't let social media persuade you otherwise. There are plenty of very satisfied, fulfilled humans in vetmed with sustainable careers that they love.
Consider exploring:
Different species or practice types (e.g. charity work, mobile veterinary clinics, telehealth)
Locum work for increased flexibility
Roles with varied responsibilities (e.g., more surgery, less consulting or vice versa)
Practices with different cultures or management styles (what is most important to you?)
What are other practices in the area like?
A change in your clinical role might reignite your passion for veterinary medicine.
Reflection Exercises
To gain clarity on your career aspirations, try the following journaling prompts:
What aspects of veterinary medicine do I still find fulfilling?
If I could design my ideal workday, what would it look like? What insights does that give?
What skills and strengths am I not fully utilising in my current role?
When do I feel most energised and engaged in my work?
What would I pursue professionally if I knew I couldn't fail?
Read back over the answers you gave to the prompts, what insights do they give you?
These exercises can help you connect with your authentic self and identify what truly matters to you professionally.
The Power of Networking
If you're considering a career change, networking can be an invaluable tool. Connecting with others who have made similar transitions can provide insights, inspiration, and potential job opportunities.
To expand your network:
Join professional veterinary groups on social media
Attend industry events and conferences
Reach out to alumni from your veterinary school
Connect with professionals in fields of interest on LinkedIn
Don't hesitate to request informational interviews or casual chats. Many professionals are willing to share their experiences and advice.
Releasing Judgment and Embracing Exploration
As you contemplate your career options, it's crucial to release any self judgment or pressure about what others might think.
Your career path is unique to you, and what works for one person may not be the right path for another.
It's cool — and very beneficial — to have an exploration phase where you're not entirely sure what your next step will be.
This period of uncertainty can be a valuable time for self-discovery and growth. Allow yourself the space to explore different options, try new things, and gather information without the pressure of having to make an immediate decision.
Remember, it's okay not to have all the answers right away. By giving yourself permission to explore and learn, you're more likely to find a path that truly resonates with you. Trust in your ability to navigate this process, and know that clarity often comes with time and experience.
Taking the Next Step with Vet Empowered
Navigating a career transition can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone.
At Vet Empowered, we specialise in helping veterinary professionals reconnect with their authentic selves. We coach you as whole humans, where you job role fits into part of that, but not all of it.
Our Vet Empowered Signature Programme is designed to help you gain clarity, boost your confidence, and take aligned action towards your goals. Whether you decide to stay in clinical practice or explore new horizons, we're here to support you.
As part of the programme, we offer a comprehensive Career Creator Workbook, packed with exercises and prompts to guide you through your career journey. This resource can be invaluable in helping you navigate your professional path.
Remember, you have the power to create a career that aligns with your values, passions, and aspirations. Whatever you decide, know that your experiences and skills as a veterinary professional are valuable and transferable.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career journey, we invite you to reach out. Contact us at hello@vetempowered.com or visit the Vet Empowered Signature Programme page for more information on how we can support you.
Want to know more about coaching? Nab our free PDF guide here.
Your future is bright, and we're here to help you navigate towards it.
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