We need to talk about something important: part-time work.
If you're reading this, you might be considering reducing your hours, but you're worried about being seen as weak or not good enough.
We know this because we have this conversation often - and we are here to call BS on it.
At Vet Empowered, we've seen countless professionals in our community thrive after tweaking their work hours to suit their needs. So, let's bust some myths, explore the possibilities, and rewrite the narrative around part-time work in veterinary medicine.
Busting the Myths
Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room – the misconceptions about part-time work in the veterinary profession:
1. Myth: Part-time work is a sign of weakness.
Truth: Recognising your needs and setting boundaries is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Veterinary work is intense, five days is actually a LOT.
2. Myth: Only parents need part-time work.
Truth: Part-time work can benefit anyone, regardless of their family status. It's about creating a life that works for you. There doesn't need to be a specific reason - you might find lists such as caring responsibilities, chronic illness etc - but let us repeat: you don't need a reason.
3. Myth: You can't be a "real" vet if you're not full-time.
Truth: Your value as a professional isn't measured by the number of hours you work. This story needs putting in the bin.
4. Myth: Part-time vets aren't committed to their careers.
Truth: Choosing a schedule that allows you to show up as your best self is the ultimate commitment to your career and patients. This means you're in it for the long run.
5. Myth: You can't be a part-time new graduate vet
Truth: We've seen it work well. Yes, consistency is important when you start out, but when we say part time we aren't saying one month on, three months off. Regular, supportive and repetitive action grows our skills, and part time work gives plenty of opportunity for this.
Imagine if everyone who was considering leaving the profession due to burnout or overwhelm stayed and worked part-time instead. We'd retain so much valuable experience and knowledge in our field!
Identifying Your Resistances and Possibilities
Now, let's make this personal to you.
What's holding you back from considering part-time work? Is it fear of judgment? Financial concerns? Worry about career progression?
Take a moment to jot down your concerns. Remember rule one of journal club at Vet Empowered - ditch the judgement babe.
Now, flip the script.
What possibilities could part-time work open up for you?
More time for self-care?
Opportunity to pursue a side passion?
Improved work-life balance?
Here's a thought experiment: If your best friend came to you considering part-time work, what would you say to them?
Chances are, you'd be supportive and see all the potential benefits. Why not offer yourself the same kindness?
Considerations: Crunching the Numbers
Let's talk finances (and remember Vet Empowered founder Katie has another company to support you with this: VetYou).
Yes, dropping a day of work will more than likely impact your income.
But before you let that stop you, do the math:
What are your outgoings each month? Look through your statements and figure out your average monthly expenses.
Factor in any reduced expenses (e.g., less commuting costs, maybe less childcare or dog walking fees).
Use a tool such as The Salary Calculator to estimate how much money you might be on with a reduced rate. They have a tool to work out part time hours rate, but also take home after tax. (These are UK tools, FYI). Remember, this might be different when you've had the conversation but it gives a ballpark.
How do these figures match up? Considering the benefits of reduced hours or days too.
Remember, money is important, but it's not everything. What price would you put on improved mental health, more time with loved ones, or pursuing personal interests? Equally, we know financial pressures can add strains too - so let's be realistic.
Thinking Outside the Box
The world of work is changing, and veterinary medicine is no exception. Recent changes in UK law have made flexible working more accessible than ever before.
Be a creator not a waiter. You get to craft this!!
Check out the amazing work of Flexee and the changes they're making in vetmed. Empower yourself and be in the know with the law too. You're allowed to make your work fit you - whilst also considering our whole team too.
As of 2023, the UK government has introduced new legislation to make flexible working the default. Here are some key points:
Right to request from day one: Employees can now request flexible working from their first day of employment, rather than waiting 26 weeks.
More requests allowed: Employees can make two flexible working requests in any 12-month period, up from one.
Faster decision time: Employers must respond to requests within two months, down from three.
Consultation requirement: Employers must consult with the employee before rejecting a flexible working request.
No need to explain impact: Employees no longer need to explain how their flexible working might affect the business.
These changes aim to make flexible working more accessible and normalise it across all industries, including veterinary medicine.
Flexible Working Options
Flexible working isn't just about part time. Consider: how else could your working hours suit you better? Give yourself permission to explore, especially if dropping a day isn't financially possible.
With these legal changes in mind, here are some flexible working options to consider:
Part-time hours: Reduce your working hours while maintaining your role.
Compressed hours: Work full-time hours over fewer days. (You might find you can do 3 longer days)
Job sharing: Split a full-time role with another professional.
Remote work: Explore telemedicine or other remote opportunities. (Could you offer to provide a telemedicine service, or admin duties)
Flexible start/end times: Adjust your schedule to suit your peak productivity times. (Are you more of a morning person?)
Annualised hours: Work a set number of hours per year, distributed flexibly.
Remember, part-time doesn't always have to mean the traditional drop-a-day model. The new laws give you more freedom to propose creative solutions that work for both you and your practice.
Approaching the Conversation: Top Tips
Ready to have the part-time conversation with your employer?
Here are some tips to help you nail it:
Prepare your case: Sit and journal on how part-time work will benefit both you and the practice. Get clear, thank us later.
Focus on solutions: Come with ideas for how your responsibilities can be managed, show you've thought this through and give suggestions.
Be flexible: Show willingness to find a mutually beneficial arrangement, you have to continue to work together, afterall.
Highlight your value: Remind them of your contributions and commitment to the team, we know this feels different but own it!
Propose a trial period: Suggest a 3-6 month trial to demonstrate how well it can work, you don't have to, but many find value in this.
Stay optimistic: Frame it as an opportunity for growth and improved performance, not a step back.
Remember, you're not asking for permission to live your life. You're proposing a change that will allow you to bring your best self to work, in line with current employment laws designed to support work-life balance.
Why you going part-time can be a good thing for an employer
Pssst: you going part time isn't all bad for your employer. If you're an employer reading this, here's some insight too.
Increased productivity and reduced burnout. ❤️ Part-time employees often have improved focus and energy during their working hours, leading to higher productivity. They're also at lower risk of burnout, which means fewer sick days and better long-term retention.
Improved employee retention and satisfaction. ❤️ Offering flexible options keeps valuable team members who might otherwise leave the profession entirely. Happier employees provide better customer service and patient care, enhancing the overall quality of the practice.
Cost savings and financial flexibility ❤️ Reduced hours can mean savings on salaries and benefits for employers. It also allows for more agile responses to fluctuating workloads, potentially reducing overtime costs.
Extended operating hours ❤️ Part-time shifts can allow practices to offer extended or weekend hours without incurring full-time overtime costs, potentially attracting more clients and improving service availability.
Diverse talent pool and fresh perspectives ❤️ Part-time options attract a wider range of skilled professionals, including those who can't commit to full-time work. These employees often bring energy and new ideas from their other pursuits or interests, enriching the practice's capabilities and culture.
Let's face it, if our teams are resentful of the hours, they'll probably leave at some point. Wouldn't you rather they stay and be happy?
Rewriting the Narrative
It's time to change the story around part-time work in veterinary medicine.
In the NHS, most professionals are doing 3 long shifts per week, or 4 days on and 3 off. It's not uncommon for 5 days per week in vetmed, and it's not cool.
You're not less dedicated for wanting balance. You're not failing for recognising your needs. You're a badass for taking control of your career and life!
Part-time work isn't about doing less. It's about creating space to be more – more present, more fulfilled, more you. It's about sustainability in a profession that demands so much of us. It's about redefining success on your own terms.
Imagine a veterinary profession where professionals feel empowered to design their ideal work life. Where burnout is reduced because people feel in control of their schedules. Where diversity thrives because the profession is accessible to people with varying needs and life circumstances.
That's the future we're working towards at Vet Empowered, and we invite you to be part of it.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Check out this fantastic negotiation webinar for more tips on having these important conversations from VetYou.
Remember, you've got this! Whether you decide to pursue part-time work or not, what matters is that you're consciously choosing a path that aligns with your values and needs.
Here's to creating a veterinary profession that works for everyone – full-time, part-time, and everything in between!
Want to figure out more about how Vet Empowered and coaching can help you? Download our PDF guide here.
Also catch up on the collaborative webinar series we did with Management for Locums, where we talk about about Confident Conversations.
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