Veterinarians are passionate people. To complete the rigorous coursework and extracurriculars needed to get into veterinary school, intrinsic drive is critical. I remember the first day of clinics in veterinary school very vividly and I remember the excitement that came with it. I know I am not the only one who remembers this. Fast forward the years since vet school graduation – do you feel the same passion as you did on that first day of clinical rotations? Based on the constant conversation about burnout, compassion fatigue, and poor work-life balance, I would say many veterinarians do not feel that same excitement. Veterinarians are tired!
I’m not here to focus on the negatives of the profession, but rather to show you that you can stop hitting that snooze button on your career and reinvigorate yourself and that passion you once possessed. Burnout and career dissatisfaction do not have to be the norm, but we all need to take charge to correct it. We as veterinarians need to find ways to keep ourselves engaged in, not only our personal growth, but the growth of the entire profession.
Monotony is my personal kryptonite. Let’s be honest… as practicing veterinarians, 90% of the stuff we see daily is the same. To be fulfilled in my career, I needed continued opportunity for advancement. I think for all of us, this advancement can come in different ways. For me, this was pursuing business ownership and growing practices that not only helped more pets and owners but provided a platform for others to continue their growth. Whether technicians, client service representatives, kennel staff, or veterinarians, I am passionate about seeing others flourish and aid in the betterment of the industry. This drive to better the veterinary profession is what has led me to found True Vet Potential (TVP). Entrepreneurship is the caffeine that keeps me awake!
Identify the Root of the Problem
What invigorates you? This is a question I cannot answer. However, I can help you discover what it is by asking you the right questions. Is there an aspect of veterinary medicine that you find exciting and you want to pursue more? I’ve discussed finding a niche in previous blog posts and podcasts. Not only is a niche a great way to grow your career, but it is a great way to restore excitement. Is your current workplace invested in you and your growth? If not, this can be an emotional drain. Maybe it’s time to find a new hospital that supports you in what you see valuable. No matter what the drain is for you, identify the source of the emotional drain and address it.
BE THE CHANGE! Take Charge!
The best way to boost your career and reinvigorate your passion is to take control. If you’ve read my blogs or listened to my podcast appearances, it is no surprise that I would tell you to BE YOUR OWN BOSS! You don’t have to always go searching for your dream career: you can create it! By having an entrepreneurial drive, not only can you create your dream job, but you can help forge other people’s paths by creating a workplace that promotes creativity, innovation, a team-focused positive culture, and so much more! This may sound amazing, but what holds so many of us back from starting our own businesses? Is it fear of failure? Concern about debt? Does it seem like too much work? Whatever the reason, becoming an entrepreneurial minded veterinary professional can be your wakeup call. It was mine and continues to be what I look forward to doing every day. There is nothing like the feeling of looking back on something that you have built and see the good it does for you, your team, and your community.
True Vet Potential is here to help ease the burden of starting your own practice! Whether you want to take the plunge solo, or team up with us, we are here to help. As the message of TVP expands, see how we look to change the narrative on what veterinary practice ownership looks like. Schedule a call with us or reach out to us here. BUT most importantly, stay tuned for what TVP is up to next in PHASE 2 of our growth!