If you do go for it (and I like everyone else thinks you should), you are not married to this practice. Especially as the associate, you should allow yourself the freedom to leave if it really doesn't work for you. There is the underlying assumption that because the vets you are replacing considered it their lives, you must as well. It might become this. It might not. Take the opportunity as an opportunity, not as a limitation. Don't worry yourself with musts and shoulds. It isn't good to live must-y and heavy should-ered.