Big/Little

[ladysprite]

I've always worked in big veterinary clinics, ever since I graduated - at my first job I was one of seven vets at the hospital, and at my second I was one of four. Even when I was by myself at the clinic, I knew that I was part of a team. Someone else was almost always available to help out with an extra hand, or advice from a similar case that they had treated, or a moment to look at test results and offer their interpretation. There was also a kind of cowardly but comforting anonymity in being part of something so big, a knowledge that I didn't need to worry about setting policy or determining protocols because they would already be figured out for me by bosses and associates who had come before me.

Now I have an opportunity in front of me, and it bears no resemblance to anything I've ever done before. There's a clinic, not too far from my house, where the current vets are both retiring. The owners are looking for two new vets, one to be chief of staff and one associate. The vet they're likely to hire as chief of staff is a friend of mine, and they've offered me the job as associate.

I know I can work with the other vet; we've worked together as associates in the same clinic before. She's a fun person and a good doctor, and she practices sound medicine. The facillities aren't bad, and they're being renovated. The compensation package is nice, the hours are okay, and the location is good. But I've never been part of something so small before, and I've never been in a position where I'd have such free rein.

She and I would be the practice, more or less. We'd set our own policies, practice our own medicine, make our own hospital. In so many ways, this is wonderful; at the same time, it's terrifying. There's safety and comfort in being just a cog in someone else's big hospital, and not having to make any clinic-wide decisions, and having rules set for you. The medicine aspect is a little scary, too - we'd be on our own, without a handful of others to poke their heads in on our cases and comment and help and debate.

I know I'm a good doctor, and I know I don't need the safety net of half a dozen colleagues, but that doesn't stop me from wanting it. If I can get past my wembling and worrying, I think this could be a very good opportunity. I can't help fretting, though, about what might happen if it doesn't work out. I've been burned twice in a short time, and I don't want it to happen again. On the other hand, I'm probably going to be distrustful of any opportunity that presents itself to me. On the other other hand, I'm still getting other offers. So far none of them quite match this, but I've got two more interviews this week.

I keep thinking of more reasons to go for it, and more reasons not to. I'm running out of other hands, and I need to make a decision soon.....

Comments

[sdavido.livejournal.com]

Sounds a bit frightening, but ideal. I'd say go for it, as long as you have someone look over the financial aspects.

Good luck! Let us know when you have the opening!