Settling Down

[ladysprite]

A couple of years ago, when I started doing relief work, I had a way that I explained it to myself. I had been in a couple of bad relationships, employee/employer-wise, and I wasn't ready to be a one-practice girl at that point. I had been burned, and I needed to date around and think about myself, and I didn't want to commit to a steady relationship.

And that's exactly what I did. I love being a relief vet - I get to set my own hours, I make my own schedule, I get paid pretty darn well, and I take as many days off as I like. I don't have to deal with office politics. If I don't like a clinic, I just don't go back. I don't have to worry about scheduling or team issues, and each clinic I go to has something new to teach me - I feel like the Johny Appleseed of veterinary tips and tricks.

However, relief work also means getting tossed in the deep end almost every day. I hop into cases midstream, and when I do start a case I rarely get to find out how it ends - and with my personality and mindset, this means that I spend a lot of time worrying about possible mistakes, with no release or reassurance. I sometimes wind up working in non-ideal settings, with below-standard supplies, staff, and equipment, and to at least some extent I have to tailor my style of medicine to match the practice and the clientele instead of working at my own level. I'm almost always working alone. And, most of all, I miss having *my* patients, and *my* clients. I miss seeing them grow up, and I miss being Dr. Becky, and I miss the cards and cookies.

This was all just an intellectual exercise, though, since I figured I'd never really find just the right practice. Until, of course, I did. I've been filling in at one particular practice for about 6 months now, once a week, and I've fallen in love with it. The other doctor there practices good medicine, the support staff are wonderful, the clients are sweet, the facilities are good, and we mesh incredibly well as a team. It's not perfect, which I don't mind - I've learned not to trust perfection - but I know where their rough spots are, and they know where mine are, and they've asked me repeatedly to join their team. And, finally, I've said yes.

So, as of next month, I'm going to be working full-time at one practice again. It's a risk; it may not work out, and it'll mean making less money and working more hours. But I'm looking forward to following through on my own cases, and knowing each day that I'm going to a clinic I like, and being part of a team again. And, to be honest, if it doesn't work I know I have a big, comfy safety net to fall into.

I'm excited, and scared, and I can't wait to start.

Comments

[madamruppy.livejournal.com]

That sounds so woderful. Hugs for you!

[pixel.livejournal.com]

Sounds awesome, best of luck!

[wren13.livejournal.com]

Awesome news! Email me with the details - I'm so psyched for you!

[catalana.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! I hope it works out great!

[barbarakitten-t.livejournal.com]

the cats and i send best blessings to you and your new team...

[suzilem.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! I hope that this opportunity turns out to be everything you wish for.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Very cool! Hope it works out for you. Where is it?

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

Fantastic scary fantastic. Good luck, dearheart. [hugs]

[hermitgeecko.livejournal.com]

Yay!

Tell me where and when, and I'll bring you my bunny.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

I emailed you with the info last week - if you didn't get the message, let me know and I'll send it again.

[hermitgeecko.livejournal.com]

How royally annoying -- it didn't reach me. I even checked my spam folder, and you can tell I care when I wade through Viagra ads.

[iamjw.livejournal.com]

Excited and scared is, IMO, the best place to be when starting something new. Congratulations. I hope this is all you want it to be.

[flowing-dancer.livejournal.com]

Hooray! I understand. I did contract work for many years, I have now settled into a permanent position.

CONGRATULATIONS!

[jiggliusceasar.livejournal.com]

I'm Saru-chan, and I approve this message.

*but only because I don't think about vets and stuff until I'm actually out of the house*

[ausir.livejournal.com]

Congrats and good luck!

[dreda.livejournal.com]

Yay! Good luck! (Sleipnir approves.)

[wcg.livejournal.com]

Wishing you all the best.

[pagawne.livejournal.com]

What he said. With happy hugs on the side.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Congratulations, and good luck!

[evcelt.livejournal.com]

Really hope it works out- sounds great!

You know, if we lived closer together, monsteralice and I would want you as our vet...

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

You mean you're not willing to drive eight hours just for a rabies vaccine? I'm heartbroken....

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! Good luck! Success!

[redfishie.livejournal.com]

yay you!

[jducoeur]

Congrats! Sounds like it'll be good...

[chaiya.livejournal.com]

I, too, want to know where you're practicing. We've been going to Porter Square Vet, which is okay, but I'm always looking for options if you're not too far away.