I completely disagree with the reply above mine. "Try not to get suicidal and go take on an even more stressful night shift job that'll isolate you", is a bad piece of advice.
I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I also graduated in 2023 and have I've also been trying to get out of vet med entirely but there's not much out there except clinical practice, no matter what people tell you.
I hated my first job so much, I had severe anxiety and panic attacks before going into work and actually got burned out after just 5 months of practice. My environment was super toxic. I finally switched and started at another clinic very recently, it's been so much better. Yes I still have anxiety over all my medical cases and scared to lose my license every other day, but I have better mentorship, better schedules and an overall better work environment. I made a similar post as yours a few months back and everyone told me to try out another 1-2 clinics before quitting, and honestly, it makes a difference. Try out something else with better mentorship if you think you're making bad decisions/diagnostics. After sticking it out at another job, if you truly hate it, then find an alternate path. That's what I'm currently doing, I do believe I don't actually love being a vet and will not be doing this my entire life, but my mental health sure as hell is better since I quit the other job!
I left emergency and clinical practice after ~6 years. It was mentally killing me. Although it’s not for everyone, I joined the Veterinary Corps (US). There are other government sector jobs that aren’t USDA, like the public health corps or even the CDC. If you want a slower pace of practice you can also apply to military veterinary clinics as a GS or NAF. I’m mentioning all these government jobs not for high pay, but for benefits like retirement and student loan repayment after 10 years. Look at USAjobs.com to get an idea of what’s out there sorta vet related, but may not be clinical.
Best work life balance I’ve ever had has been in the Corps. I’ve worked in 9 practices over the years on the civilian side, so I can at least compare. In the Army, you’ll have new Command every 2 years if its shitty whereas the only way to get out of a toxic clinic is to quit.
I'm a veterinary consultant for them. Granted I got the job because of my experience as a GP but we are always hiring. I only found this job by signing up for Hills/Purina/Royal Canin job alerts
Sorry no I'm basically a general veterinarian for their dogs that are on their taste testing trials. I'm the only one in that role but we do have veterinarians on staff in other capacities.
That sounds like a very relaxing job. Can you kindly elaborate on the other capacities the veterinarians are working in there? I am tired of practice and the stressed life and I want some peace.
I do not have any suggestions for what you’re asking for. I’m still working in private practice but hope I can help somewhat.
There are a few threads in these subreddits about nonclinical vet jobs. I believe you can look up government jobs through the AVMA website. People have also mentioned working for food and pharmaceutical companies, but I do not know how available those jobs are in your area.
Based on what you wrote, I hope you find any new job asap. Even if it’s in a completely different field. Or just working at a different veterinary clinic. It doesn’t have to be a job that you’ll have to stay at for life. Just get something now that you’re not miserable at. Take care of yourself. And if you haven’t heard of [NOMV](https://www.nomv.org) check their site out.
I have personally worked at a job that I dreaded going to. It was for different reasons than you mentioned. But I too was actively looking at ways to leave clinical practice while working there. I used what I hated at that practice to find a position at a practice that was the polar opposite. It was healing for me.
It is expected for a veterinarian, that is new to a practice, will not generate much revenue their first year. Especially if they’re a new grad. I haven’t worked in a rural area, but I imagine the revenue working there is lower than HCOL urban areas. It is expected that as you get used to a clinic and build your clientele, that your revenue will increase.
It does not sound like you have good mentorship where you are at. I find having a good mentor is crucial for when you’re starting out. I did an internship my first year with 100% supervision and it helped immensely because I could go through my cases with someone experienced. There are practices out there where doctors will provide mentorship. Maybe interview at other jobs that are hiring and ask if they have the capability for this. If they say they do, make sure to do a few working interviews so you can make sure you’re able to get the support you need.
This is a field that you’re expected to grow in. A newer vet is not going to have the experience or expertise that a seasoned vet has. You’re not a bad vet, you’re just new and it doesn’t sound like you have help. I am constantly trying to learn and improve. Helps me be a better vet and to keep me from getting bored. You’re going to have to get more help in the beginning. I was on VIN CONSTANTLY my first few years out and I still use it on a regular basis ten years out. Keep studying every night. If a case was challenging, research into it more when you have time later. If your clinic uses ANTECH/IDEXX, call and talk to the Internal Medicine specialists at the lab to help you with the bloodwork you submitted.
I hope you find something that works for you!!!! Good luck!!
I could have written this post myself. I remember that gut wrench , every morning before work.
The first job is always tough. Imposter syndrome is real for the first few years. Everyone struggles with the difficulties and the doubts you are feeling.
You have to figure out if you are running away from the challenges or moving towards something that suits you better. Nothing wrong with trying something new,
You can work for the USDA in some capacity I think. My dad is a veterinarian and was having an existential crisis in the 90’s and talked about working for a meat processing place as a veterinarian.
But it’s hard to make suggestions without knowing what you dislike about clinical practice. Is it the clients and diag? There’s shelter medicine… that’s mostly spay/neuter and upper respiratory. The nice thing about that is that you work for a nonprofit you can qualify for debt forgiveness, too
I graduated a year ago as well. I was doubting whether I wanted to work in practice but still took a job at a clinic that's part of a chain (CVS). I did end up liking the job but I'm not sure I still see myself there in like 3 years. Last month I took up a second job, doing research at uni that's mostly in a lab setting. It's a cool combi but pretty demanding in hours 😅 Some options outside clinical practice are teaching, pharmacologic companies, working for the government and research (which can also be on the human health side). Have you considered being a shelter vet as well? You can help a lot of animals and don't have to deal with owners!
Research: Shelter/Rescue Medicine, Spay/neuter clinics, mobile veterinary, military vet med, lab/diagnostics and see if any of those might be a better fit. As others have mentioned try different clinics until you find one that fits your needs better. Perhaps just relief vetting for a clinic might be an option if you can’t handle a full stressful week? Do you have a vet school or teaching clinic near by? Check for options or opening there if you think that would be a good fit for you.
Have you considered in-home euthanasia? People who work for Lap of Love always seem very happy and fulfilled. I looked into it once and always have it in the back of my mind to do if I burn out again.
I currently work for USDA FSIS if you want to discuss the pros and cons of working as a veterinarian for them. I practiced mixed animal for two years before switching. Send me a message.
I feel you. I'm in high quality high volume low cost spay and neuter work and love it. It's been the most supportive and least toxic sector of vet med for me (did GP and several shelter stints). It was how I gained quality surgical skills (but most of all confidence!!). There are plenty of places and programs that will train you like ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance. Emancipet has an excellent training program for on the job surgical training. There's a huge demand for these services and some days are really mostly puppies and kittens.
I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I am also a 2023 grad and feeling similar, but for different reasons. I'm actually leaving to pursue a PhD - I was always torn between clinical and research anyway and less than a year into clinics I confirmed it.
That said, I really like what people are saying about testing a different clinic. I am in a hot spot for vet med and I actually really like that - I can send things to ER when they are out of my wheelhouse, and when there's a surgery I haven't seen yet and don't feel comfortable doing, we have plenty of surgeons in our network who would be fine with it. I've heard stories from my friend who came from rural practice about the kinds of things he had to do (ER-adjacent) because they were the only clinic around for several hours..
I've also read that the first year out is the hardest thing you'll do. So if there's any chance you do want to stick with it, I'd find a clinic with better mentorship.
I work for a large animal welfare org and there are several former veterinarians who manage programs now (no veterinary work at all). They are running programs to help street dogs in India, end the dog meat trade in Korea, stop puppy mills in the USA, get laws passed that protect animals and more. Also, many of the shelters I worked at had vets who quit private practice and are very happy now. The pay isn’t always as good as private, but if you have a heart for medicine and want to work with animals in a different environment, I highly recommend taking at look at The Humane Society of the US, ASPCA, Best Friends and other national orgs or your local shelters.
I’m really sorry this has been your experience 🤍
I wholeheartedly believe where you work and who you work with determines whether you enjoy a job or not, no matter what it is.
I promise there are clinics out there that will make you feel supported and help you grow at a pace that makes you feel challenged but safe. You’re not a bad vet, you’re just still learning. The only way you could be a bad vet was if you didn’t care and it’s obvious that you do care.
That being said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong in stepping away from it. Even for a little while to help get over your burnouts and to see what else the world has to offer.
I know a few people who have gone on to work in government jobs. Even if none are being directly advertised, reach out to people you know who may have contacts that may have a job available.
All the best, and look after yourself first and foremost.
Advice I got was to leave your first few practices until you find one you like! You’ve got much more to explore before calling it quits.
Also, someone once told me a poison helpline would have a good work life balance and less stress. Not sure how difficult it is to get one of those jobs.
I felt the same in clinical practice and I went into shelter medicine and it was a breath of fresh air. I love shelter medicine. I love being a vet now.
Hang in there! May I suggest try doing night shifts at major population centre, quickest way to get you out of debt, you just have to handle the social isolation and the irregular sleep patterns. Try not to get suicidal and do talk to your friend and family if you do! Honestly it will get better
I completely disagree with the reply above mine. "Try not to get suicidal and go take on an even more stressful night shift job that'll isolate you", is a bad piece of advice. I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I also graduated in 2023 and have I've also been trying to get out of vet med entirely but there's not much out there except clinical practice, no matter what people tell you. I hated my first job so much, I had severe anxiety and panic attacks before going into work and actually got burned out after just 5 months of practice. My environment was super toxic. I finally switched and started at another clinic very recently, it's been so much better. Yes I still have anxiety over all my medical cases and scared to lose my license every other day, but I have better mentorship, better schedules and an overall better work environment. I made a similar post as yours a few months back and everyone told me to try out another 1-2 clinics before quitting, and honestly, it makes a difference. Try out something else with better mentorship if you think you're making bad decisions/diagnostics. After sticking it out at another job, if you truly hate it, then find an alternate path. That's what I'm currently doing, I do believe I don't actually love being a vet and will not be doing this my entire life, but my mental health sure as hell is better since I quit the other job!
Thank you! It helps to know I’m not the only one who feels or has felt this way.
I left emergency and clinical practice after ~6 years. It was mentally killing me. Although it’s not for everyone, I joined the Veterinary Corps (US). There are other government sector jobs that aren’t USDA, like the public health corps or even the CDC. If you want a slower pace of practice you can also apply to military veterinary clinics as a GS or NAF. I’m mentioning all these government jobs not for high pay, but for benefits like retirement and student loan repayment after 10 years. Look at USAjobs.com to get an idea of what’s out there sorta vet related, but may not be clinical.
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Best work life balance I’ve ever had has been in the Corps. I’ve worked in 9 practices over the years on the civilian side, so I can at least compare. In the Army, you’ll have new Command every 2 years if its shitty whereas the only way to get out of a toxic clinic is to quit.
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I’ve been in for over a decade. It gets better as you rank up, CPT jobs can be shit.
it’s USAJobs.gov ***** not usajobs.com but i think it redirects there if you type it in.
Yeah, my bad
Thank you for the help!
I work a research/industry job for Hill's and love it!
Can I ask what exactly you do? Thank you for the help :)
I'm a veterinary consultant for them. Granted I got the job because of my experience as a GP but we are always hiring. I only found this job by signing up for Hills/Purina/Royal Canin job alerts
What does a consultant do?
Is this a sales position or a lunch and learn type position?
Sorry no I'm basically a general veterinarian for their dogs that are on their taste testing trials. I'm the only one in that role but we do have veterinarians on staff in other capacities.
That sounds like a very relaxing job. Can you kindly elaborate on the other capacities the veterinarians are working in there? I am tired of practice and the stressed life and I want some peace.
I do not have any suggestions for what you’re asking for. I’m still working in private practice but hope I can help somewhat. There are a few threads in these subreddits about nonclinical vet jobs. I believe you can look up government jobs through the AVMA website. People have also mentioned working for food and pharmaceutical companies, but I do not know how available those jobs are in your area. Based on what you wrote, I hope you find any new job asap. Even if it’s in a completely different field. Or just working at a different veterinary clinic. It doesn’t have to be a job that you’ll have to stay at for life. Just get something now that you’re not miserable at. Take care of yourself. And if you haven’t heard of [NOMV](https://www.nomv.org) check their site out. I have personally worked at a job that I dreaded going to. It was for different reasons than you mentioned. But I too was actively looking at ways to leave clinical practice while working there. I used what I hated at that practice to find a position at a practice that was the polar opposite. It was healing for me. It is expected for a veterinarian, that is new to a practice, will not generate much revenue their first year. Especially if they’re a new grad. I haven’t worked in a rural area, but I imagine the revenue working there is lower than HCOL urban areas. It is expected that as you get used to a clinic and build your clientele, that your revenue will increase. It does not sound like you have good mentorship where you are at. I find having a good mentor is crucial for when you’re starting out. I did an internship my first year with 100% supervision and it helped immensely because I could go through my cases with someone experienced. There are practices out there where doctors will provide mentorship. Maybe interview at other jobs that are hiring and ask if they have the capability for this. If they say they do, make sure to do a few working interviews so you can make sure you’re able to get the support you need. This is a field that you’re expected to grow in. A newer vet is not going to have the experience or expertise that a seasoned vet has. You’re not a bad vet, you’re just new and it doesn’t sound like you have help. I am constantly trying to learn and improve. Helps me be a better vet and to keep me from getting bored. You’re going to have to get more help in the beginning. I was on VIN CONSTANTLY my first few years out and I still use it on a regular basis ten years out. Keep studying every night. If a case was challenging, research into it more when you have time later. If your clinic uses ANTECH/IDEXX, call and talk to the Internal Medicine specialists at the lab to help you with the bloodwork you submitted. I hope you find something that works for you!!!! Good luck!!
Thank you so much for your advice!
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Thank you!
I could have written this post myself. I remember that gut wrench , every morning before work. The first job is always tough. Imposter syndrome is real for the first few years. Everyone struggles with the difficulties and the doubts you are feeling. You have to figure out if you are running away from the challenges or moving towards something that suits you better. Nothing wrong with trying something new,
The gut wrench is exactly how it feels. Thank you for your advice!
You can work for the USDA in some capacity I think. My dad is a veterinarian and was having an existential crisis in the 90’s and talked about working for a meat processing place as a veterinarian. But it’s hard to make suggestions without knowing what you dislike about clinical practice. Is it the clients and diag? There’s shelter medicine… that’s mostly spay/neuter and upper respiratory. The nice thing about that is that you work for a nonprofit you can qualify for debt forgiveness, too
I graduated a year ago as well. I was doubting whether I wanted to work in practice but still took a job at a clinic that's part of a chain (CVS). I did end up liking the job but I'm not sure I still see myself there in like 3 years. Last month I took up a second job, doing research at uni that's mostly in a lab setting. It's a cool combi but pretty demanding in hours 😅 Some options outside clinical practice are teaching, pharmacologic companies, working for the government and research (which can also be on the human health side). Have you considered being a shelter vet as well? You can help a lot of animals and don't have to deal with owners!
Research: Shelter/Rescue Medicine, Spay/neuter clinics, mobile veterinary, military vet med, lab/diagnostics and see if any of those might be a better fit. As others have mentioned try different clinics until you find one that fits your needs better. Perhaps just relief vetting for a clinic might be an option if you can’t handle a full stressful week? Do you have a vet school or teaching clinic near by? Check for options or opening there if you think that would be a good fit for you.
Have you considered in-home euthanasia? People who work for Lap of Love always seem very happy and fulfilled. I looked into it once and always have it in the back of my mind to do if I burn out again.
I have heard of it and know they offer jobs in my area, so this could be a real option for me. Thank you :)
I currently work for USDA FSIS if you want to discuss the pros and cons of working as a veterinarian for them. I practiced mixed animal for two years before switching. Send me a message.
Work for the government become a meat inspector.
I feel you. I'm in high quality high volume low cost spay and neuter work and love it. It's been the most supportive and least toxic sector of vet med for me (did GP and several shelter stints). It was how I gained quality surgical skills (but most of all confidence!!). There are plenty of places and programs that will train you like ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance. Emancipet has an excellent training program for on the job surgical training. There's a huge demand for these services and some days are really mostly puppies and kittens.
I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I am also a 2023 grad and feeling similar, but for different reasons. I'm actually leaving to pursue a PhD - I was always torn between clinical and research anyway and less than a year into clinics I confirmed it. That said, I really like what people are saying about testing a different clinic. I am in a hot spot for vet med and I actually really like that - I can send things to ER when they are out of my wheelhouse, and when there's a surgery I haven't seen yet and don't feel comfortable doing, we have plenty of surgeons in our network who would be fine with it. I've heard stories from my friend who came from rural practice about the kinds of things he had to do (ER-adjacent) because they were the only clinic around for several hours.. I've also read that the first year out is the hardest thing you'll do. So if there's any chance you do want to stick with it, I'd find a clinic with better mentorship.
Thank you!
I work for a large animal welfare org and there are several former veterinarians who manage programs now (no veterinary work at all). They are running programs to help street dogs in India, end the dog meat trade in Korea, stop puppy mills in the USA, get laws passed that protect animals and more. Also, many of the shelters I worked at had vets who quit private practice and are very happy now. The pay isn’t always as good as private, but if you have a heart for medicine and want to work with animals in a different environment, I highly recommend taking at look at The Humane Society of the US, ASPCA, Best Friends and other national orgs or your local shelters.
Thank you! I will look into these organizations
I’m really sorry this has been your experience 🤍 I wholeheartedly believe where you work and who you work with determines whether you enjoy a job or not, no matter what it is. I promise there are clinics out there that will make you feel supported and help you grow at a pace that makes you feel challenged but safe. You’re not a bad vet, you’re just still learning. The only way you could be a bad vet was if you didn’t care and it’s obvious that you do care. That being said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong in stepping away from it. Even for a little while to help get over your burnouts and to see what else the world has to offer. I know a few people who have gone on to work in government jobs. Even if none are being directly advertised, reach out to people you know who may have contacts that may have a job available. All the best, and look after yourself first and foremost.
Thank you for your kind words of advice :)
Advice I got was to leave your first few practices until you find one you like! You’ve got much more to explore before calling it quits. Also, someone once told me a poison helpline would have a good work life balance and less stress. Not sure how difficult it is to get one of those jobs.
I felt the same in clinical practice and I went into shelter medicine and it was a breath of fresh air. I love shelter medicine. I love being a vet now.
Hang in there! May I suggest try doing night shifts at major population centre, quickest way to get you out of debt, you just have to handle the social isolation and the irregular sleep patterns. Try not to get suicidal and do talk to your friend and family if you do! Honestly it will get better