I found myself in this very position almost a year ago. I had worked at a mixed animal practice for over 10 years and was no longer content there. I felt extremely overworked and no longer held the passion I once had. I know it can be nerve-racking to decide to leave a practice, but it was extremely emotional for me. I cried when I told my practice owner I was leaving. This place had become my second home, and most of my coworkers had become like family to me.
If you are on the fence about leaving, you can meet with your practice manager or owner. Tell them what you are feeling or experiencing. They may not know and may want to make changes to keep you there. My boss was made aware and tried to change some things, but it was no longer a good fit for me. I appreciate her attempting to make changes to keep me satisfied.
You should have something set before you put in your two weeks. Unfortunately, most of us live paycheck to paycheck; all it will take is a month or less before we are in financial trouble. Start looking for open positions, check Indeed and Facebook groups, drop your resume off, etc. You should also research the practices you are considering. Indeed has company reviews you can look at. However, keep in mind that some of these reviews may be from disgruntled former employees. Remember to take a look at the starting wages they are offering. You can negotiate this. I did and received a higher starting wage. I brought up my experience, certificates, and knowledge and was offered $1.50 more per hour.
Set up interviews. Try to do this during your day or time off. I look at this as a professional courtesy. The vet med world may appear large, but it is relatively small. Practice managers and owners talk to one another. People still call references. Don’t burn bridges or leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth.
During your interview, remember to ask questions. What does a typical day look like? What are your goals for this year? Do you have CE requirements for receptionists? How do you help employees with their personal goals within the practice? Asking questions during your interview shows interest in being a team member. You are also interviewing them as much as they are you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a working interview or to shadow for a day. I decided to leave a mixed animal practice for something completely different. I wanted to see how receptionists’ days looked, how they worked together, and if these were people that I could see myself working with.
Put in your two weeks and follow through. Remember, vet medicine is small, and people talk. Pay off your balance if you have one before you leave. Thank your manager or practice owner for the knowledge and experiences you gained.
