From Burnout to Balance: How IndeVets Gave Me My Life Back

Becoming a Veterinarian: A Childhood Dream Turned Reality

I have dreamed of being a veterinarian since I was six years old. I worked hard, shadowed veterinarians from the age of 15, and took a variety of jobs with animals: working at a zoo, in a veterinary hospital, in research labs working with mice, fish, and dogs, and even milking cows, just to name a few!

When I finally got accepted into vet school at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, I quickly learned that there’s no small or large animal track—you just learn it all! The grueling schedule and the massive volume of knowledge I had to absorb, combined with being so far from my family and friends, led to my first experience with anxiety just before my second-year finals. I studied as much as I could and kept telling myself it would all be worth it.

When I found out I had passed my final exams, I cried—because it finally felt like my lifelong dream was coming true.

Navigating the Early Years of Veterinary Practice

My first job out of vet school was at a small veterinary practice where I was usually the only doctor in the clinic. Although I could call the clinic owner with questions, it was hard to be a brand-new vet without someone physically there to guide or mentor me. Without a community of doctors around to feel a lump, listen to a heart murmur, or review x-rays with me, I often felt isolated and insecure.

My anxiety returned, and I constantly worried that my patients weren’t getting the best care.  Even though I learned to rely on myself and trust my instincts, the fear of making a mistake without a mentor to lean on was always present. I loved my patients deeply, but knew I needed more support to grow into the vet I wanted to be, and that they deserved.

Looking to expand my skills and learn from others, I later took a job at a larger clinic. There, I finally had other veterinarians around when I needed guidance—and it made all the difference. I discovered a love for soft tissue surgery and found fulfillment in building relationships with my patients and their families. Following their journeys through life reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place.

Overwhelming Change in the Vet Industry, and in My Life

Then, in just a few short years, everything changed: I had two babies, the clinic changed ownership, and COVID hit. I was pregnant, caring for a toddler with respiratory issues, and terrified of contracting the virus—worried it could harm my children or force me to be separated from my newborn if I tested positive.

At work, things were just as difficult. The pet population surged, supply chains broke down, and staff burnout was rampant. Every day felt like a battle. Clients, frustrated by long wait times and the lack of available urgent or emergency care, often took their anger out on us. There simply weren’t enough hours in the day to help everyone who needed it. The stress and anxiety—both at work and at home—were overwhelming. Even off the clock, I struggled to relax. I kept telling myself the pandemic wouldn’t last forever.

When the pandemic finally eased, things still didn’t improve. We were expected to see more patients, do more procedures, and stretch every minute of every shift. I was constantly overwhelmed. I didn’t feel like I could give my patients the attention they deserved. I worried endlessly that I’d missed something, and that my patients were suffering because I simply didn’t have the time to give them the care they needed.

My Breaking Point

I wouldn’t get home from work until it was time for my kids to go to bed every night. After tucking them in, I’d eat dinner alone and find myself wishing for something as simple as a family meal. Every time I took time off—whether I was sick or just needed rest—I felt guilty.

I started to dread going to work. By the time I got home, I was too drained to enjoy any of the hobbies that once brought me joy. I found less satisfaction in caring for the pets that came through my exam room and had less patience with their owners. I even began daydreaming about leaving the profession altogether—despite the fact that I was living out my lifelong dream.

It all came to a head when my family started asking if I was okay—and telling me how worried they were. I was short-tempered, constantly on edge, and battling chronic neck and back pain. Even with treatment for my anxiety, I still couldn’t fully relax or enjoy my time at home. The way I was feeling wasn’t sustainable—it was taking a toll on both my personal relationships and my professional life.

I knew something had to change. I needed to be present with my children. I needed to leave work behind at the end of the day. Most of all, I needed to make my mental health a priority and relearn how to relax and feel like myself again.

Finding IndeVets

I started scrolling through online job listings for veterinarians, unsure if I’d find something that could meet all my needs: a flexible schedule, more time at home, a people-first mentality, the ability to practice high-quality medicine, a sense of community, and opportunities for learning and professional growth.

I ultimately debated between taking another clinical role or joining IndeVets as a Flexible Associate vet. I worried that with the IndeVets model, I’d miss the relationships I had built with patients and their owners. I was also nervous I’d feel out of place or overwhelmed working in so many different clinics.

But I also knew that something in my life needed to change—dramatically. And that’s why I decided to take the leap with IndeVets. Their commitment to work-life balance and their mental health-first approach immediately stood out to me. The more I learned about IndeVets during the interview process, the more excited I became about this opportunity.

It was clear they truly care about each individual. They don’t just talk about prioritizing mental health and work-life balance—they act on it. For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful. Maybe I could have dinner with my family. Maybe I could come home and enjoy time with my kids. Maybe life didn’t have to feel like a constant cycle of anxiety and stress.

Finally, A Career That Prioritizes Well-Being

At IndeVets, I feel appreciated and I know that my work matters. They make it clear that they care about me as a person—not just the bottom line. When I’m sick, they check in to see how I’m doing, not to ask when I’ll be back. I only go to clinics where I genuinely enjoy practicing, and IndeVets values feedback on every shift—working quickly and thoughtfully to address any concerns.

I now have the flexibility to leave early enough to be home when my son gets back from kindergarten each day. I get hours, not just minutes, with both of my children before bedtime.

IndeVets even has a social worker on staff who supports us through whatever mental health challenges we may be facing. The clinics I go to are welcoming, with kind, helpful staff who are genuinely appreciative to have me there. With long-term placements, I still get to build relationships with patients and follow through on their care—just like I did in traditional practice, but without the constant stressors.

One of the clearest examples of IndeVets’ commitment to putting people first is their new burnout course, which has helped me learn to recognize and manage symptoms before they escalate. This has been invaluable for improving my mental health.

A Newfound Balance

A year later, the change has been more than I ever hoped for. Not only do I have dinner with my family every night—I have every evening and every weekend with them. I wake up excited to go to work, whether it’s a long-term placement or a brand-new clinic. I know I can walk in, do my job, and give my patients the high-quality care they deserve.

When I came down with pneumonia this fall, I was flooded with get-well messages and encouraged not to return until I was fully ready. It felt incredible to know my health was being prioritized over productivity or profit.

I feel supported in a way I never have before—and that support helps me navigate the hard days with more resilience. At home, I’m less irritable, more present with my children, and I’ve rediscovered the things I love: baking, making art, and reading (I’ve read more books this past year than in the last five combined!).

My family sees the difference, too. They often comment on how much happier and more relaxed I am since joining IndeVets—and they’re so grateful for the changes they’ve seen in me.

Of course, there are still tough cases and hard days. But now, I bounce back faster. I don’t dwell on the negatives the way I used to.

This job has profoundly changed my quality of life, and I’m so thankful I took a chance with relief work. It’s opened up opportunities for me for growth, joy, and balance—both professionally and personally.