I Thought This Was a Temporary Path. It Turned Into My Career

From Familiar Roots to New Possibilities

If you’d told me at vet school graduation that one day I’d be working full-time in a leadership role at a company like IndeVets, I would’ve been intrigued and excited.

But if you had told me that this path would give me fulfillment, stability, and real control over my schedule while continuing to grow as a clinician, I probably would have raised an eyebrow and said, “Prove it.”

Before joining IndeVets, I was an associate at a wonderful practice. I had an incredible mentor and a team that felt like family.

If I had stayed in Sacramento, I probably would not have left.

But I wanted to be closer to friends and family, either on the East Coast or in Southern California.

So I started searching for multi-doctor general practices in urban areas.

Finding IndeVets When I Wasn’t Looking

Enter IndeVets.

I wasn’t looking for something outside of a traditional associate role, and I had never heard of IndeVets. But one of their recruiting veterinarians reached out, and I agreed to chat.

I was curious, but cautious. Just two years out of vet school, I was focused on building my clinical skills. I wanted mentorship, a strong team, stability, and support.

What I had seen of traditional relief work didn’t offer that, and I didn’t yet understand how something like structured relief could be different.

To me, that path meant unpredictability, constantly figuring out where I would be working, and piecing things together on my own.

Growing My Skills and Seeing Things Differently

As I took my first few shifts as an IndeVet, I realized there were clinical muscles I had been neglecting.

Each hospital introduced me to new doctors, protocols, workflows, record systems, and pharmacy inventories. That variety pushed me to grow faster, not just clinically, but in how I communicated with teams and clients.

It strengthened my confidence and adaptability in ways I had not experienced before.

I also became more aware of how I was working.

At my previous job, it had become normal to stay two to three hours after a shift finishing records or to take work home.

Through IndeVets, I became more intentional during my shifts, which helped me leave on time more often and create better boundaries around my work.

And when I did work longer days, I knew I would be compensated for that time.

What Started as a Bridge Became My Career

When I joined IndeVets, I thought it might be a steppingstone to a full-time position at a single hospital.

But it quickly became clear that this wasn’t just a temporary solution.

I found hospitals where I could take on long-term placements, perform surgeries, and build real relationships with teams. I wasn’t just filling in, I was contributing in a meaningful way across multiple practices.

At the same time, I was able to experience life outside of work in a way I never could before.

I traveled to Kenya, the Caymans for CE, Greece, Mexico, Hawaii, the UK, and several states, all while maintaining a consistent career.

That combination, clinical growth, income stability, and control over my time, is what made this sustainable.

More Than What I Expected

One of the biggest misconceptions I had early on was assuming this type of work would feel temporary or inconsistent.

What I found was the opposite.

At IndeVets, doctors choose how many days per week they want to work and the specific days of the week that fit their lives.

That level of control allows you to build a schedule intentionally, instead of constantly reacting to one.

At the same time, there is structure behind it.

You are a W-2 employee with a guaranteed salary and benefits, which creates stability while still allowing you to practice in different hospitals and environments.

For me, this was the first time I did not feel like I had to choose between having control over my schedule and having a stable, supported career.

Stepping Into Leadership

As my career evolved, I stepped into a leadership role and now serve as a Director of Clinical Excellence at IndeVets.

In this role, I support veterinarians and partner hospitals on the East and West Coasts, helping ensure high-quality medicine, strong team integration, and positive clinical experiences.

I also mentor veterinarians who are trying to figure out what they want their careers to look like.

And what I hear over and over again is this:

They are not just looking for a new job.

They are looking for a way to practice that feels sustainable, supported, and aligned with their lives.

A Career That Actually Fits

For me, the biggest change has been how my career fits into the rest of my life.

Instead of feeling like work and life are competing, they finally feel aligned.

I still get to practice medicine. I still get to work with different teams and see a wide range of cases.

But I also have control over how my workweek is structured and the ability to plan my life around it.

That shift has made this feel like something I can do long term.

Looking Ahead

As I look ahead, I’m reminded of how much IndeVets has shaped both my career and my life.

It has allowed me to grow as a clinician, take on leadership opportunities, and build a career that continues to evolve with me over time.

Curious What This Could Look Like for You?

Every veterinarian’s career looks a little different.

Some are looking for stability. Others want more control over their time. Many want both.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between those things, it may be worth exploring a different way to practice.