How I Built a 4-Day Workweek that Works

I’ve known I wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. It was always the plan.

After graduating from Ross University, I started my career in a large GP and emergency hospital with about 14 doctors. It was an incredible place to learn. There was always someone to ask questions, and I got hands-on experience with surgery, urgent cases, and complex medicine right away.
It gave me a strong foundation.

But the pace was intense. There were weeks where I was working five, six, even seven days.

The hours were long, and the work didn’t always stay at work. Being on call and thinking about ICU patients outside of my shifts made it hard to fully disconnect.

It was demanding all the time and mentally taxing, more than I expected.

I knew I wanted something different long-term.

Looking for Something Different

While it was a great learning environment, I also realized I wanted a schedule that felt more manageable and predictable.

I came across IndeVets on Instagram and was immediately curious.

I thought it sounded too good to be true at first, so I applied and took a call to learn more.

It didn’t feel like an interview. It felt like a conversation.

What My Schedule Looks Like Now

Now, I work four days a week, typically Monday through Thursday, and I choose those days ahead of time so I know exactly what my schedule will look like.

That structure has made a huge difference. I wanted to prioritize myself and now I can. Having my schedule set in advance means I can actually plan my life around it.

My first Friday off, I was like wow. I can clean my apartment, go grocery shopping, take my dog on long walks, and call my family. It was time I didn’t realize I needed.

There’s flexibility within that structure, too. If I want to pick up an extra shift, I can. If I need a day off, I can ask.

I also have a dedicated scheduling coordinator who manages placements and logistics, which makes everything simple and predictable. I’m not trying to piece together my own schedule or figure things out last minute.

It’s structured, but I still feel in control of when and how I work.

Practicing My Medicine

One of my initial concerns was walking into new hospitals and being the “new doctor,” but that hasn’t been my experience.

You don’t feel like an outsider. You jump right in. The team is ready for you. Within minutes, I’m seeing appointments and working alongside the staff.

I can practice my medicine the way I’m supposed to and have the staff support me.

Working in different environments has also helped me grow. I’ve been able to see different workflows, different teams, and different approaches to medicine.

There’s also flexibility in how I practice. Right now, I’m focusing on GP, but I have the option to incorporate surgery again when I’m ready. I can take that at my own pace, too.

Support That Makes a Difference

Another thing that stood out to me is the level of support.

Each IndeVet has a Director of Clinical Excellence who is also a veterinarian, which makes a big difference.

When I check in with mine, it feels like a real conversation.

It’s like sitting at a coffee shop with a friend. Not just “how is work?” but “how are you?”

At the same time, there’s structure behind everything. My schedule is coordinated for me, I have clinical support when I need it, and I don’t feel like I’m navigating things alone.

Life Outside of Work

The biggest change has been outside of the clinic.

I have time for myself again, which wasn’t possible in my previous role.

I’m reading for fun again for the first time since I started vet school. I have time to go to bookstores and sit at home for hours with my dog and have a cup of tea.

I go to the gym regularly, spend time with family and friends, and actually have time to reset between workweeks.

I’m not burned out. I’m refreshed. I can show up and practice better medicine because of that.

And at the end of the day, I still have energy. I get to go to work, come home, enjoy dinner, talk to my friends, and still feel like myself, instead of just shutting down and turning off my phone, which happened a lot in my last role.

A Career That Adapts With You

Right now, I’m working four days a week. But what I’ve seen is that this model can shift with you. You can choose to work anywhere from one to five days a week depending on what you need.

If I need to scale back, I can. If I want to work more, I can.

That combination of structure and adaptability makes it feel like something I can grow with over time.

I feel like IndeVets can support you at any phase of your career.

My Advice to Other Veterinarians

If you’re curious, my advice is simple: Schedule a call with a real practicing IndeVet. Just hear what they have to say.

Ask questions. Keep an open mind.

It might sound like it’s too good to be true, but it actually is true.

For me, making the switch has been more than worth it.

I would say it’s a 10 out of 10.