But I'm absolutely positive that I made the best decision because my kids are now both nearly grown and I'm very proud of the human beings they have become! As they got older, though, my husband (a dentist) kept pressuring me to go back into practice full-time. I didn't want to do it because the kids still needed me in high school and college and I honestly didn't want to go back to the stress of full-time practice.
I tried using my degree in different ways: teaching, recruiting, etc, but couldn't make enough money and still control my time. A friend of mine (an MD) introduced me to a business I now work from home and I love it! I can make money and have time for my family... what a concept! I love vet med because of the ongoing relationships with the clients and pets, but I do know that some moms work at emergency clinics just to be at home with kids during the day. Best of luck in your decision!"
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From Susan W.: "I am the executive director of a state veterinarians’ association.
Here in Massachusetts (and nationally, to different degrees), we have experienced increasing numbers of part-time veterinarians, most of whom (but not all) are women. I know of veterinarians working part-time as associates in practices owned by others, as a relief (substitute) veterinarian, as the owner of a mobile veterinary practice, in research, and -- in the least common case -- as a private practice owner. Unfortunately, no one in large animal practice comes to mind, so I’d say that small animal practice or lab/research work would be the most likely options.
The pool of part-time workers makes staffing a practice much more challenging for practice owners, but for the most part the older generation no longer views part-timers as "not dedicated" to the profession.
Also, FYI, there will likely be a minimum hours requirement to qualify for certain fringe employment benefits (especially health insurance).
I believe that you will find the same trend, especially among women with young children, in human pediatric medical practice. I think, though, the trend is stronger in veterinary medicine, perhaps because the profession is increasingly populated by women.
Good luck!"
