In the world of veterinary medicine, the path to satisfaction and success can take many forms. For Southern Nasar, a relief veterinarian based in Southern California, the journey has evolved into a rewarding career filled with variety, professional growth, and financial opportunity. As a relief vet, Southern experiences a unique blend of flexibility and income potential that stands in contrast to traditional veterinary roles.
Born and raised in a family of veterinarians, Southern’s path seemed inevitable. Growing up surrounded by animals and veterinary conversations ignited a passion for animal care that would eventually lead her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. After completing her undergraduate studies in just two years, she packed her bags for the Cayman Islands to attend St. Matthew’s University for vet school, completing her training in a rigorous three and a half years. With the foundation laid, Southern now finds herself thriving both personally and professionally.
The Allure of Relief Veterinary Work
The appeal of becoming a relief veterinarian lies largely in the flexibility and financial benefits it offers. Southern moved from a full-time role where she earned $125,000 annually to a position where she could earn up to $386,000 in 2024. The transition allowed her to escape the rigid schedules often associated with corporate practices and take control of her workload. By becoming a relief vet, she has the freedom to pick shifts, choose the facilities she works at, and maintain a better work-life balance.
“I definitely found my niche in small animal medicine.” Southern specializes exclusively in cats and dogs, treating various illnesses and conditions that pets may suffer from. Her days are filled with the responsibilities of a veterinarian that often include much more than cuddling with kittens and puppies. “Most of our day is filled with sick pets that we’re treating and communicating with owners, along with much behind-the-scenes work,” she explains. There’s a significant aspect of being a vet that often goes unseen by the public, as much of the job requires dedication to the health and well-being of animals and effective communication with their owners.
Financial Savvy and Future Planning
Southern is not only thriving in her career; she is also strategically managing her finances. Her significant income increase has afforded her the opportunity to invest in property and save for retirement. “I realized early on the significant increase in income as a relief veterinarian. It has allowed me to do more with my money,” Southern states. With the help of her accountant and her fiancé’s budgeting strategy, she is now capable of putting more money away for her future.
Her journey to homeownership, while exciting, came with its own challenges. Working as a relief veterinarian, consistent proof of income can be tricky. However, with the support of the organization Rue, Southern received verification letters that showcased her steady income from the shifts she picked up, making the mortgage process smoother. “I didn’t think I would be this young and owning a house on my own,” she reflects. “I bought my house before getting engaged. After we marry, we plan to split the costs.”
Work-Life Balance and Mental Health
The shift to relief veterinary work has significantly improved Southern’s work-life balance. Unlike her previous full-time role, she now finds herself able to “leave work at work.” The mental and emotional toll of veterinary practice can be demanding, but she has learned to compartmentalize her professional responsibilities. “As a full-time vet, I feel like I was constantly thinking about my job outside of work,” she admits, pointing out that the flexibility of relief work allows for a healthier approach to her personal life.
However, the challenges of the profession are still pervasive. Southern faces the common misconception that veterinarians are solely in it for the money. “The costs we quote for services factor in our time, supplies, and the staff required to provide the best care,” she explains. The struggle to communicate the intricacies of the profession to pet owners can lead to misunderstandings and frustration.
Preparing for a Family and the Future
As a young and successful veterinarian, Southern is keenly aware of the next steps in her personal life, especially regarding family planning. With plans to have children in the future, she acknowledges that she may need to reduce her hours. “Post-COVID, there has been a little shift in attitude regarding the profession,” Southern notes, hinting at the evolving landscape of work-life balance—particularly as it pertains to the needs of working parents in the veterinary field.
While emotional days are a staple in the veterinary world, Southern remains steadfast in her commitment to the profession. “It’s hard to see sick animals. But it’s our job to treat them, and as long as they can go home or have a better future, it’s not too challenging. It definitely tugs at the heartstrings during emotional euthanasias,” she reflects. Even amidst challenging circumstances, her passion for animals and their care shines through.
The Life of a Relief Veterinarian: Key Takeaways
The journey of becoming a relief veterinarian is not without its challenges, but Southern’s story showcases the rewards of this career path. For those considering entering this field, it is essential to gain experience in a structured veterinary environment before diving into relief work. Southern emphasizes the value of training under a mentor, highlighting how important it is to build a solid foundation before embracing the flexibility and demands of relief work.
As a relief veterinarian, the ability to control one’s schedule while providing quality care and utilizing financial opportunities leads to a uniquely gratifying career. Southern Nasar’s dedication to animal welfare, financial prudence, and personal well-being exemplifies what is possible in the evolving world of veterinary medicine. Its challenges are real, but with passion and commitment, the rewards extend far beyond the workplace.
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