Key Takeaways:

  • There are many ways to use your veterinary education and training beyond traditional clinical roles.
  • Pivoting out of the clinic isn’t failure but an opportunity for growth.
  • Explore potential alternatives on the side while you work in practice to ensure a good fit.

 

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” 

— Mary Oliver, The Summer Day 

 

For many, becoming a veterinary professional is an early and all-consuming dream. Once the idea takes root, it creates a singular focus, a predictable pathway—from childhood to clinical practice.  But sometimes, once we’ve attained the goal, something changes. Life happens. We evolve. Need—or interest—calls us to a new path.  

The Rumpus Writing and Editing team exemplifies how staying open to possibilities can provide you with the non-traditional veterinary career you never knew you wanted—but were somehow preparing for all along.

 

From dream to reality: Achieving the veterinary dream

“I always wanted to be a vet,” said Angela Beal, DVM, and Rumpus COO, “I was the kid catching frogs in mud puddles and trying to pet the cat at family gatherings.” Rumpus writer Jenny Alonge, DVM, shared the same certainty, “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t ‘know’ I was going to be a veterinarian.”  

The veterinary life did not disappoint. When reflecting on what they loved most about their clinical work, the team uniformly expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help pets and people alike. “I knew that my work mattered. I was a part of something much bigger than me,” said Rumpus writer Jaime Bast, RVT. “I’m a natural educator,” said Angela, “so I loved sitting down with clients to explain their pet’s condition.” For writer Elizabeth Kowalski, CVT, helping veterinarians think through complex cases instilled a sense of satisfaction.

 

Change ahead: Careers in transition

Leaving clinical practice wasn’t on anyone’s road map, “I planned on working in a vet clinic for 30+ years and retiring. The end,” said Angela. However, like many in veterinary medicine, professional and physical challenges ultimately inspired them to look beyond the clinic doors. For Jenny and Elizabeth, it was mounting stress and its associated health challenges, “[I was] constantly on call and rarely able to sleep,” said Jenny. Elizabeth described an “epic migraine and subsequent temporary loss of speech” as the prompt for her “exit plan.” Angela accepted a role as a veterinary technology program director to achieve a greater work-life balance. While she initially began freelancing on the side, the college’s closure left her to pursue writing full-time.

 

From clinic to keyboard: Merging two worlds

Like the veterinary dream, Elizabeth and Jaime maintained a passion for writing. “Writing had always been something I was good at,” said Elizabeth, while Jaime dreamed of becoming a famous author as a child. “I still have a story on which a teacher wrote, ‘Remember me when you’re famous!’” she shared. 

When the opportunity to work for Rumpus came about, the team was awestruck, “It was a bit surreal,” said Jaime, who attained her bachelor’s degree in theatre and English before pursuing veterinary technology. “It was two worlds colliding in a way I didn’t know existed.”

While the jump from caregiver to copywriter initially felt vast, the writers discovered that many of their skills still applied. “Much of the writing we do focuses on pet owner education, which is also a big part of practice,” said Angela. Jenny and Elizabeth attribute their success to their depth of veterinary knowledge. “[It] helps me relate to the hospitals and businesses we write for,” said Elizabeth. “I also think I learned to think outside the box and challenge assumptions, which I try to do in my writing as well.” 

 

No regrets: “The right decision for me”

If you’re considering a new path, don’t let guilt get in the way. “Working outside of practice doesn’t make you any less of a veterinarian; it makes you curious and brave,” said Elizabeth. 

Sometimes a shift in perspective can illuminate the value of a “nontraditional” role. “When I feel guilty about not being in practice—especially when teams are short-staffed—I remind myself that my writing lightens the load for my fellow techs,” said Jaime. “Creating client or staff education materials or practice marketing promotions reinforces their efforts and allows them to focus on patient and client care.” 

Jenny and Angela recommend following your heart. “Veterinary medicine provides so many opportunities—you shouldn’t feel obligated to stay in a position that you don’t love,” Jenny said. “Sure, I have days when I don’t feel like a ‘real vet,’” Angela admitted. “But, I’m happy—and that’s what matters.”

 

Is it time for your next chapter?

Red background with a cup of coffee and a post-it note that says, "New chapter" to indicate reinventing yourself in a new veterinary career

If you’re a veterinary professional considering a career pivot, here are some Rumpus-recommended action steps:

  • Recognize your versatile skills — You’re not “starting over,” but expanding on what you have. Acknowledge the ways your skills can translate into new fields.
  • Test the waters — Before joining Rumpus, Angela and Elizabeth worked as freelance writers. Follow their example by starting with small projects or side gigs to gain confidence and experience in your new area of interest.
  • Reframe it — Pivoting isn’t about escaping your current role or “quitting” your dream. It’s a pathway to growth and greater contentment, and a way to leverage your time-built skills and knowledge. “As a copywriter, I utilize my veterinary education and creativity daily. It’s the perfect combination for me,” Jaime said.
  • Embrace the journey — Let your passion for veterinary medicine guide your steps as you explore new paths and opportunities. Angela said, “The past has taught me you never know what’s around the corner. Just take life as it comes!”

Veterinary professionals often describe their work as a calling or a passion that presents itself early and with an unwavering, unquestionable certainty. If this no longer resonates with you, let go of fear and embrace possibility. You’re allowed more than one dream, and those dreams don’t end when you reach adulthood. Plus, as Elizabeth reminded us, “Practice will always be there waiting for you if and when you decide to return.” 

 

Are you struggling to find the words to write your practice’s content? Rumpus Writing and Editing can help you tell the right story. Contact our team to request a quote.