Guess what you guys?! After 15 years (yes you read that right 15 years!!!) at my animal hospital, I accepted a new job. I didn’t think it would ever happen, but something came along that made me want to get outside of my comfort zone for a whole lot of personal growth and even some profit. Now I’m here to tell you, sometimes the grass really IS greener in the dog kennel area of another hospital; but before you clear out your locker and shoot one last dirty look to that catty co-worker, make sure you are leaving the right way.
1. Make sure you are leaving for the right reasons.
If your main reason for leaving is that “your boss is a jerk,” changing clinics might not be the cure. You don’t know how long it will take for your clinic to move on and fill your position if you decide to change your mind. If you’re still on the fence about the next position you are considering taking, ask if you can spend a day in the new clinic shadowing the staff. It may reinforce your decision to take the position or help you decide you don’t want the new job after all.
For myself, it was a big growth opportunity that swayed me to change scrub colors. Look at the reasons you are considering changing jobs, make sure they fit the quality of life you are trying to achieve, and please DO NOT base your decision solely on money. Look at many facets such as: vacation time, benefits, flexibility in schedule, opportunities for advancement, etc.
2. If you have decided to go ahead and move on, do it respectfully.
Sit down with your boss and discuss your resignation with them before you discuss it with your co-workers over margaritas. This is important because this can give your employer feedback and help them plan for future employees. It also allows the opportunity for your current employer to negotiate with you in order to keep you if you’re a stellar employee.
Do not badmouth management or staff especially online! I cannot stress this enough. People have long memories about criticism, and even if you hated your job or your boss, there’s no point in saying so. Just be happy you are moving on to a new, fresh opportunity.
3. If you plan these conversations ahead, you’ll be able to leave on good terms and in the clinic’s good graces.
That’s the best way to move on from a job, especially since vet med is a small world and you may end up working with some of your former coworkers or previous boss at other jobs in the future.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.
