Job change thoughts?

[MrsCtank]

Hi guys! I'll keep this simple and give the details I have but unfortunately I don't know everything yet so I may be comparing an apple to a tomato here. I'm just looking for general thoughts or advice.

1)I'm a vet which tends to be a long hours variable pay type job. Had some frustrations at previous work that led me to going relief days as a self employee and part time work with some more time off. I got stressed and burned out. My personality is logical and analytical (perhaps more engineer type) and while I can deal with all the client interaction and empathy that goes with private practice I don't really enjoy it. I'm in it for the science.

2) Currently working Monday and Friday at this one place paying $400/day without taxes held. This place is decent but I don't see enough to pay for myself most days and I get the impression the owner wants to transition to me buying and her retiring in say 5 years or so if I stay. Buying a place is a good opportunity but I have concerns over the profitability (she keeps the doors open but doesn't seem terribly busy) and if I want to own a practice and get locked into continuing to practice vet med in the long term.

3)ive been looking a lot at non profit spay neuter work due to the draws (reduced hours, helping the communities, doing one thing well rather than trying to do everything, greatly reduced client interaction). These jobs though are very hard to come buy and generally don't pay great (but considering the reduced hours likely on par). Regardless I feel I need more than 800/week and I've exhausted further relief within a 40 minute radius. I got a call from someone with an open spay neuter surgeon position 1-3 days a week but about an hour away. Unknown salary atm but open Tuesday through Thursday.

I want to pursue this but I'm concerned i may be biased and ignoring the fact that I would have a 75 mile/day commute. Moving really isn't on the table due to DH work and our selfish not wanting to sell our house ness. Also, the part time gig frequently changes days if needed and has mentioned going up to 2.5 days a week in the spring. I'm concerned if I take this and am no longer available T-Th I may close some doors. I don't want to pass on this but also don't want to burn a bridge with buying potential. On the third hand I had spoken to another spay neuter clinic about doing two months of relief in march/april and taking this would burn that bridge (no expectation of anything after those two months though).

Thoughts?
Sorry I know details are missing as far as salary etc but I just feel torn and like I'm trying to piece multiple things into one full time job. I want to handle this political and not burn bridges.
Thanks!

[Dave1442397]

A 75-mile commute doesn't sound good. Of course, it depends on what kind of commute it is. If it's sailing along on an empty highway, that's not so bad. Around here, the 30 mile drive from my office can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic.

Have you thought about going mobile? This is one of our local mobile vet services - http://housepawsmobilevet.com/

Again, it depends on where you live. We have a large population, and there are many elderly people with pets who don't want to drive to the vet's office.

[Mother Fussbudget]

Is there any urgency to this request?  It doesn't sound that way, but I may be misreading your OP.

Take the weekend, find your Happy Place, and think about the sky, wind, trees, friends & family, pets, read that book you've been wanting to dive into... get your head OUT of dealing with this issue for a while.  "Whatever gets you through your life" (as John Lennon wisely said).

If the 75 mile commute is a downside - what things could you do to make this into a positive?  Podcasts/books-on-CD from the library?  What is your IDEAL job situation.  Think about that, and make a list.  THEN... take that list, and add things from that list into your current gig, OR add them to your potential new gig. 

It sounds like you've worried a lot about this.  Realize things that aren't going to change because you (or anyone else) *worried* about them.  STOP WORRYING.  Either:  Make the change, or do NOT make a change.  If you change, and it doesn't work out, go back to your previous gig, and ask for your old job back.  But ACT to either improve your current gig, or ACT to take a new gig.

In the meantime... All The Best.  And realize there are other mustachians here who are in your corner rooting for YOU!

[MrsCtank]

Thanks so much for y'all's responses! The commit actually isn't horrible (I went to meet them today), it took 50 minutes this morning and 45 on the way back at 1 pm. I don't mind the driving I just think about wear on the vehicle and gas. The non profit pays less but I believe it would be shorter hours and more enjoyable work. Also Im the type A perfectionist type that agonizes over a decision, thus the worrying. I really do appreciate the insight!

[Kakashi]

I read your post and I have no idea what you want.  On one hand, you're talking about wanting more pay (how is 400/day not enough to pay for yourself?).  On the other hand, you don't want client interaction. 

I just want to make one comment.  The price of a business is generally determined by its profitability.  So if it's very profitable, you'll pay more.  It's not a bad idea to buy a struggling business if you think you can turn it around.

[Lanthiriel]

Do you have the expertise or ability to specialize and would your market support it? I have a dog with neurological and allergy issues, and I've found that specialists seem less focused on the customer service and and by definition get the more difficult (sciencey) cases. Your typical vet is like a GP who has to deal with kennel cough and cuts. If this isn't interesting to you, perhaps finding a specialization would help.