The veterinary workforce is evolving—and one trend is becoming increasingly clear: vets with 6–10 years of experience are actively seeking flexible, part-time roles over traditional full-time positions. This shift isn't just about hours; it reflects deeper priorities around work-life balance, professional growth, and sustainable careers.
For practice owners and managers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. How do you retain experienced clinicians who bring immense value but no longer fit the full-time mold?
Why Mid-Career Vets Are Shifting Gears
By the 6–10 year mark, many vets have refined their clinical skills, built client loyalty, and accumulated valuable institutional knowledge. But they’re also often managing new personal commitments—young families, burnout recovery, or shifting priorities around health and lifestyle.
Their decision to reduce hours isn’t a lack of ambition. It’s a desire for longevity and balance.
Retention Strategies That Work
To retain these professionals, practices need to move beyond the "full-time or nothing" mindset. Here are four proven strategies:
1. Flexible Rostering With Predictability
Offer part-time roles with stable, predictable schedules. Avoid last-minute changes and create rotas that consider their personal obligations. Flexibility paired with reliability builds trust and loyalty.
2. Mentorship and Teaching Roles
Experienced vets often want to give back. Assign them formal mentorship responsibilities—either for new grads or nurses—and recognise this work as part of their value to the practice. It’s a win for culture and clinical development.
3. Pathways to Leadership—Without Full-Time Hours
Leadership shouldn’t be reserved for those working 40+ hours. Mid-career vets can thrive in clinical lead roles, committee positions, or project oversight—on a part-time basis. This allows them to grow and contribute strategically without burning out.
4. Wellbeing and Work-Life Initiatives
Support holistic wellbeing with initiatives like mental health days, access to counselling, and respect for boundaries (no out-of-hours messaging, for example). Demonstrate that your practice is designed for long-term careers—not just short-term output.
The Upside for Practices
Retaining a part-time, mid-career vet may seem less efficient on paper—but the real-world benefits are significant:
Lower recruitment costs
Continuity of care and stronger client relationships
Cultural stability and internal mentorship
Enhanced team morale and reduced burnout risk
By designing roles that fit the reality of modern veterinary life, practices not only retain key staff—they lead the profession forward.