New Year, New Boundaries: Protecting Your Wellbeing in Veterinary Medicine
As we step into a new year, many of us feel the pull of a “fresh start.” The idea of a clean slate is tempting with new goals, new routines, and new ways to approach our lives and work. But if there is one lesson I have learned in my many years in veterinary medicine, it is that change is not just about what you do. It is also about how you protect yourself along the way. And that often starts with boundaries.
Boundaries might sound like a buzzword or something abstract, but in reality, they are essential for maintaining your mental health, professional satisfaction, and personal wellbeing. In veterinary medicine, blurred boundaries are common. Clients, colleagues, and even our own habits can pull us in multiple directions, leaving little space to recharge.
Why Boundaries Matter
From early in my career, I saw the challenges firsthand. Growing up in a household with two veterinarians, I witnessed my parents’ devotion to their profession, but I also saw the cost when personal time was undervalued. As a resident and early-career veterinarian, I had almost no guidance on professional boundaries. It was not until I faced situations like a client demanding my personal cell phone for anytime access that I realized how vital it is to define what is and what is not acceptable.
Boundaries are not about shutting people out. They are about creating space for yourself so that you can show up fully, whether for a patient, a colleague, or your own family. Without them, burnout, resentment, and fatigue are almost inevitable.
Common Boundary Challenges in Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarians often struggle with boundaries for many reasons:
- A tendency to people-please or fear being seen as uncaring
- Anxiety about client reactions or future interactions
- Feeling powerless to assert personal limits
- Deriving self-worth from helping others, making it hard to say no
- Pressure to be always available in an era of emails, texts, and social media
These challenges are not limited to client interactions. Many veterinarians face similar struggles with coworkers and management. Saying no to extra shifts, setting limits on on-call responsibilities, or speaking up when expectations are unclear can feel uncomfortable, but failing to do so can take a serious toll on wellbeing.
Steps to Establish Healthy Boundaries in the New Year
The good news is that boundaries are learnable and can be strengthened over time. Here are some strategies to help you start:
- Reflect on your values and priorities. Consider what matters most to you in both your personal and professional life. What are your non-negotiables, whether that is family time, personal hobbies, or mental health practices? Knowing your priorities gives you a compass for making boundary decisions.
- Start small and specific. Boundaries do not have to be dramatic to be effective. Begin with one concrete change, like setting email-free hours or limiting phone calls to work hours. Small wins build confidence and reinforce your right to personal space.
- Communicate clearly and kindly. Whether with clients, colleagues, or leadership, explain your boundaries openly. For example,“Thank you for your message. I will review and respond during regular clinic hours. If this is an urgent matter regarding your pet’s health, please contact the clinic directly.” Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and helps others respect your limits.
- Use technology thoughtfully. Modern tools can blur the lines between work and personal life. Consider separating work and personal phones, using scheduling tools, or turning off notifications outside of work hours.
- Check in with yourself regularly. Boundaries are not static and require ongoing attention. Reflect on what is working, what is not, and adjust as needed. Asking yourself, “Is this sustainable?” can guide your choices and prevent overcommitment.
The Benefits Are Real
Healthy boundaries protect your mental health, enhance resilience, and improve professional relationships. They allow you to show up as a more present, effective, and compassionate veterinary professional without sacrificing your personal life. They also set an example for your team and colleagues, encouraging a culture of respect and sustainability in veterinary practice.
As we move into this new year, I challenge you to think about one boundary you can set or strengthen. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but each step toward clarity and self-respect is a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling career and a more balanced life.
Remember, protecting your time and energy is not selfish. It is essential. And as one RVT said, “I wish we would have been taught how our personal time matters, not to be a servant just because that is the way it has always been done. The workplace should have as much respect for my personal time away from work as much as I have respect for my work responsibilities while at work.”
Let this year be the year you respect your boundaries, honor your wellbeing, and cultivate a veterinary career that is sustainable, joyful, and resilient.