Locum work can be a great option for many veterinary professionals, but permanent positions have plenty of advantages too.
For some Vets, having a regular team, building relationships with clients and patients and having the opportunity to develop within one practice is exactly what they are looking for.
If you're considering your next career move, here are some of the benefits of taking a permanent veterinary position.
One of the biggest advantages of a permanent role is knowing where you will be working and having a regular income.
You have a set position within a practice and depending on the role, a regular working pattern and contracted hours. This can make it much easier to plan your finances, holidays and life outside of work.
Permanent employment can also come with benefits such as annual leave, pension contributions and other practice-specific benefits, which can be an important part of the overall package.
For many people, one of the best things about permanent practice life is the team around them.
Working alongside the same people gives you the opportunity to build strong working relationships and get to know how your colleagues work.
You have the chance to support each other through busy days, share knowledge and celebrate successes together.
If you enjoy being part of a close-knit team, a permanent role can offer a sense of belonging that can be harder to find when you're moving between different practices.
As a permanent Vet, you have the opportunity to see patients throughout different stages of their lives and get to know their owners.
You may see a puppy or kitten for their first vaccination and then continue looking after them for years to come.
For many Vets, building these long-term relationships is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
You get to know your clients, understand their concerns and develop trust over time. It can be incredibly satisfying to know that you are playing an ongoing role in the care of their pets.
A permanent role can provide more opportunities to develop within one practice and work towards your longer-term career goals.
Perhaps you want to develop a particular clinical interest, take on more responsibility or move into a leadership or management position.
Being part of a practice long-term can make it easier to identify these opportunities and work with your employer to develop your skills.
You may also have access to practice-funded CPD, mentoring, certificates or other training opportunities as part of your development.
Every veterinary practice has its own systems, equipment, protocols and way of working.
When you're permanently employed, you have the time to become completely comfortable with how your practice operates.
You know where everything is, how the team works and who to go to when you need help.
That familiarity can make your working day easier and allow you to focus more on your patients rather than constantly adapting to a new environment.
If you value routine, a permanent role can offer a level of predictability that locum work may not.
Having regular working hours and a set place of work can make it easier to plan your life outside of the practice.
You can book holidays, make plans with family and friends and organise your commitments knowing what your usual working pattern looks like.
Of course, veterinary life doesn't always go exactly to plan, but having that regular structure can be a big advantage.
Being part of a practice long-term means you can become involved in more than just your own caseload.
You might help improve processes, mentor other members of the team, support students, get involved in practice development or take responsibility for a particular area of the business.
Over time, you can see the impact of your contribution and help shape the practice you work in.
A permanent role doesn't mean you have to stay somewhere that isn't right for you.
Finding the right practice is important, and there are lots of things to consider when looking at a permanent position.
Think about the team, management, caseload, working hours, facilities, support, opportunities for development and perhaps most importantly, what the practice is actually like to work in.
The right permanent role can give you somewhere you genuinely enjoy coming to work.
There isn't a right or wrong answer.
Some Vets love the freedom and flexibility of locum work, while others prefer the stability, relationships and career development that can come with permanent employment.
It is worth thinking about what is most important to you at this stage of your career.
Do you want more flexibility, or would you prefer a regular routine? Do you enjoy experiencing different practices, or would you rather become part of one team? Are you looking to develop a particular clinical interest or progress into leadership?
Your priorities can also change throughout your career, so what works for you now may not necessarily be what you want in a few years' time.
A permanent veterinary position can offer much more than a regular salary.
It can give you the opportunity to become part of a team, build lasting relationships with clients and patients, develop your career and make a real contribution to the practice you work in.
If you're considering your next move, take some time to think about what you actually want from your working life. The right permanent role should not only suit your experience, but also fit the way you want to work.
If you're looking for your next permanent veterinary position, our team at Synergy Vets can help you find opportunities that match your experience, interests and career goals.