Episode #302 – 10 Things the Right Job Can Give You Besides Just a Paycheck
Caleb: Welcome to “The Animal Health and Veterinary Employment Insider,” brought to you by The VET Recruiter. In this podcast, Animal Health executive recruiter and Veterinary recruiter Stacy Pursell of The VET Recruiter provides insight and practical advice for both employers and job seekers in the Animal Health and Veterinary industries. The VET Recruiter’s focus is to solve talent-centric problems for the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession. In fact, The VET Recruiter’s mission is to help Animal Health and Veterinary companies hire top talent, while helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals attain career-enhancing opportunities that increase their quality of life.
Today, we’ll be talking about the 10 things that the right Animal Health or Veterinary job can give you besides just a paycheck. Hello, Stacy, and thank you for joining us today.
Stacy: Hello, Caleb. As always, I’m glad to be here with you.
Caleb: Stacy, what was the catalyst behind the topic of today’s podcast episode?
Stacy: Having the right job is about more than just the amount of money you make or what kind of benefits you have. During my career as an executive recruiter, I’ve known quite a few people who have made a lot of money at a job but were miserable while they did it. So today, we’re going to discuss many of the intangible things that the right Animal Health or Veterinary job can give you.
Caleb: Okay, that sounds good. Where would you like to start today, Stacy?
Stacy: Well, we have a list of 10 things, so we’ll start at the beginning with the number-one item on our list, which is purpose and meaning.
Caleb: What does that mean, exactly Stacy, “Purpose and meaning”?
Stacy: Finding a job that provides a sense of purpose and meaning can be a powerful motivator for many people. When we feel like our work is meaningful and has a positive impact, it can improve our overall well-being and satisfaction in life.
Having a sense of purpose and meaning in our work can also improve our mental health, since it provides a sense of direction and focus in our lives. When we feel like our work is aligned with our values and goals, we’re more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can boost our self-esteem.
Caleb: And burnout and mental health issues are prominent in the Veterinary profession, are they not?
Stacy: They are, for sure. This first intangible thing is related to the second item on our list, which is a sense of community.
A job that provides purpose and meaning can give us a sense of fulfillment, as we feel like we’re contributing to something greater than ourselves. This can help us feel more connected to our work and the people around us, which can lead to stronger relationships and a greater sense of community.
Caleb: What is involved in a sense of community? I know that some people enjoy the social aspect of work, making new friends and everything that comes with that. Is this related?
Stacy: Yes, it is related. Many jobs require collaboration and teamwork, which can create a sense of camaraderie and belonging among colleagues. Having positive relationships with coworkers can also make the work environment more enjoyable and fulfilling, since we’re more likely to feel supported and valued. But it doesn’t stop there.
Caleb: It doesn’t?
Stacy: No. Work also involves interacting with customers, clients, or vendors, which can provide opportunities for networking and building relationships outside of the workplace. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to expand their professional network or advance their career.
Moreover, the right Animal Health or Veterinary job can also provide a sense of belonging to a larger community, especially in industries or organizations that are dedicated to a particular cause or mission. This shared sense of purpose and passion can create a strong sense of identity and belonging among colleagues.
Caleb: And wouldn’t a sense of community also help with burnout and mental health issues?
Stacy: Yes, absolutely. These relationships can provide a sense of camaraderie and support and can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. In addition, working with a diverse group of people can expose individuals to new perspectives and ideas and can help broaden their understanding of the world around them.
Caleb: What’s next on our list?
Stacy: The third item on our list is personal growth and development.
Caleb: We talk a lot about that on the podcast, don’t we?
Stacy: We do, and that’s because it’s so important! One of the benefits of having the right Animal Health or Veterinary job is that it provides you with opportunities for personal growth and development.
These experiences can contribute to a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s work and life. Jobs that offer training and development programs or opportunities to attend conferences or workshops can provide individuals with the resources they need to grow professionally and personally. This can lead to improved job performance and greater satisfaction.
Caleb: How else does personal development factor into this?
Stacy: The right Animal Health or Veterinary job can offer opportunities for individuals to take on new challenges and responsibilities. This can be a valuable learning experience, as it can help individuals develop problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and a sense of independence and autonomy. In addition, the right job can provide individuals with the chance to explore new interests and passions or to pursue existing hobbies and interests. This can be another great way to improve your work-life balance and overall sense of fulfillment.
Caleb: I know we have a lot of information to get through today, so what’s the fourth item on our list?
Stacy: The fourth thing that the right Animal Health or Veterinary job can give you other than a paycheck is related to the one that we just talked about, and that’s the opportunity for mentoring. Mentoring can be a valuable tool for personal and professional growth, providing individuals with guidance, support, and advice as they navigate their careers.
In some cases, employers may have formal mentoring programs, pairing more experienced employees with newer employees to help them navigate their roles and responsibilities. These programs can be valuable for individuals who are just starting their careers or who are transitioning to new roles or positions.
Caleb: What if a job doesn’t come with a formal mentoring program? What can people do?
Stacy: If that’s the case, the job may provide opportunities for individuals to seek out their own mentors, whether within their organization or through networking outside of work. Building relationships with mentors can help individuals gain new perspectives on their work, learn new skills, and develop strategies for overcoming challenges or achieving their goals.
Caleb: Okay, we’re almost halfway through our list. What’s #5?
Stacy: The fifth thing that the right Animal Health or Veterinary job can give you besides just a paycheck is a sense of accomplishment.
Caleb: That seems like something people might overlook.
Stacy: Yes, that’s right, but they shouldn’t overlook it because it’s very important.
When people have a sense of accomplishment, they feel like they’re making meaningful contributions and achieving their goals. This sense of accomplishment can be a strong motivator, driving them to continue working hard and pushing themselves to achieve more.
When people feel like they’re making a difference in their work, whether it’s by helping clients, producing high-quality work, or contributing to a larger mission, they’re more likely to feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. This sense of accomplishment can also boost self-esteem, contributing to a positive outlook on life.
Caleb: How else can a sense of accomplishment help a person in their Animal Health or Veterinary job?
Stacy: Well, it actually goes back to what we just talked about, which was personal development. The right job can provide people with opportunities for growth and development, allowing them to learn new skills and take on new challenges. These experiences can be challenging, but ultimately rewarding, as people feel a sense of accomplishment when they succeed in developing new abilities or mastering new tasks.
Caleb: So all of these 10 things that we’re discussing today are actually linked together and intertwined?
Stacy: Yes, many of them are, which underscores their importance in finding the right job.
Caleb: What’s up next?
Stacy: Up next is one of my favorite intangible benefits of working in the right job, and that’s confidence.
The right job can provide individuals with a sense of confidence, as they feel valued and respected for their contributions and abilities within their organization. When individuals feel like they’re making a positive impact, whether by providing excellent service to clients or producing high-quality work, they’re more likely to feel confident in their abilities and their value to their employer.
Caleb: And when people have more confidence, it can create more positive momentum for them in their career, is that right?
Stacy: Yes, that’s right. That’s because the right job can provide individuals with opportunities to learn new skills and take on new challenges, helping them build their expertise and confidence over time. As individuals achieve success in new tasks or projects, they’re more likely to feel confident in their abilities and their potential to grow and succeed.
In addition, supportive colleagues and mentors—which we just talked about—can play a role in building confidence, providing individuals with feedback, encouragement, and support. Feeling like they’re part of a supportive team can help people feel more confident in their abilities and more willing to take on new challenges or opportunities.
Caleb: Where are we on our list?
Stacy: We’re on the seventh thing that the right Animal Health or Veterinary job can give you besides just a paycheck, and that’s flexibility and corresponding work-life balance.
Caleb: This is also something that we’ve talked about a lot on the program.
Stacy: We have, due in large part because it’s so important to today’s candidates. Flexibility can come in many forms, such as the ability to work from home or set your own hours. This can be especially important for people with family obligations, health concerns, or other commitments that make it difficult to work a traditional 9-to-5 job. With the right job, you can have the flexibility to take care of your personal needs while still being able to work and contribute to your employer.
Caleb: There’s a limit to the flexibility that veterinarians can enjoy, right? I mean, they have to be at a physical location to treat pets and animals.
Stacy: This is true, but as I mentioned, flexibility can take many forms. Some veterinarians are asking to work only three or four days per week. Some are asking to not work on weekends or only on certain days of the week. So you might be surprised by how creative flexible work arrangements can be.
And flexibility helps with work-life balance, which is also important for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. As we mentioned, the right job can offer benefits like generous vacation time, flexible scheduling, and telecommuting options, which can help achieve a better balance between a person’s work and personal life. This can lead to reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and a greater sense of well-being.
Caleb: Stacy, what’s next on our list?
Stacy: Coming in at #8 is intellectual stimulation. This is something else that the right Animal Health or Veterinary job can give you other than just a paycheck.
Intellectual stimulation can come in many forms, such as working on challenging projects, collaborating with colleagues, and learning new skills. The right job can offer opportunities for personal and professional growth that go beyond the daily tasks of the role.
When a job offers intellectual stimulation, it can also foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills. Employees who are engaged intellectually are more likely to come up with new ideas and solutions, which can benefit the organization as a whole.
Caleb: We’re coming down the homestretch now! What’s the ninth item on our list for today?
Stacy: The ninth item is the opportunity to make an impact.
For some people, making an impact may mean working for a nonprofit organization—which is not always possible within the Animal Health industry or Veterinary profession— or a socially responsible company. These types of organizations focus on improving the world and making a difference in people’s lives, and employees can feel like they are contributing to something important.
Other people may find that they can make an impact within their current profession by working on projects or initiatives that help their employer become more socially responsible or environmentally sustainable. The right job can offer opportunities to take on leadership roles or participate in decision-making processes that can have a positive impact on the organization and its stakeholders.
Caleb: Stacy, is it true that the members of the younger generations are more likely to want to make an impact or that it’s more important to them overall?
Stacy: Yes, I think that’s fair to say, although that’s not a knock on the other generations. Making an impact can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment in one’s career. When employees feel like they’re making a difference, it can increase their job satisfaction and motivation to do their best work. And that also applies to Baby Boomers and the members of Generation X.
Caleb: Okay, Stacy, we’re at the end of our list. What is the 10th item?
Stacy: I saved one of the best for last, which is making networking contacts. You know how much of a believer I am in networking, which is why this is so important. The right Animal Health or Veterinary job can help a person make more contacts and grow their network.
Caleb: How can this be done, exactly?
Stacy: In some cases, individuals may meet potential networking contacts within their organization, through working on projects or collaborating with colleagues in different departments. Networking contacts can also be found through attending industry events, conferences, or professional organizations, as people meet other professionals who share their interests and expertise.
Networking contacts can provide valuable insights into industry trends and best practices, as well as potential job opportunities or career advice. In addition, having a strong network can provide individuals with a sense of community and support, as they navigate their careers and seek out new opportunities.
Caleb: Stacy, we’re just about out of time, so is there anything else that you’d like to add before we wrap up today’s podcast episode?
Stacy: Yes, I’d like to say that The VET Recruiter has been helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals find the right job for more than 20 years. We have the experience, expertise, and connections to help those in our listening audience who are ready to explore other opportunities or just want to be made aware of available positions that are better than the job they have right now. You can contact us today by visiting The VET Recruiter website at www.thevetrecruiter.com.
Caleb: Stacy, thank you so much for joining us today and for all of this great information.
Stacy: It’s been my pleasure, and I look forward to our next episode of The Animal Health and Veterinary Employment Insider!
Caleb: Before we go, I would like to remind our listening audience to check out the hot Animal Health jobs on our website at www.thevetrecruiter.com and if you are an Animal Health company or Veterinary practice needing to hire a veterinarian be sure to reach out to us at The VET Recruiter.com Have a great day everyone!