Achieving Work-Life Harmony in Veterinary Practice
In today’s fast-paced world, ‘Work-Life Harmony’ has emerged as a desirable goal for professionals in various fields, including veterinary practice.
It’s more than just a buzzword; it’s a tangible and highly personalised approach to blending professional responsibilities and personal life for overall well-being.
In episode 171 of the Vet Staff podcast, Julie South sheds light on practical steps veterinary professionals can take to achieve this harmony.
This is episode one in the Work Life Harmony four-part series.
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Foundation of Work-Life Harmony: Setting Boundaries
To establish a sense of harmony, it starts with setting clear limits. This involves self-reflection on values, priorities, and energy levels.
Julie emphasises the importance of creating boundaries that are proactive rather than reactive.
She advises setting non-negotiable limits in a respectful and genuine manner, highlighting that empathy and authenticity are essential in boundary communication.
Effective Communication: Balancing Work-Life Harmony Needs and Empathy
Communicating needs can often be a challenge.
The formula Julie suggests is simple yet powerful – clearly state what you want, invoke empathy, and set your boundary.
This approach minimises conflict and creates understanding.
Avoiding excessive justification is key, as it can weaken statements and invite unnecessary debate.
Adjusting Boundaries: Ensuring Boundaries Work for You
Boundaries aren’t set in stone; they require reflection and adjustment.
Julie South encourages regular check-ins to ensure the boundaries you’ve set are still serving your needs effectively.
These adjustments are crucial as professional development and personal circumstances evolve.
Handling Pushback with Confidence
Expect pushback when changing the status quo.
Julie’s advice is to handle objections with poise and confidence.
Listening actively and validating concerns help find common ground, while being clear and deft in upholding your boundaries. [00:19:30 – “Pushback is expected when changing the status quo…”]
She affirms that leading with empathy and maintaining a steady demeanor are vital in navigating these waters. [00:21:50 – “Leading with empathy, speaking with power…”]
Tracking Professional Progress and Personal Fulfilment
Julie encourages self-tracking to monitor when feelings of overwhelm occur and to determine specific unmet needs.
Recognising people-pleasing tendencies and assessing self-care practices are part of this self-monitoring process. [00:25:45 – “It is crucial to track feelings of overwhelm…”]
This introspection leads to a better understanding of how to maintain vitality in both the workplace and personal life.
Financial Realism in the Veterinary Field
Achieving work-life harmony in the veterinary sector should include realistic financial considerations, such as remuneration and work hours. Julie talks about setting boundaries while being mindful of one’s financial needs. [00:29:35 – “The speaker also notes the need for realistic financial considerations…”]
Julie South believes that while finance is a part of the discussion, passion for the profession and job satisfaction should not be overlooked.
Conclusion:
In summary, episode 171 of the Vet Staff podcast, part one of a four-part series, offers invaluable insights into attaining work-life harmony.
By setting clear limits based on self-reflection, communicating effectively, adjusting as needed, handling pushback confidently, tracking personal and professional fulfilment, and being realistically financially aware, veterinary professionals can achieve the balance they seek. [00:32:50 – “Julie encourages listeners to spread the word about the Vetstaff podcast…”]
Stay tuned for the continuation of the work-life harmony series, where managing expectations and negotiating deadlines will be the focus in the veterinary professional’s quest for balance.
Episode Chapter Markers
00:03 – Achieving Work Life Harmony
02:27 – What does Work Life Harmony look like?
09:39 – Defining your limits and boundaries
11:12 – Setting and communicating personal boundaries
14:56 – Working out what’s important to you
19:33 – How to communicate changes
21:32 – How to word your boundary need / change / request
25:58 – How to set yourself up for success with your statement
28:47 – How to handle pushback
31:17 – Wrap up and thanks
32:17 – Next week’s episode intro
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Julie South – on Linkedin – More Awe + Attitude of Gratitude posts
VetClinicJobs – where good employers shine online and people who’re looking for their next job can find them.
Other Vet Staff Episodes Worth Listening to
EP 160 – Resiliency Quotient – pt 4 – Values
ep 39 – 12 Statements Low EQ People Make
ep 40 – Emotional Intelligence – 6 Ways to Lead as an Emotionally Intelligent Leader
ep 145 – Exploring Social Intelligence – A Key to Personal and Professional Development
Research Links Mentioned in this Series:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1745691617707315
https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9611203/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8430282/
https://positivepsychology.com/journaling-prompts/
VetClinicJobs
where good vet clinic employers shine online and jobseekers go to find them
