{"id":22123,"date":"2022-08-30T00:00:58","date_gmt":"2022-08-30T00:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/?p=22123"},"modified":"2023-05-24T20:44:19","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T20:44:19","slug":"opening-shots-0822","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/opening-shots-0822\/","title":{"rendered":"Q&A: DVM Salaries, Self-Care and Calling in Sick"},"content":{"rendered":"

Q: A 38-year-old mom of two girls, I recently had my first physical since my youngest was born five years ago. Unfortunately, my family and practice, not to mention too much inactivity, took a toll on my health. My doctor says I need to lose weight, exercise more and reduce stress. Ha! Has he ever heard of vet med? Seriously, any advice on how to get healthier?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: Congratulations on taking the first step toward reclaiming your health. The lifestyle changes you make today will benefit you and enhance your family\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n

Scores of veterinarians have asked me the same question over the past 25 years, and my answer is rooted in steps I took at age 30 when I found myself in a similar predicament. The first thing I did was address sleep quality. I committed to going to bed (and waking up) earlier, tracking sleep parameters \u2014 I use the Oura Ring \u2014 and making adjustments based on the data. I reduced alcohol, eliminated caffeine after 3 p.m., drank four liters of water each day and concentrated on eating nutrient-dense whole foods containing less simple sugars. I also stopped TV and screen time an hour before bed. I started walking every morning for 30 minutes (which evolved into Ironman triathlons), read a ton of positive-psychology books, focused on personal relationships, and took up meditation.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a lot of work, and I\u2019ll be the first to say that prioritizing my health was, and continues to be, a challenge. It\u2019s a process, so do as much as you can, but do something each day. Veterinary medicine can be unpredictable and stressful, making a personal-care routine essential. And don\u2019t forget to see your doctor every six to 12 months.<\/p>\n

I always viewed self-care as my gift to those I love. If I were healthier, more energetic and mentally focused, then I would be a better husband, father, leader and boss. This journey is as much about you as your loved ones. Bon voyage!<\/p>\n

Q: I\u2019m an associate veterinarian looking for a new job. The last two interviewers asked about my desired salary. I know what a few veterinarians make in our area, but knowing how much to ask for is difficult. What\u2019s the best answer?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: The old \u201cYou go first\u201d dilemma! Despite your discomfort with salary negotiations, going first can be an advantage due to a cognitive bias known as the anchoring effect. In simplest terms, whoever throws out the first figure typically sets the boundaries. The tactic is most effective if you toss an anchor based on the \u201czone of possible agreement\u201d (ZOPA) and if you have an idea of how much your prospective employer knows about it.<\/p>\n

If you know what your salary should be \u2014 begin by analyzing your budget and benchmarks \u2014 and you feel the interviewer is a bit vague on how much to pay, don\u2019t hesitate to start with an aggressive value, say 10% to 20% above market. The only risk is that if you greatly exceed ZOPA or the interviewer is ignorant, a reasonable yet high offer is dismissed, and the interview is over. So, do your homework.<\/p>\n

In veterinary medicine, I advise a slight variation when asked about salary, especially if you don\u2019t know or understand ZOPA or if you\u2019re uncomfortable asking for more money. Try something like: \u201cBeing fairly compensated as a veterinarian is an important criterion, but I\u2019m more interested in the opportunity here. What does someone with my experience and abilities usually earn in this position?\u201d<\/p>\n

No matter the answer, you still need to negotiate. Surveys show that less than half of employees negotiate their salary, while over half of employers expect it. Most employers will offer a lower amount to allow for bargaining. Get comfortable talking about your salary, and role-play the scenarios with a trusted party. You\u2019re worth it.<\/p>\n

Q: I\u2019ve spent five years as an associate veterinarian at my clinic. We\u2019re interviewing new veterinarians, and one of them left her job offer on our office desk. I couldn\u2019t help but peek. To my shock, I discovered her starting salary was nearly 25% more than my current pay, and with more benefits! Should I tell my boss I saw the offer and deserve more?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: I hear more of those stories as competition for veterinary professionals intensifies. I\u2019ll reserve judgment on whether you should\u2019ve \u201cpeeked\u201d at the contract, but I can offer advice on advocating for yourself and negotiating your salary.<\/p>\n

First, it\u2019s perfectly legal and normal for employees to discuss their pay privately among themselves. I think a good starting point for this discussion is to use the new hire\u2019s prospective compensation package as a basis to negotiate a better salary for yourself. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask colleagues what they\u2019re paid and look at industry benchmarks.<\/p>\n

The next step is listing valid reasons you deserve a raise. I\u2019m conflicted on promoting a \u201cBecause this is what I\u2019m worth\u201d argument in every case because, well, equal work deserves equal pay. Enough said. The reality is that most bosses expect some justification for why you\u2019re asking for more money, so it\u2019s good to provide rationale.<\/p>\n

I suggest approaching your boss with this combination:<\/p>\n