Back to Roo4You

Navigating Burnout as a Relief Professional: Strategies for Thriving

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
June 3, 2025
Work-Life Balance

Burnout is a term that carries weight in every profession, but for relief veterinary professionals, it hits particularly close to home. Relief work offers flexibility, variety, and autonomy - qualities that draw many to this career path. However, the same factors can also lead to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and the creeping presence of burnout.

As a relief emergency and critical care specialist myself, I’ve walked the tightrope between autonomy and overwhelm. Relief work can feel like a double-edged sword; the freedom to set your own schedule often comes with the pressure to say “yes” to every opportunity, leading to overcommitment. In this blog, I share strategies to manage burnout and improve work-life balance, drawing from my experiences and lessons learned along the way.

Understanding burnout: A relief perspective

Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long shift; it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Relief work, while rewarding, comes with unique challenges that can fuel burnout:

  • Frequent Transitions: Moving between clinics means adapting to new teams, policies, and client expectations regularly.
  • Workload Uncertainty: The unpredictability of relief schedules can make planning personal time difficult.
  • Isolation: Without a consistent team, relief professionals can feel disconnected from workplace culture and camaraderie.

These challenges, compounded by long hours and the emotionally taxing nature of veterinary care, make self-care and boundary-setting essential.

Why relief professionals are prone to burnout

Relief professionals often face unique pressures, such as navigating clinic politics as an outsider, working during peak demand times, or stepping into stressful environments to provide temporary relief. It’s not uncommon for Relief Veterinarians and Technicians to feel like they must “prove” their worth during every shift, adding an extra layer of stress.

The cumulative effect of these factors can erode the joy and fulfillment that drew us to this work in the first place. However, with the right strategies, relief professionals can navigate these challenges effectively and protect their wellbeing.

Strategies for managing burnout

1. Prioritize your wellbeing

Relief work allows flexibility, but it’s easy to fill every gap in your schedule with shifts. Resist the urge and, instead, fiercely protect your downtime. Schedule days off just as you would shifts, and use this time to recharge.

Early in my relief career, I overbooked myself, thinking that maximizing income was the key to success. It wasn’t until a car accident forced me to pause that I realized the importance of balance. Now, I proactively schedule breaks and vacation time to maintain my energy and enthusiasm.

Incorporate practices that enhance your physical and mental health, such as regular exercise, a consistent sleep schedule, and hobbies outside of work. Relief work can become all-consuming if you let it, but carving out personal time helps keep burnout at bay.

2. Set clear boundaries

Boundaries are the foundation of a sustainable relief career. Decide in advance how many shifts you’ll work per week, how far you’re willing to travel, and what types of cases or shifts you’ll accept. Communicate these boundaries clearly to clinics and colleagues and keep these guidelines in mind when searching for and booking relief shifts with online relief platforms

Use a scheduling app or calendar to track your availability and commitments. Block out personal time first, then fill in work shifts. If you’re prone to saying “yes” too often, remind yourself that every “no” to an extra shift is a “yes” to your own health and happiness.

3. Focus on building relationships

While relief work can feel isolating, building relationships with clinic teams can create a sense of belonging. Invest time in connecting with staff, even if you’re only there for a day or two. A little effort goes a long way in fostering collaboration and reducing feelings of isolation.

Consider bringing in a small treat or writing a thank you note for the team at the end of your shift. These simple gestures can leave a lasting positive impression and open the door for future opportunities. By cultivating strong relationships, you can also create a network of clinics that feel like “home,” reducing the stress of constantly adjusting to new environments.

4. Practice mindfulness and reflection

Mindfulness helps counteract the high-stress environments that relief professionals often encounter. Techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or meditation can help you stay present and manage stress.

After a particularly challenging shift, I take 10 minutes to sit quietly and reflect. This practice helps me process my emotions and approach the next shift with a clearer mindset. Mindfulness isn’t just about managing stress in the moment; it’s also cultivating a long-term sense of awareness that helps you recognize when you’re nearing burnout.

5. Seek peer support

Relief professionals often lack the built-in support systems of full-time staff. Joining online groups or local networks of Relief Veterinarians and Technicians can provide a sense of community, shared experiences, and valuable advice.

Look for Facebook groups or forums specifically for Relief Veterinarians. Many professionals share job leads, insights, and encouragement. Peer support can remind you that you’re not alone in navigating the ups and downs of relief work.

6. Advocate for your needs

As a relief professional, you have the freedom to choose where and how you work. If a clinic’s environment feels toxic or unsafe, don’t hesitate to decline future shifts there. Prioritizing your mental and physical health is always worth it.

I once worked at a clinic where communication breakdowns created constant tension. After my shifts, I politely informed the Practice Manager that I wouldn’t be returning. It was a hard decision but necessary for my wellbeing. Standing up for yourself in these situations is essential to creating a sustainable career.

7. Develop a long-term vision

Relief work can sometimes feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of shifts with no clear direction. Take time to reflect on your long-term goals. Do you want to eventually open your own practice, focus on a specific specialty, or transition to a different role?

Having a vision for the future can make the day-to-day challenges feel more manageable and give you a sense of purpose.

Finding work-life balance

Achieving balance as a relief professional requires intentional effort. Here are a few strategies that have worked for me:

  • Plan Ahead: Use your flexible schedule to your advantage. Plan vacations or long weekends in advance to recharge fully.
  • Create a Routine: Even with irregular work hours, establish a morning and evening routine to ground yourself. A consistent routine can provide stability and reduce stress.
  • Celebrate Wins: Take time to recognize your accomplishments — whether it’s a successful case or simply navigating a tough day.

Balance doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some professionals thrive on a packed schedule, while others need ample downtime to feel recharged. Experiment with different approaches until you find what works for you.

Turning lessons into growth

Relief work is uniquely rewarding, offering freedom and variety that few other roles provide. However, it also demands resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and fostering connections, you can thrive in this career while avoiding the pitfalls of burnout.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my journey, it’s this: taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Relief professionals are integral to the veterinary profession, and your health and wellbeing are too important to overlook.

Let’s embrace this career path with intention and compassion — for our patients, our colleagues, and ourselves.

‍

About the Author

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, author, keynote speaker, and wellness advocate. She writes, speaks, and coaches on topics related to mental health and wellbeing in veterinary medicine.

Related resources

More from Roo4You
More from Roo4You
Vets & Techs
For VetsFor TechsWhat is a Relief VetResources
Taxes & FinanceHealthcare & BenefitsVet Salary CalculatorDVM LicensingRelief Tips & Guides Tutorial Videos
CE Events & WebinarsHappy HoursBlog
Work Life BalanceVet MedFinancial FreedomHow to RooRoo News
Hospitals
For HospitalsHost ExternshipsCE Events & WebinarsResources
Boost RevenueTutorial VideosRelief ToolsSuccess Stories
Blog
Animal HospitalsHow to RooRoo News
Students
For StudentsBlog
Roo Uni
About
FAQLocationsCareersSupportAbout UsContact Us
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Find Relief Veterinarian Jobs
AtlantaAustinBaltimoreBostonCharlotteChicagoCincinnatiClevelandColumbusDallasDenver
HoustonKansas City, KSKansas City, MOLas VegasLos AngelesMiamiMinneapolisNashvilleNew York CityOrlandoPhiladelphia
PhoenixPortlandRaleighSacramentoSan AntonioSan FranciscoSeattleTampaTucsonWashington D.C.