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My name is Lisa and I have worked for Lap of Love home hospice service since 2015. I started my career in small animal general practice and found myself getting burned out by the schedule and emotional demand of it. I phased into relief work and found Lap of Love, where I found much more fulfilling work with end-of-life care. Honestly, I love this job so much that even if I won the lottery tomorrow I’d still work here (but maybe just part-time!). I’ve graduated from working in the field to the leadership team now, but really enjoyed the slower pace and ability to spend more time with each family I helped.
During my time doing relief on my own, I found I did not enjoy any of the back-end management that went into maintaining my own business (now we have Sound Vet Med to help with this very problem). Lap of Love offered me a turn-key option that worked for me. I can come home and feel like I didn’t work that day. I was able to show up more for my family and friends. Lap of Love and my current work-life balance taught me that vet med does not define you as a person and job is just a part of your life. People feel stuck and that’s when thinking is detrimental to themselves - like when the cup is half empty. The best part of the job is the fulfillment of the work, gratitude of the families and feel like you make a difference for that pet and that family.
I usually wake up around 7:30 am and take care of my kid. I won’t have an appointment until 9 am that day so I usually have time to sneak in a workout beforehand - I enjoy yoga and cycling a lot. I generally have about 3-4 appointments per day, with 2 hours dedicated to each family. Some days are slower than others so I have time to run errands or go home, play with the dog or read a book in my hammock. I will generally see appointments between 9 am and 5 pm, so once I’m done for the day I have my evening to myself for dinner and family time.
Everyone has their own niche- for those of us experiencing burnout or fatigue it is probably because we haven’t found it yet. When you find a job you love, it won't feel like work. Figure out what feels right and work on self-awareness, don’t feel stuck. If you can’t find what you love then create it! If you are drawn to end-of-life-care and drawn to that process then it can be a perfect match and trust that process. If you are interested in learning more about Lap of Love - find us here: https://www.lapoflove.com/