Been doing my job for 44 years this year and 68 years old. I know I still do it better than lots of folks out there and most days still enjoy it, being a high energy person I can still outwork the younger folks. Been a small owner since '84 Some days I think of it harder than others-the days I have clients with unrealistic expectations on what can or can not be done on their pets health care and what the costs can be for them or my actual costs to do it. With the dramatic increase in specialists over the years and the philosophy taught to younger veterinarians "only a specialist should do that" and the potential legal ramifications of normal complications if not a specialist have changed my profession. As well as newer veterinarians wanting that "work -life balance" and to be "entitled" to a salary to have that, pay off school loans and work a 30 hour work week! Vs actually earning that salary. Years past most of us knew owning your own business was the way to a higher salary despite the longer hours and headaches of being a business owner(keeping staff. paying staff, cost of goods, making enough to keep the doors open), then you sold it as part of your retirement. Well now most of the newer folks do not want that responsibility so fewer options, mainly corporate buyer. They are taking over the profession(check out Mars veterinary/pet division holdings!) kind of like they have pharmacies, and even the human health side-how many MDs not in a hospital corporate group?
So exploring that some. Or just work til I am tired of it and lock the doors. Luckily my expartners and I had an accountant years ago that pushed us to set up a Simple IRA so some retirement to draw on besides SS. As you other small business owners know retirement plans, health insurance plans for you and employees comes out of your potential salary. Work another few years and hopefully some fewer hours to be able to enjoy some things besides work, like car projects! Maybe a cheap dyno and just do my own Engine Masters trials
