It’s that time of year again, when many of us set goals for the things we want to achieve in the coming months, ranging from losing weight to giving up a vice. If one of your resolutions is to try locum tenens, you can seize the day now. And you can do it without giving up anything.
By starting with a short-term contract that lets you experience a new environment during a few days off from your permanent position, you increase your chances of success twofold. First, you are fulfilling your resolution with no risk to your regular job. And second, you are setting a small, achievable goal, which is the best way to eventually meet more far-reaching objectives.
There is also a third benefit to including a locum tenens venture in your New Year’s resolutions. In the long run, this practice alternative can help you accomplish other quality-of-life goals you may have set. Here, we present several benefits typically realized by locum tenens providers. Whether one, two, or more are on your list, the first step toward fulfilling your resolution is simply speaking with a Weatherby Healthcare consultant to explore your options.
You promise to spend more time with family and friends. Locum tenens practice lets you control your own schedule, which means you can plan to be home for extended periods of time or for specific family events. You can also accept assignments in cities near friends and family you don’t often get to see, and enjoy their company when you’re not working.
You resolve to save money or get out of debt. Some providers use locum tenens contracts to supplement their income. If you have vacation time or long weekends to spare, you can take short-term contracts to earn extra money for savings, or for paying down debt from, say, student loans.
You want to help others. As a locum tenens provider, you will have the chance to bring quality medical care to underserved populations. Opportunities abound where you can serve patients who live in remote, rural areas, or who face economic or cultural barriers.
You make up your mind to learn something new. Locum tenens is all about new experiences. You can learn so much from immersing yourself in different practice settings, new cultures, and diverse locations. You can also make new friends and expand your professional circle.
You resolve to take a trip. Traveling is easier when you provide locum tenens services, since reputable staffing agencies help with the logistics and absorb the cost of transportation and accommodations required for your assignments. You just tell your consultant which part of the country you’d like to explore, and he or she will help get you there.
You pledge to enjoy life more. Having a say in your schedule and locale opens many doors with regard to adventure and leisure. Maybe skiing is your passion. Perhaps you prefer surfing, or simply relaxing at the beach. As a locum tenens provider, you can accept engagements in areas that allow you to indulge in your favorite pursuit.
You vow to get a different job. If you are not satisfied at your current position, locum tenens is a risk-free way to shop for a new job. You can “try before you buy” to gain first-hand experience at a new facility. Or, if you’re nearing retirement, you can find contracts that let you travel to different communities to help you decide where to live after you stop working.
Have you made other resolutions for the New Year? Tell us about them by leaving a comment below. Whatever you hope to accomplish in 2015, we wish you happiness, success, and limitless options.
