Locuming the ultimate "working holiday"

The concept of a "working holiday" might seem contradictory, especially in the demanding field of medicine. However, locuming presents a unique opportunity for you to blend professional development with the thrill of exploration.

Sound interesting?

Here's how locuming can transform your career into an adventurous journey with insights from doctors who have done it.

"My goals are to find work/life balance through regular work and locum work, where I can bring my family with me and we have what we call a "working holiday." A "working holiday" is when my family comes along, I do a bit of locum work, and then we get some nice time off together." Dr Alf Phillips

Flexible scheduling:

Locum tenens positions offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to choose when and where you work. This freedom enables you to plan work around your travel aspirations, whether it's skiing in the Southern Alps of New Zealand or surfing on Australia's Gold Coast.

Diverse experiences:

Locuming exposes you to various healthcare settings, from bustling urban hospitals to remote community clinics. Each location presents challenges and learning opportunities, broadening your clinical skills and medical knowledge.

"One thing I like about working for Medrecruit, is that I will be able to pick up some locum shifts in various different areas of Australia (that I want to go to anyway), so it's a good way of funding my travels as well as visiting new places that are interesting to me anyway." Dr Huw John

Cultural immersion:

Working in different regions or countries offers more than just a change of scenery. It deepens into local cultures, allowing you to connect with communities and understand diverse healthcare perspectives and practices.

Locuming has enriched my lifestyle by providing exposure to various medical environments, cultures and communities - environments in which we may be limited if we are restricted to a certain health service during our years as junior doctors. Dr Adarsh Das

Financial benefits:

Due to the short-term nature and flexibility of locum positions, they often come with competitive pay rates, sometimes higher than permanent roles. This financial advantage can support travel and leisure activities, making the working holiday even more enjoyable.

"Over the last eight years of doing locum work, I have ticked off a few financial goals- saved up for a house deposit, cleared off some accrued debt, and took some amazing family holidays overseas." Dr Tasveer Singh

Professional networking:

Each locum assignment is a chance to meet new colleagues, learn from other medical professionals, and build a network spanning cities or countries. These connections can lead to future job opportunities, collaborations, or friendships.

"Even working over Christmas became a memorable experience as I was invited into the hospital activities with Christmas stockings and Christmas day feasting." Dr Georgia Bromiley.

Personal growth:

Beyond professional development, locuming fosters personal growth. Navigating new environments, overcoming challenges, and adapting to different medical practices enhance resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Achieving work-life balance:

Ultimately, locuming empowers you to achieve a healthier work-life balance. By blending work commitments with travel goals, you can recharge, find inspiration, and return to each assignment with renewed enthusiasm and energy.

If you are yearning for adventure without pausing your career, locuming is the key to unlocking the best of both worlds. It’s not just about taking a holiday; it’s about enriching your life and career with unforgettable experiences. So why wait? The world is waiting, and your skills are needed everywhere.