Almost two years ago, I made a decision that a lot of my colleagues at the time did not understand. I chose to leave the stability of permanent employment to become a locum pharmacist full-time.
For many reasons, this has been the best career decision I’ve ever made. As I approach the two-year anniversary of my locum journey, I wanted to share my thoughts on the incredible benefits of locum pharmacy work.
1. Flexibility and work-life balance
Locum pharmacists enjoy unparalleled flexibility. This allows us to design a work schedule that perfectly aligns with our lifestyle. Whether it's balancing family commitments or pursuing personal passions, this flexibility empowers us to achieve a harmonious work-life balance.
Need a long weekend to recharge? Planning a family vacation? Locuming allows you to plan your work around these important life events, ensuring you don’t miss out on the moments that matter most.
2. Skill enhancement and professional development
In the world of locum pharmacy, adaptability reigns supreme. With each new assignment comes a different work environment, diverse team dynamics and unique patient needs.
As locum pharmacists, we encounter a wide array of patients, each with distinct requirements and backgrounds. This diversity enhances our communication skills, allowing us to engage effectively with people from all walks of life.
Furthermore, the constant change hones our adaptability skills, making us adept at quickly acclimating to new situations.
And don't even get me started on the suite of pharmacy softwares that we have to master on the fly.
3. Networking opportunities
Locum pharmacy work isn’t just about dispensing medications; it's a gateway to a vast network of professionals and enriching opportunities.
Working in various settings introduces us to a multitude of healthcare professionals. These interactions foster interdisciplinary connections and enable us to forge invaluable partnerships.
4. Increased income potential
I’d be lying if I said that the financial benefits of locuming did not play a role in my decision-making in 2021.
As locum pharmacists, we often command higher hourly rates than permanent pharmacists. There are several reasons for this including our availability to work on short notice and the lack of entitlements like personal leave.
Additionally, locum work allows us to take on more assignments during periods when we require additional income, providing the freedom to customise our earning potential based on our financial goals.
Choosing locum pharmacy work has been a transformative journey for me, and I encourage fellow pharmacists to consider this path. The work-life balance, networking opportunities and financial rewards make it an enriching and fulfilling career choice.
Are you a pharmacist considering this path? I'd be happy to discuss my experiences further and connect. Feel free to reach out!
#Pharmacy #LocumPharmacist #WorkLifeBalance
Thank you to Ceara and Von for sharing your family’s story. In connection to her personal health journey, Ceara is a passionate advocate for organ donation, proudly partnering with Donate Life America to advocate for increasing organ, eye and tissue donation and developing a culture of trusted donation. Learn more: https://donatelife.net/