should we go perm?

[Katie]

Do you think that with the economy the way it is at the moment it would make more sense to give up locuming and look for a post in a group?

Companies aren't willing to pay out as much as they used to and to be honest the amount of locum work is dwindling.. is anyone else experiencing this?

[Pharmanaut]

Do you think that with the economy the way it is at the moment it would make more sense to give up locuming and look for a post in a group?

Companies aren't willing to pay out as much as they used to and to be honest the amount of locum work is dwindling.. is anyone else experiencing this?

Yes,
My regular saturday has dried up completely.
Choose carefully and you can actually be better off, maybe not financially, but in other ways.

[Fleegle]

I have already done so, but with an Independant..the only way in my view. I have accepted a full-time supervising pharmacist post, and my locum days are over (for now at least).
Was fairly lucky with remuneration too. I'm afraid it could be time to baton down the hatches lads....

May I also acknowledge the forward-thinking of previous posts by Tony Schofield, who saw this coming months ago.

Fleeg.

[Defblade]

I have already done so, but with an Independant..the only way in my view.

Funny, me too, as of last week. Well, a relief position anyway and they've had me booked solid for the last 6 months or so anyway - I think we all know what we're getting!

But I'm still getting phone calls from new leads and have no reason to think I couldn't fill my time again PDQ.... this just happens to be the right job and I've basically swapped the tax breaks for paid holiday etc so swings and roundabouts for me.

[Katie]

so would you recommend an independent or group?

the paid hols would come in handy

[JonF]

For me independant anyday. I've worked for Lloyds, Superdrug and now at an independent. There is no comparison!!

[Defblade]

so would you recommend an independent or group?

I'm with a very small group - 3 shops! - and 2 of those are run by the owners.

I would just say that while the major multiples are probably the worst for treating you like a person and drawing out your strengths and interests, some people prefer the clear cut responsibilities etc - independents will usually expect (or hope for) a lot more initative from their managers.

But find a job you like, rather than worry about who runs it - locumming is perfect as an extended interview!

[DavidS]

I have already done so, but with an Independant..the only way in my view. I have accepted a full-time supervising pharmacist post, and my locum days are over (for now at least).
Was fairly lucky with remuneration too. I'm afraid it could be time to baton down the hatches lads....

May I also acknowledge the forward-thinking of previous posts by Tony Schofield, who saw this coming months ago.

Fleeg.

Yes to all of the above, but I'm fighting against it. The thought of going perm, if you will excuse this, makes my hair stand on end.

As a coping strategy, I think I'm having a long holiday starting October 1st, or whenever the RP stuff comes out.

[Fleegle]

I have been a bit of a maverick over the years, and have always taken advantage of the professional status I have to pretty much choose my direction, and also as it turns out, the country I choose to work in...not many people can easily do that.

Although I have accepted a full-time position, I am currently setting myself up as a limited company as well, in readiness for future developments.

What goes around comes around...Controversially, I'm actually quite enjoying all this!

Fleegle.

[ghatears]

i think the locum work has dried out completely, ive been working 4 days a week which includes a saturday (about 34-38 hours a week). cant get any work for the week. locum work is now looking ok for people who want to work sat, sun and late nights. this time last year i was fully booked 3 months in advanced working 40-50 hours a week, without going to agencies, this year i cant even book up the next 2 weeks and most of my bookings are coming from locum co-ordinators and agencies. ive been offered permanent positions with large companies - i dont know what to do???