What's life like as a locum?

[Part Timer]

Currently, I find the idea of working in the same place very very tiring every day. I thought maybe it would be more useful to locum as it gives a change of scenery every day!

You don't have to be a self-employed locum to work somewhere different every day.
Pharmacy chains employ relief pharmacists to cover days off etc, a lot of the benefits of being a locum but better job security, holiday/maternity pay and no tax hassle!

(Pay isn't as high as locum pay but once you factor in 5 weeks paid holiday/sick pay it probably works out comparable.)

[shan]

You don't have to be a self-employed locum to work somewhere different every day.
Pharmacy chains employ relief pharmacists to cover days off etc, a lot of the benefits of being a locum but better job security, holiday/maternity pay and no tax hassle!

(Pay isn't as high as locum pay but once you factor in 5 weeks paid holiday/sick pay it probably works out comparable.)

In my opinion, when you are young and can work harder throughout the week, plus less responsibility of family and kids, then do locuming as much as you can. As a locum you get out what you put in. So more you work more you earn and save in taxes compared to employees. You are your own boss. Earn and save as much as you can. Then may be you can think of a stable place and settle in life forever

once you factor in 5 weeks paid holiday/sick pay it probably works out comparable

First thing, even if you take 5 weeks off as a locum, you still earn more than the employee ( consider tax savings and higher hourly rates)

Second thing, why you need sick pay if you are not sick???? If you fall sick then you dont work. You dont get any eaxtra pay if you are sick, it is inclusive in the annual package agreed in the begining. Sickness cannot be a factor for deciding on Locuming IMHO

Any more thoughts

Shan

[tabs001]

£25 per hour i have seen contracts for pharmacy locums at £35 and even £40 per hour, how come there such a big nvariation? is it the more experinced the higher u will get i gues??

[johnep]

Purely supply and demand according to the area, time of year etc. Eg locums at Christmas, Eid and Yom Kippur in the respective area of these festivals always pay well.

Evenings, weekends and Bank holidays also pay well. If you only want to work 9-5 M-F, then don't expect much.
johnep