Dilemma about full time or locum work

[culchie1982]

I've recently been offered three full time jobs in the North Western area, and seriously considering one of these however the idea of locuming still appeals to me because of the money issue. Boots, LLoyds often cliam that when everything is taken into account ie paid holidays, pension, no guarantee of regular work in Winter, accountants fees etc etc that they are more or less equal in the money stakes, but I find this hard to believe. I need advice on this issue.
The only thing that attracts me to permanent work is the security that it offers, the familiarity of staff and surroundings and the fact that you have some degree of authority which you don't have as a Locum (from experience in N Ireland, assistants tend to slack off intentionally when the locum is in, and you can't really say much for fear of not being called back!)
Also, on a more mundane level, is it difficult getting used to all the different computer systems as opposed to N. Ireland where it's just the one system used in all Pharmacies.

[johnep]

Take the job for 6 months to a year and then make up your mind.
johnep

[Chirpy]

Are you newly qualified? If so then you may find that you learn more & are better supported in a permanent post. (although not necessarily in all of those companies!) My experience has been that pharmacists who locum straight after qualification appear to have to work harder to get to the same point. Depending on the demands of your permanent job you can always locum on your days off to see what else is out there. and as johnep says, you can start along one path & change your mind!

[Jeff]

Also, on a more mundane level, is it difficult getting used to all the different computer systems as opposed to N. Ireland where it's just the one system used in all Pharmacies.

Rid yourself of the idea that you should be the one doing the labelling.

[LLUK77]

Hi Culchie,

I would not pay attention to what the multiples say about their wages being on par with locum work. Lloyds put out a flyer a couple of years back to highlight this and is was factually misleading. Also if you are good at your job and are good at managing relationships with locum coordinators etc, then I don't think you will be short of work. If you are more transaction minded - ie highest rate etc.. then you may find work hard to come by at some times of the year. All in all it depends where you see yourself going - Locuming is great if you are thinking of studying further or wanting to take a few holidays in the year..etc etc . Do also bear in mind that the multiples sometimes tie you down for a few years - or prevent you from locuming on the side or prevent you working for competitors within a certain area of the store you work in for x number of months after you leave!

[culchie1982]

Jeff, I worked in plenty of places where I've been labelling AND gathering medication, as well as putting orders away, ordering peoples scripts etc. It's sort of par for the course here in N.Ireland because the assistants are generally of the opinion that the locums are getting paid big bucks - therefore they should damn work for it! Ridiculous attitude I know, but with work so ludicrously short, you just had to put up with it.