Ever felt torn between your love of travelling and your locum Pharmacist job?
It’s not uncommon for Pharmacists who crave flexibility and adventure to find themselves in a tug-of-war between keeping up with shifts and exploring new places. As much as we all dream of living the nomadic lifestyle while staying on top of work, balancing the two can be tricky.
So, how do locum Pharmacists balance work and travel? Can you really enjoy the freedom of being a locum while still earning a solid income and staying professionally sharp?
These are the questions many locum Pharmacists face. The good news is that the right strategies are in place. You can absolutely juggle work and travel successfully. In fact, locum work often provides the flexibility to embrace travel without sacrificing your professional life.
1. Plan Your Schedule Wisely
When you’re a locum Pharmacist, flexibility is the name of the game. You get to decide when and where you work, which opens the door to combining your passion for travel with your job. But here’s the kicker: planning is key. Without a structured schedule, things can get chaotic pretty fast.
Here are a few strategies for locum Pharmacists to balance work and travel:
- Block off travel days: Plan your travel dates around your locum shifts to avoid any overlap. Don’t schedule work immediately after a long-haul flight or a busy travel day.
- Make use of quiet seasons: Take advantage of slower pharmacy periods to schedule extended travel. January and February tend to be quieter months in retail pharmacy, so it’s a great time to head off for a getaway.
- Use travel time productively: If you’ve got a few hours on a flight or train, use that time to catch up on Continuing Professional Development (CPD), update your resume, or plan your next few locum gigs.
2. Leverage Technology to Stay Connected
As a locum Pharmacist on the go, staying connected with potential employers, locum agencies, and peers is crucial. Fortunately, we live in a digital age where this is easier than ever.
Here’s how you can stay connected no matter where you are:
- Use locum Pharmacist Platforms: Platforms like LocumCo can help you stay updated on locum vacancies across Australia. These platforms allow you to apply for shifts even while you’re travelling.
- Stay organised with productivity apps: Tools like Google Calendar and Trello can help you manage your work schedule, track your expenses, and set reminders for upcoming shifts or CPD requirements.
- Keep in touch via video calls: Whether it’s a quick call with LocumCo or discussing upcoming shifts with a pharmacy manager, video calls via Zoom or Teams keep you in the loop.
3. Choose Your Locations Wisely
Not all travel destinations are ideal for balancing locum Pharmacist work and sightseeing. If you’re travelling between locum shifts, you’ll want to pick locations that allow for both relaxation and convenience.
Consider these factors when selecting where to go:
- Internet access: Always ensure you have a reliable internet connection so you can respond to job offers, submit invoices, and check in with your booking agency.
- Time zones: Avoid destinations where time zone differences make it difficult to communicate with employers or your agency back home.
- Proximity to pharmacies: If you’re open to working while travelling, choose pharmacies with great amenities around you.
4. Learn to Say No When Needed
One of the hardest things about being a locum Pharmacist is knowing when to say no. If you’re constantly saying yes to work, you might end up sacrificing your travel plans. While it’s great to pick up extra shifts, it’s equally important to protect your downtime.
Here are some situations where it’s OK to say no:
- Too many consecutive shifts: If you’re being asked to work several shifts in a row without a break, it’s time to reconsider. Your travel time is just as important as work.
- Last-minute shifts that interfere with travel: Flexibility is a perk of locum work, but if a last-minute shift means cancelling your travel plans, it’s probably not worth it.
- Shifts outside your comfort zone: Don’t feel pressured to take shifts in locations or environments that you’re uncomfortable with just because they’re available.
5. Take Care of Yourself
For locum Pharmacists, juggling work and travel can quickly become exhausting. Prioritising your physical and mental health is essential to finding a sustainable balance that keeps you thriving on the go.
Here’s how you can maintain your well-being while juggling work and travel:
- Prioritise sleep: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new city and skimp on sleep, but exhaustion won’t do you any favours at work.
- Eat well: Try to maintain a healthy diet even while travelling. It’ll keep your energy up for both work and sightseeing.
- Stay active: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Whether it’s a quick workout in your hotel room or a walk around the city, exercise is key to staying energised and focused.
Wrapping Up: Achieving the Perfect Balance
Being a locum Pharmacist offers the flexibility to travel, but finding the right balance between work and leisure requires some thought and planning.
By managing your schedule, leveraging technology, and setting boundaries, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, financial stability and the freedom to explore new places.
Ready to start balancing locum work with your travel goals? Reach out to LocumCo for more information on locum opportunities, and take the first step towards a flexible career that fits your lifestyle.
FAQs
Can I work as a locum Pharmacist while travelling abroad?
Yes, it’s possible to work as a locum Pharmacist while travelling, but you’ll need to ensure that your registration and licensing are valid for the country where you wish to work. Locum Pharmacists generally have more flexibility within their own country.
How can I ensure I get enough work as a locum Pharmacist while travelling?
To ensure a steady flow of work, register with a Pharmacist-owned, nationwide agency with strong industry connections, like LocumCo. Building a solid network with pharmacy managers and keeping your availability flexible can also open up more opportunities.
Is it difficult to juggle locum Pharmacist work and travel?
It can be challenging to juggle both, but with careful planning, it’s definitely achievable. Prioritising your schedule and using technology to stay organised can make it easier.
How do I avoid burnout while working and travelling?
Taking time off to rest, saying no to shifts when needed, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent burnout. Make sure you schedule breaks and leisure activities during your travels.
What’s the best way to find locum Pharmacist jobs while travelling?
Using locum recruitment platforms such as LocumCo or pharmacy job boards is a great way to find work while on the move.
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