Gone are the days when commuting to work Monday through Friday was a reality for just about everyone. As the world continues to evolve, many people are realizing there is more than one way to have a fulfilling career. Not only are many providers choosing to work from the comfort of their own homes—through telehealth and the like—but they also have the opportunity to travel to various locations and gain experience in different environments. For some, finding a happy medium between work and life can be challenging when embarking on this new lifestyle. To help with that transition, here are some tips to achieve a better work-life balance in locum tenens.
Choose Assignments Wisely
One of the biggest benefits of becoming a locum tenens provider is the ability to control one's schedule and work environment. With that said, it's important to choose assignments that best align with your personal and professional goals. For instance, if your ideal lifestyle does not include international travel, set those boundaries from the start. Reflect on how you want to live the locum lifestyle, and you will find it much easier to manage.
Take Advantage of Time Off
When traveling the world for assignments, it's easy to feel like you're on vacation, especially if you can bring loved ones to an exciting location. While this is lifestyle is ideal for many locum tenens providers, it's crucial to separate vacation from work, whenever possible. Truly "clocking out" during your time off to recharge is essential to maintaining a proper work-life balance.
Prioritize Self-Care
Amidst the hustle and bustle of your locum tenens lifestyle, remember to prioritize your mental and physical health. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest are essential for your overall well-being. By taking care of yourself, you're not only ensuring you feel your best but also preventing burnout, which underscores your value and importance.
Stay Organized
Being away on an assignment can be busy enough without the added stress of searching through paperwork to find what you need. Keep all your important documents in one place, where they are easy to grab. Organize your licenses, certifications, and travel documents in a well-structured system to have one less element to worry about.
However you shape your career, ensuring you keep your non-negotiables in life will set you up for long-term success and ensure you achieve the better work-life balance that locum tenens is known for.
Ready to attain a better work-life balance in your career?
Contact us to find out how you can achieve this and start your locum tenens journey today!
