4 Reasons Why A Locum Pharmacist Would Move To A Permanent Job

Having conducted a locum survey which gathered over 205 responses, we learned a lot about the motivating factors which encourage people to undertake a locum career, and why they would potentially move into a permanent position.

We found that locums prefer their current role because it offers them flexibility in relation to their working calendar. Locums can work across the UK, they can often avail of benefits such as free hotel accommodation and, depending on location, the hourly rates can equate to significantly more than those found in a permanent position. One could work in Bournemouth for one month, and end up in Aberdeen several months later having stayed and worked in various UK cities! What an experience!

So, why might you stop being a locum pharmacist, and enter a permanent role?

Change in Circumstance What if you fall in love, have a child or if you finally get a season ticket for your hometown football club? Maybe it’s time to settle in one location and give up the travelling life that you’ve had for the past few years. Stop living out of a suitcase and get yourself somewhere to call home.

Wanting A Regular Income Being a locum is great in relation to floating rates, over-time and other benefits, but sometimes it can be difficult to avail of credit when you don’t have a guaranteed income. If you want to buy a car or secure a mortgage, some lenders may require a permanent and stable income. If you’re finding credit hard to come by, but don’t want to undertake a permanent position, get in touch with our friends at Crunch for expert accounting advice

Career Progression Many of our clients will only hire pharmacists into senior positions if they have a track record of achievement within one organisation over a prolonged period of time. They want to know that the person they’re investing in will commit to the role long term. Having some extended experience in a role can help you jump up the career ladder quicker than those who have always locumed. Maybe you want to specialise in one discipline or treat a specific condition. The varied learning experience of being a locum may mean it’s tough to gain the niche experience that you want.

To Build Relationships It’s great being able to jump around different teams and meet new people all the time. It’s great being able to move around the country and visit different places. But do you really get to know anyone? Living on the road and being surrounded by new people all the time can actually become quite a lonely experience. Some locums who we’ve placed in permanent positions have claimed that the reason for them settling down was to meet a partner, become part of a community and to join a social club. That’s how you can make real friends and feel part of something.

Get in touch with our Recruitment Manager, Thomas, if you’re interested in a permanent position. We offer free CV reviews, free careers consultations and we can work on your behalf to create roles in pharmacies who may need your services but don’t quite know it yet.

Get in touch with Thomas on 07746625940 or thomas@locatealocum.com

Until then, access over 1200 locum shifts on our booking platform every week!