Locum veterinary work has become an increasingly popular option for Vets, RVNs and other veterinary professionals. Whether you're looking for more flexibility, want to experience different practices or simply fancy a change from permanent employment, locum work can offer a different way of working.
But what is it actually like to work as a locum, and could it be the right option for you?
Here are some of the biggest benefits to consider.
One of the biggest reasons veterinary professionals choose locum work is the flexibility it can offer.
Rather than being tied to a permanent rota, you can often have more say over when and where you work.
This can be particularly useful if you have other commitments outside of work, want to reduce your working hours or simply prefer having more control over your diary.
You can choose to work full-time hours across different practices, pick up occasional shifts alongside a permanent role or take time off when you need it.
For many people, having that extra control over their working life can make a big difference.
Locum work can offer attractive rates, particularly if you have experience in a busy clinical environment or have skills that are in high demand.
Rather than receiving the same monthly salary regardless of how many hours you work, locums are generally paid for the shifts or hours they complete.
There are, of course, other factors to consider when comparing locum and permanent salaries, including holiday entitlement, pension contributions and other benefits that may come with permanent employment.
However, for veterinary professionals who are happy to work flexibly, locuming can be a good way to increase their earning potential.
One of the most valuable parts of locum work is the opportunity to experience different practices.
Every practice works slightly differently. You might use different systems, see different caseloads, work alongside different teams and gain experience with equipment or procedures that you haven't used before.
This can be particularly useful if you're still developing your career and want to discover what type of practice suits you best.
It can also help you build confidence and broaden your clinical experience without having to commit to a permanent position straight away.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly what you're looking for in a permanent role until you've experienced different working environments.
Locum work gives you the opportunity to try different practices and see what works for you.
Perhaps you discover that you love working in a larger team, or that you prefer a smaller independent practice. Maybe you realise that a particular type of caseload really interests you, or that having a certain amount of support around you is important.
These experiences can help you make a more informed decision when you're ready to look for a permanent position.
Veterinary work can be demanding, and finding the right balance between your career and your life outside work isn't always easy.
Locum work can give you more control over this.
You may be able to choose when you work and when you take time off, rather than having to fit holidays, appointments and personal plans around a permanent rota.
For some veterinary professionals, this flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of locuming.
If you're feeling stuck in your current role, locum work can provide a change without requiring you to commit to another permanent position straight away.
Working in different practices can bring some variety back into your working week and allow you to meet new people and experience different environments.
It can also be a good option if you're unsure about your next career move and want some time to think about what you want to do next.
Every practice you work in gives you the opportunity to meet new people.
Over time, you can build relationships with Vets, RVNs, Practice Managers and other members of the veterinary team across different practices. This can be valuable professionally and personally.
We've also found that locum work can sometimes lead to permanent positions. You may initially join a practice as a locum and later realise that it's somewhere you'd like to stay.
While there are lots of benefits, locum work isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone.
Some people prefer the stability and routine of a permanent position, including knowing exactly where they'll be working each week and having a consistent team around them.
As a locum, you may also need to adapt quickly to different practices, systems and ways of working. You might walk into a practice you've never worked in before and need to get up to speed quickly.
It's worth thinking about what you value most from your working life before deciding whether locuming is right for you.
If you're thinking about making the move into locum work, there are a few practical things to consider.
Think about:
How many days or hours you want to work
How far you're willing to travel
The type of practices and caseloads you're comfortable with
Your preferred rate
Whether you want regular shifts or more flexibility
How much notice you're comfortable giving or receiving for shifts
Your employment and tax arrangements
It's also important to make sure you have the appropriate professional registration, insurance and documentation in place before starting work.
Finding locum work doesn't have to mean contacting practices yourself every time you're looking for a shift.
Working with a veterinary recruitment agency can give you access to a range of available locum opportunities and make the process much easier.
At Synergy Vets, we work with veterinary professionals looking for locum opportunities across the UK. We can discuss what you're looking for, the type of work you're interested in and the areas you're willing to travel to, then help match you with suitable opportunities.
Locum veterinary work can offer something that permanent employment doesn't always provide: choice.
You can have more control over your working hours, experience different practices, broaden your clinical skills and potentially increase your earning potential.
It isn't for everyone, but if you're looking for more flexibility or simply want to try something different, it could be worth considering.
If you're thinking about making the move into locum work, have a chat with one of our team. Even if you're not sure whether it's right for you yet, we're always happy to talk through your options.