Considering a shift to locum tenens work? You’re not alone. More and more clinicians are exploring alternatives to the traditional practice model, looking for something that fits their life—not the other way around.
But how do you know if locum tenens is the right fit?
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Locum work can be rewarding, flexible, and full of opportunity. It can also be unpredictable, fast-paced, and outside of your comfort zone. What matters most is whether it aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and how you want to show up in your career.
Here are a few questions to help you figure that out.
Are You Craving Flexibility?
If your current schedule feels rigid and draining, locums could offer a refreshing change. As a locum provider, you choose when and where you work. Want to take a month off between assignments? Need time to travel or care for family? Locum tenens gives you that space without needing to justify it to a supervisor or negotiate vacation time.
For some, that flexibility is a game-changer. For others, it takes getting used to. Ask yourself how much structure you need and how much freedom you want.
Are You Comfortable with Change?
Locum work means stepping into new environments regularly. That includes new EMRs, different workflows, unfamiliar teams, and varied patient populations. If you enjoy variety, pick things up quickly, and like being in learning mode, you’ll likely thrive.
If you find transitions stressful or need consistency to feel at your best, you may prefer local locum work or longer-term contracts that give you time to settle in. Locums doesn’t have to mean constant travel or change, but it will always require adaptability.
Are You Exploring What’s Next?
You might be early in your career and unsure what setting fits you best. Or maybe you’re mid-career and wondering if the job you’ve been doing for years still serves you. Locum tenens gives you the space to explore without pressure. You can test different practice models, locations, and patient populations without locking yourself into a long-term commitment.
This kind of exploration can bring clarity—about what you love, what you can live without, and how you want your career to look moving forward.
Do You Want to Focus More on Patient Care?
Many providers move into locum roles because they’re tired of the politics, meetings, and administrative hurdles that come with full-time positions. Locum assignments tend to be more focused. You come in, you care for patients, and you leave when your shift is done. That kind of clarity can be incredibly freeing.
If you’ve lost sight of why you went into medicine in the first place, this focus can help you reconnect with your purpose.
Are You Financially Ready?
Locum pay can be strong, especially for certain specialties or high-need areas. But because you’re usually a 1099 contractor, you’ll need to manage taxes, insurance, and retirement planning yourself. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does require a bit of preparation.
If you’re organized and willing to learn, this level of independence can actually work in your favor. Still, it’s worth considering how comfortable you are managing the financial side of independent practice.
So, Is Locum Tenens Right for You?
If you’re looking for more autonomy, want to explore different ways to practice, and are open to a little uncertainty in exchange for a lot of freedom, locum tenens may be the perfect fit.
But if stability, routine, and familiarity are what help you thrive, you may want to ease into it slowly or consider part-time assignments close to home first.
There’s no right or wrong path. Just your path.
With locum tenens, you’re in control of the pace and direction of your career.
