Locum or Resident?

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A career in optometry offers a multitude of opportunities, and two over-arching paths usually stand out: working as a locum optometrist or being a resident. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages, making the decision is a pivotal one for your professional journey. In this article, we'll go into the pros and cons of both routes to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your career aspirations and personal circumstances.

Locum Optometrist:

1. Flexibility and Autonomy:

A primary attraction of being a locum is the flexibility it offers. As a locum, you have the freedom to choose when and where you work. This level of autonomy allows you to explore various practice settings, from independent clinics to multiples, providing a diverse range of experiences that can expand your skill set.

You can also organise your work schedule around family commitments and your personal life. No longer are you tied in to work certain days every week, thus giving you a better work/life balance should you decide to vary your week.

2. Exposure to Different Practice Environments:

Locuming exposes you to different practice environments, patient demographics, and diverse cases. This exposure advances your learning and helps you refine your clinical skills. Additionally, encountering different practice styles aids in your adaptability and problem-solving abilities. Each practice would come with it’s own challenges. Whether it’s difficult staff, older patients, different clinic times or old systems and equipment. When you go through these obstacles, you learn how to deal with them after a while and can then work in nearly any environment.

3. Financial Benefits:

Locum work often comes with competitive rates. While benefits and job security may vary compared to a salaried resident position, the potential for higher earnings can be an attractive incentive. Be sure to get advice from your accountant for all financial matters when becoming a locum.

Resident Optometrist:

1. Training and Mentorship:

Opting to become a resident immerses you in a learning environment under the guidance of more experienced professionals. If there are other Optometrists in the practice, you can always ask for the advice and guidance on clinical cases. This can increase your knowledge around pathology, referrals, patient communication and much more. Even after becoming a fully-qualified Optometrist, there is so much more to learn. Being surrounded by other professionals who can positively impact your development is a key part to your career’s success.

2. Stability:

Being a resident means you have a stable job that you are not likely to lose. Your income will be stable, you know what days and hours you are working and you don’t have to constantly try get used to different systems and practices. It’s a lot less taxing and you don’t need to worry about trying to find a shift to work. This gives you peace of mind and you can focus your energy on other parts of your life like family, hobbies, passions or whatever else you enjoy.

3. Professional Development:

Residency can make it easier to advance your career, whether you want to go down the clinical or professional route. Many employers support (and fund!) further qualifications. If you want to go down the professional route of management or practice ownership, being a resident is a no-brainer. You will get much more experience working within a team and leading them too. Eventually when you do get your own practice, you will have a much clearer vision and will have learnt from your residency experience. Senior management can coach and help you along your journey to help you fulfill that dream.

Ultimately, the decision between being a locum optometrist or a resident hinges on your individual career goals, lifestyle preferences, and professional aspirations. Consider how much you want autonomy, further development, and your financial considerations. It's worth noting that these pathways are not mutually exclusive; some optometrists may choose to locum and be a resident at the same time.

Regardless of the path you choose, remember that your journey in optometry is dynamic, and there are opportunities for growth and development along every route. Take time to reflect on your priorities, seek advice from mentors and colleagues, and trust your instincts.

Do send this to any Optometrist who you feel will benefit!

Regards,