There's no shortage of reasons for doctors to feel stressed: long hours, large responsibilities, and a demanding work environment are all hallmarks of the profession. The stress is something you get used to over the years, you build a tolerance for the pressure you face on a daily basis.

As a doctor you know that stress can lead to health issues such as: trouble sleeping, anxiety, obesity, and depression. Luckily you don't have to leave the medical field behind to find some stress relief. Locum work can provide doctors with a way to hit refresh, offering the chance to engage in new and exciting endeavors within the medical field. With the right locum work, you can renew your love for medicine, shake things up a bit, and reduce your stress levels.

Travel

If you've been itching to get away, locum work may be the perfect fit. You'll be able to travel and work simultaneously, exploring the world in a way not otherwise possible. Offering both flexibility and a structured work environment, locum work comes without the typical stress of recreational travel.

You won't be moving to a new city while trying to find a new job, you'll have a job lined up before you even arrive. The placements themselves usually last two weeks or more, giving you ample time to experience the best your new destination has to offer.

You'll be working, but you'll have time to explore as well, without the pressure of settling into a long-term commitment at a hospital or private practice.

Locum work provides flexibility and a change of scene that can help reduce occupational stress.



Explore new professional endeavors

Stress isn't just caused by being overworked, it can also be triggered by boredom. You may be familiar with this sensation if you've lived and worked in the same area for a while.

If your career is feeling a bit stale, a locum placement may be a perfect opportunity to explore more of what your field has to offer. You may be placed in a high-need area, serving populations where your knowledge and experience will have a significant impact. You may also have the opportunity to use different skills than you usually would, including those outside of your normal routine or specialty.

There's not much room for boredom during a locum placement. Between traveling, exploring a new location, meeting new people and throwing yourself into an exciting new work opportunity, you'll shake off that stale feeling in no time.

You can renew your love for medicine, get to know new people and rediscover your love for your field. You didn't become a doctor because it was an easy path - it's a difficult one, and ultimately a rewarding one. Still, it's okay to admit you're stressed, bored and itching for something new.

Locum placements can help you hit refresh and find a new way forward in your career.