When planning your next career move in healthcare, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to pursue a permanent role or embrace the flexibility of locum work. Both career paths come with unique advantages and challenges, and the right choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle, goals, and long-term aspirations. While some professionals thrive on the stability of a permanent position, others enjoy the freedom and variety that comes with working as a locum. Understanding the differences between permanent recruitment and locum recruitment can help you make the best decision for your future career.
The Appeal of Permanent Recruitment
Permanent employment offers a sense of security that many healthcare professionals value. A permanent role provides steady income, access to employee benefits such as pensions, paid leave, and structured career development opportunities. For individuals who want to build long-term relationships with colleagues, be part of a workplace culture, and benefit from ongoing training, permanent recruitment can be incredibly rewarding.
A permanent role also comes with opportunities for progression. Employers often invest in their permanent staff by offering promotions, leadership opportunities, and chances to specialise in a particular area. This structured career growth can suit those who are working towards senior or leadership positions. Many also enjoy the sense of belonging and collaboration that comes from being part of a permanent team.
That said, permanent roles do have limitations. Fixed working hours and contractual obligations often mean less flexibility, and career progression can sometimes feel slow. Some professionals also find that staying in the same environment long-term can feel monotonous. However, for those who prioritise job security, consistency, and long-term growth, permanent employment remains a strong choice.
The Freedom of Locum Work
Locum work offers a completely different approach to career building. Rather than being tied to one employer, locum professionals take on short-term contracts, often stepping in to fill urgent staffing gaps. This flexibility allows you to choose when and where you work, making locum recruitment a popular choice for those who value variety and independence.
Working as a locum means you gain experience across different clinical settings, broaden your skill set, and meet new people regularly. It can also be financially rewarding, as locum positions often come with higher hourly rates compared to permanent roles. Many locum professionals find they can work fewer hours while still maintaining a comfortable income, which provides greater control over work-life balance.
Of course, locum work does come with challenges. Unlike permanent employees, locums don’t usually receive benefits such as holiday pay, sick leave, or pensions. They also need to be proactive in securing new contracts, which can feel uncertain at times. Constantly adapting to new teams and environments can be stimulating, but it also requires resilience and flexibility.
Making the Right Choice for Your Career
Choosing between permanent and locum recruitment ultimately comes down to your personal circumstances and career goals. If you are looking for long-term stability, consistent progression, and the security of a permanent contract, a permanent role may be the best option. If, on the other hand, you want flexibility, variety, and the potential to earn more on your own terms, locum work could be the right fit.
Some professionals start their careers as locums to gain valuable experience before moving into permanent roles, while others switch between the two depending on their life stage or career goals. Both options have clear advantages, and neither path is “better” it’s about finding the one that works best for you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At camhs professionals, we specialise in connecting healthcare professionals with both permanent and locum opportunities across the UK. Whether you’re seeking the stability of a permanent position or the freedom of locum work, our team is here to guide you through every step of the recruitment process.
Explore your options today and find a role that truly fits your career goals and lifestyle. Get in touch with us to start your journey.
