Near the end of each contract, Gwyn and I have to start talking with our recruiters and figure out where we are going to work next. It can be complicated at times because we have to look where there are jobs for both of us, or at least jobs for each of us within driving distance. Sometimes this is within the same state we’ve worked in before, but more often than not, it’s another state entirely. Since we live in the van, we try to chase the nicer weather (northern states in the summer months and more southern states through the winter months), but realistically this isn’t always do-able.

Right now, Gwyn and I are in Oregon until the end of October, then we’re off to the next adventure. We originally had our sights on central to southern California, but at the moment we’re still waiting on approval from our licenses in the state. Until we are approved for the licenses, we can’t apply for jobs in California, and we are having to expand our search. While we wait, we’re looking elsewhere including some south western states and even Washington state. We would rather head south to miss out on the cooler weather up north, but at the same time, finding travel jobs for two separate departments can be a little complicated.

I sometimes get excited at the prospects and tell my friends/family that we’re looking at particular states, just for the jobs to fall through and end up in another location. I’ve learned in this type of work, it’s better to not explain any plans until the contracts are signed. The biggest take away I have learned from contract work (at least in this sector), I have had to learn to be more patient, but be proactive in searches on my own as well as speaking with my recruiter, or even multiple recruiters when it comes down to a few weeks left in the contracts.

If anyone is out there looking for contract healthcare work, just know it is great finding new places to see and explore, but it can be a little (or very) stressful depending on your situation. Sometimes the unknown between one contract ending and another beginning can be a driver for increased anxiety, but can also be a reprieve knowing you’ll soon head to another location. I believe it can be easier to find work when only one person is trying to find the next job because they aren’t tied down to a place or finding work with someone else. It’s doable, but keep in mind if multiple people are looking out for travel work in separate departments, it could come down to the last week before any contracts are signed.

Over and Out,

Whit