FOMO stands for “fear of missing out”. Usually people use this expression when they missed out on a trip or a reunion with friends etc.
As a traveling nurse practitioner, I sometimes have FOMO when it comes to choosing my next assignment. For instance, some sites have a credentialing process that takes 2-3 months. I try to avoid these jobs because I don’t like committing to an assignment too early.
Locums jobs are usually available last minute. Typically, there wont be a job posting until about 1 month before the assignment start date. This is why I am not a fan of committing to a job 2-3 months in advance. What if a better job comes along? Maybe something in a better city or a job that pays better. What if I need to be closer to home?
I know most people would like to be committed to multiple assignments in advance so they won’t have to worry about it last minute. I guess I have been doing locums for so long that I am the opposite. I like to decide on my next assignment within a few weeks of the start date. When I commit to a job well in advance, I often start second guessing it.
I even have FOMO when extending an assignment! Often, I am asked to extend during the first month of my 3-month assignment. I usually tell them I will let them know closer to the end. Of course the site wants to know sooner than later to see if they need to hire someone else. But I need to decide last minute to see what my needs and desires are at that time.
The only time I don’t mind committing to a job super early is when I have a bunch of vacations/trips planned. That way I know where I will be prior or during the trip so I can book my flights instead of assuming I will be flying from Miami.
Any other traveling nurse practitioners with FOMO out there?
