Some readers have asked how I am able to take time off during an assignment. I usually provide the dates I need off prior to starting so that it is in the agreement. If I am not sure of the exact dates yet, I will just tell them I need a week off in the month of February and will let them know the exact time as soon as possible. If I want to take some additional time off that I didn’t let them know in advance, I just give them a one month notice and have them block my schedule. It’s usually not that complicated.
I took a week and a half off in the middle of my current assignment to meet up with my boyfriend in Spain. We had an amazing time together – the weather was perfect. A little cold but sunny so it didn’t feel that bad. We went to Madrid since it was his first time, and ended the trip in Barcelona – where we initially met last summer. I was thrilled to go back to all of my favorite places in Barcelona.
When I was in Bradenton, there was a physician that worked with me that is at least 70 years old. He was so in awe of my European sabbatical last summer. He was forever talking about it and saying that he wished he could do that. He had retired twice before but ended up being bored and going back to work. He is originally from Greece and said he would love to spend a summer there.
I told him that actually he could take a sabbatical as well. I told him the company he worked for has a sabbatical program for providers. He said he has never heard about it and I told him they don’t advertise it. The only reason I knew about it was because they have tried to convince me to go permanent with them before, using the sabbatical as an enticement. I encouraged him to take the sabbatical as soon as possible while he is in good health and can travel to Greece for an extended period of time.
Fast forward to now, and he messaged me letting me know that his sabbatical for this summer was approved! He is taking 3 months off to spend the summer in Greece. I am so happy for him and glad I was able to influence him living life to its fullest.
Now, I am trying to figure out if I will move on to another assignment or take some time off. I feel like I would love to have a break, but at the same time, it can be hard to say ‘no’ when you are constantly needed. Can anyone else relate?
I love this! My partner also lives in a different country and I’m so glad to hear that you are able to juggle locums with frequent international travel. I mostly work telemedicine now which is flexible, but I am excited to try out some locums assignments this year.
Oh cool! Which country do they live in?