Locum vs Training

Overview

At some point, many doctors face the decision:

Should I continue locuming, or enter formal training?

There is no morally superior choice.
There is only a choice that best fits your goals, lifestyle, and priorities.

This page gives you a realistic comparison.

What is Locum Work?

Locum doctors work on temporary contracts, often paid hourly rather than salaried.

Locum work can be:

  • Bank shifts within one hospital
  • Agency work across different trusts
  • Long-term locum posts (locum SHO, locum registrar)

Some doctors locum briefly. Others build entire careers around it.

Advantages of Locum Life

Locuming offers:

  • Higher short-term income
  • Flexible working hours
  • Control over your rota
  • Time for exams, travel, or family
  • Freedom from ARCP pressure

This can be extremely valuable at certain life stages.

Challenges of Locum Work

Locuming also involves:

  • Less job security
  • Limited access to training opportunities
  • Fewer portfolio opportunities
  • Reduced study leave
  • Less support from supervisors
  • Risk of career stagnation if done long-term without plan

Flexibility comes with trade-offs.

What Does Training Offer Instead?

Formal training provides:

  • Structured progression
  • Educational supervision
  • Protected teaching
  • Funded study leave
  • Exam support
  • Clear pathway to CCT and consultancy

Training is slower financially but stronger long-term for most specialties.

Financial Reality

Short-term:

  • Locum doctors often earn more

Long-term:

  • Trained consultants earn more
  • Training provides stability, pension, and career security

Money is important — but so is sustainability.

Which Path Might Suit You?

Locum may suit you if:

  • You need flexibility
  • You are focusing on exams
  • You want higher short-term income
  • You need recovery after burnout
  • You are unsure about specialty choice

Training may suit you if:

  • You want long-term career progression
  • You prefer structure
  • You value supervision
  • You want consultant-level roles
  • You are ready to commit to a specialty

Many doctors move between both at different stages.

Common Mistake

Falling into locum life without a long-term plan.

Locuming can be powerful when used strategically.
It can become limiting when it becomes the default.

Reality Check

There is no perfect career path.
There are only trade-offs.

The doctors who are most satisfied long-term are usually those who:

  • Make intentional choices
  • Reassess regularly
  • Adjust as life evolves

Reassurance

You are allowed to change your mind.
You are allowed to take breaks.
You are allowed to choose stability over speed, or flexibility over structure.

A good medical career is one that fits your life, not someone else’s expectations.