Courtesy of my iphone 11 camera.

Traveler pros vs cons.

There are always pros and cons to every job. Having a job has a traveling SLP/ therapist is no different. Here is a list of my pros and cons as a traveling therapist.

The Pros:

• 13 weeks with no strings attached
• The pay is a lot higher than a permanent position.
• You get to live somewhere new.
• New environment to experience ie hiking trails, restaurants, bars, bodies of water; etc
• You get paid weekly!
• Your temp homes are furnished; therefore, no need to worry about furniture
• No utility bills, only rent.
• You can take extended time off between assignments (if allowances allow)
• You acquire the “minimalist lifestyle” and finally learn how to pack.
• Make life-long friends.
• Opportunities to experience something new.

The Cons:

• There is always the risk of contracts ending sooner than expected- most often due to the company finding a full-time therapist. (*but you get anywhere from 2 weeks to 30-day notices)
• Your new environment might be unfavorable
• The cost of living could be expensive
• No PTO 😦
• Home sickness/ lack of socialization outside of work
• Burnout because of the required hours
• Packing for 13 weeks or more especially when you start off in summer attire and end in winter (lots of clothes)
• Picking between items from the kitchen (I like to cook, so I have my staples- spices, water bottles, cookbook, containers for leftovers and meal prepping)
• Having to plan time off prior to signing the contract; otherwise, unable to take time off without medical documentation.
• Access to therapy resources.
• You have to apply for a new license per state you choose to work (can get pricey).
• Leaving coworkers that have turned into friends.