As a locum tenens physician, you temporarily fulfill the duties of another physician and thus travel frequently to many hospitals nationwide for work. Working as a locum tenens physician has numerous amazing perks, including more freedom, more money, and the ability to travel to new and exciting places. While these perks are irresistible, the frequent travel and inconsistent work schedule can make it difficult to keep in touch with your family.
That doesn’t mean that you should sacrifice your relationships for your career, though. It is possible to stay connected with friends and family, even in a different state or time zone. While regular calls or FaceTime are great ways to keep in touch with your loved ones, there are several other unique ways to do things, especially if you have children.
1. Send Visuals
Naturally, you’re going to be busy when you’re traveling for business and probably won’t have much time to explore, but if you do get a chance to check out local attractions, snap some photos or record a quick video to share with your family. If you won’t have time to do any sightseeing, consider sharing visuals from a conference or meeting, a selfie when dressed in your work attire, or even just a photo of what you ate for lunch. Visuals can be sent through traditional methods like text messages, through social media like Instagram or Snapchat, or even through super cool, high-tech digital photo frames.
Sharing photos and videos with your loved ones is a great way to make them feel like they are right with you. Your family will be excited to see the latest update from you, and especially for younger kids, it will give them a sense of pride in what you do versus begrudging you for leaving.
2. Bring Home Souvenirs
This might sound like bribery, but that’s really not the case! For family members whose love language is gifts, the act of receiving a gift serves as a gesture of affection and care because it shows the person that you were thinking about them when they weren't around and wanted to find a way to make them smile. The gift also becomes a physical token memorializing a moment, experience, or feeling.
Souvenirs don’t have to be big or expensive gifts. Something as simple as a T-shirt, trinket, toy, or pen will be enough to put a smile on their face! Look for something that has the location emblazoned on it so they will always remember where each and every item came from.
3. Consider Traveling with a Toy
Appealing to the whimsical sensibilities of your kids is among the best ways to connect with them. Let them choose a favorite toy that they are willing to send on for travels with you and one that can easily fit into your pocket or purse. Take random pictures with it during your stay away, e.g., while on the plane, during dinner, or in a conference room. Send the photos periodically so your kids can simply follow along or build an online scrapbook. It keeps you connected with your kids in a playful way as they get a kick out of seeing where their favorite toy ends up.
4. Send Snail Mail
Postcards and handwritten letters are old-fashioned, and very few people do such today. Paper and ink bring out something so personal and special, and that makes it an absolute treat to receive one! It is exciting for kids to discover they received a letter addressed to them, and your significant other will also appreciate handwritten letters to keep the spark alive while you’re away. Of course, you send snail mail to supplement other strategies you use to maintain the connection.
5. Bring Them Along
We get it; spouses work, kids go to school, so sometimes this just isn’t possible. But if it is, try bringing the fam along with you!
Consider extending your trip by a few days, conducting business while the spouse and kids explore on their own, and then join them once your assignment is over at the latter part of the trip for some family fun.
Find Great Locum Tenens Opportunities with Med X
There are many ways to maintain the connection with your loved ones during your frequent travels. But finding locum tenens opportunities in great locations can make it even more convenient to keep in touch with your family. Reach out to Med X for great locum tenens opportunities and perform your duties while staying connected with your loved ones.
