When it comes to mental health careers, there is no one-size-fits-all path. Some professionals thrive in the stability of a permanent team, while others value the flexibility and variety of locum work. But how do you know which is right for you?
At Hunter Gatherer Mental Health, we help clinicians navigate this choice every day. Whether you are early in your career, returning to practice or considering a change in pace, we provide honest advice and tailored opportunities to help you make a decision that works for your life and goals.
The case for locum work
Locum roles offer a number of advantages:
- Flexibility to choose your hours, settings and locations
- Higher hourly pay in many cases
- Variety of experience across different services
- Freedom from internal politics and longer notice periods
- Opportunities to build a portfolio career
Locum work is ideal for professionals who want control, balance or a break from rigid structures. It can be a great option if you are managing other responsibilities, testing out new clinical areas or building experience quickly.
However, it’s important to consider the trade-offs. Locum professionals may have less access to supervision, may experience gaps between roles, and need to take ownership of their own tax, holiday planning and professional development.
The benefits of permanent work
Permanent roles provide:
- Security and stability with guaranteed income
- Structured career development and training
- Pension contributions, sick pay and other benefits
- Access to in-house CPD and supervision
- Opportunities to grow within a team or service
For those looking to progress, settle into a team, or gain consistent clinical exposure, permanent roles can provide a strong foundation.
The flip side? You may have less freedom to shape your hours, take time off between roles or explore varied settings.
How we help you choose the right path
Our role is not to steer you one way or the other. It is to give you all the information you need to make the right decision – based on your personal and professional goals.
We ask the right questions:
- What does your ideal workweek look like?
- What are your financial and lifestyle priorities?
- Are you looking to progress, take a step back, or try something new?
- Do you thrive in routine or prefer variety?
Then we offer realistic, transparent advice. We talk through current market trends, available roles, service types, and the pros and cons based on where you are in your career.
And because we recruit into both locum and permanent roles across the UK, you’ll have access to genuine choice – not pressure to follow a particular route.
Locum and permanent: a career built on your terms
Your needs might change over time and that is completely normal. We regularly support professionals who start in locum work and transition to permanent roles later on, or the other way around. Our consultants stay with you throughout your journey, adapting to your goals as they evolve.
Whatever stage you’re at, we’re here to help you make the right move – not just the next one.
Speak to Hunter Gatherer Mental Health today for clear, practical advice and access to both locum and permanent roles across the UK.