10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Locum Optometrist In The UK- The Optom Coach

So, you're a UK optometrist, and the idea of becoming a locum has been tickling the back of your mind. Maybe you're tired of the same four walls, the rigid hours, or the feeling that your earning potential is capped. Perhaps you dream of more freedom, more variety, and a life that truly fits your needs.

You've heard the whispers: "Locum work offers flexibility!" "You can earn more!" But what about the nitty-gritty? The unspoken truths? The things experienced locums wish someone had told them before they took the leap?

Well, wonder no more. As someone who's navigated the exciting, sometimes daunting, world of locum optometry, I'm here to share the top 10 insights I wish I'd had. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged and your eyes opened to the true potential – and a few surprises – of this dynamic career path.

1. Your Earning Potential Isn't Just "More" – It's Exponentially Different (If You Play Your Cards Right)

Forget fixed salaries. As a locum optometrist, your income is directly tied to your daily rate and how much you choose to work.

While employed roles offer stability, locum rates in the UK can frequently command anywhere from £300 to £450+ per day, depending on location, demand, and your experience.

What I wish I'd known? That by strategically picking up shifts, especially in high-demand areas or for last-minute bookings, you can significantly out-earn your employed counterparts. That extra weekend shift or covering a remote clinic could mean a new car, a house deposit, or that dream holiday sooner than you ever imagined.

2. The "Paperwork Nightmare" Is Overstated (Especially with the Right Help)

One of the biggest fear factors for aspiring locum optometrists is the perceived administrative burden: taxes, National Insurance, invoices, expenses...

I won't lie, it's more than PAYE. But what I wish I'd truly understood is how straightforward it becomes with a good system - a supportive accountant, utilising resources like the ones found on this website, and to ask other locum optometrists for help.

What I Wish I'd Known? A decent accountant specialising in self-employment will be your best friend, saving you hours and ensuring you're tax-efficient.

3. "Flexibility" Means More Than Just Hours – It's Lifestyle Design

Everyone talks about flexible hours, but what I truly underestimated was the power of lifestyle design.

Need to take two weeks off in October for an adventure? No problem. Want to work four days a week instead of five, every week? Done. Wish you could drop your kids off at school and still get to work? Absolutely.

What I Wish I'd Known? Locum optometry isn't just about choosing your shifts; it's about moulding your work around your life, not the other way around. It's about having the freedom to prioritise what truly matters to you.

4. You Become a Clinical Chameleon – And Your Skills Skyrocket

Before becoming a locum, I worried about adapting to new practices. What I didn't realise was how quickly I'd become a clinical chameleon.

Moving between independent practices, large multiples, and even specialist clinics exposes you to a vast array of equipment, patient demographics, and working styles. This rapid exposure sharpens your diagnostic skills, broadens your management techniques, and makes you incredibly adaptable.

I show you from step one to mastering their unfamiliar systems & equipment how to work in the different opticians within my guides, but regardless you'll pick up tips and tricks from dozens of different colleagues.

What I Wish I'd Known? Locum will evolve your into a far more well-rounded and confident optometrist.

5. Your Network Becomes Your Net Worth

As an employee, your professional network is often limited to your colleagues. As a locum optometrist, every practice you step into is an opportunity to connect.

What I wish I'd known was how quickly this network would grow and how invaluable it would become. From direct bookings that bypass agencies (saving you fees!) to referrals for specialist cases and even future partnership opportunities, your connections become a powerful asset. People will know your name, your professionalism, and your reliability.

6. The "Unstable Income" Myth Is Largely Due to Poor Planning

Yes, your income isn't fixed, but the fear of "no work" is often exaggerated.

What I truly wish I'd grasped earlier was the importance of strategic planning. With a few reliable agency contacts, direct practice relationships, and a good reputation, consistent work is readily available.

Many locums book weeks, or even months, in advance. Building a buffer fund for quieter periods (which are often self-imposed for holidays!) makes any perceived instability a non-issue. You gain control, not uncertainty.

7. You'll Rediscover Your Passion for Optometry

The routine of an employed role can sometimes lead to burnout or a feeling of stagnation.

What I didn't anticipate was how becoming a locum optometrist would reignite my passion.

The constant variety, the fresh challenges, and the lack of office politics in many short-term roles make each day engaging. You're there to focus on what you do best: provide excellent eye care. It's refreshing and reminds you why you chose this profession in the first place.

8. Mastering Self-Discipline Becomes Your Superpower

No one is looking over your shoulder. You manage your own time, your own bookings, and your own professional development.

This sounds daunting, but what I wish I'd known was how empowering it is. You develop incredible self-discipline, time management skills, and accountability. These aren't just work skills; they're life skills that permeate every aspect of your personal growth.

9. Expenses Aren't Just Costs – They're Tax-Efficient Investments

While you don't get paid benefits, many of your professional outgoings become legitimate business expenses. Professional indemnity insurance, GOC fees, CPD courses, a new piece of equipment, even mileage for travel – these are all tax-deductible.

What I wish I'd truly understood was that this transforms necessary costs into smart financial moves, effectively reducing your taxable income and putting more money back in your pocket.

10. The Confidence Boost Is Immense

Finally, what I truly wish I knew before becoming a locum optometrist was the sheer boost in confidence it provides. Stepping into new environments, quickly adapting, and consistently delivering high-quality care without the comfort blanket of a permanent team builds incredible resilience and self-belief. You learn to trust your clinical judgment, your adaptability, and your ability to thrive independently. It's not just a career change; it's a profound personal growth journey.

Is Locum Optometry for You?

The transition to locum optometry isn't for everyone, but for those who are ready to embrace autonomy, variety, and the potential for significant financial and lifestyle rewards, it can be the most liberating career move you'll ever make. Don't let the myths hold you back. The freedom, the enhanced earning potential, and the continuous professional growth are truly game-changers.

Ready to explore the world of locum optometry? Start with the free setup guide found at this website!