UK Optometrists: More Money Or Mellow Moods, Which One?

Optoms seriously believe that more money will buy them respect, autonomy, decent colleagues, work-life balance.

Funny image, I know, hopefully it lightens the mood on this serious topic. But I see this constantly: optometrists chasing salary increases, thinking that's the solution to their misery.

"If I just earned £5k more, I'd be happy."

"If I just hit that £60k mark, everything would be fine."

"If I just got that promotion..."

If money doesn’t get us what we’re chasing… what can? CONTROL.

The optometrists I know who are genuinely happy at work aren't necessarily the highest paid. They're the ones who have CHOICE.

Choice over their schedule.

Choice over their workload.

Choice over their work environment.

Choice over who they work with.

This is why some locums earning £300/day are happier than employed optoms earning £75k/year. It's not about the money; it's about the freedom.

When you can say "no" to shifts that don't serve you...

When you can take time off without begging for approval...

When you can speak up without fear because you're not dependent on one employer...

That's when work becomes fulfilling.

Of course, ideally you find this in an employed role, but there’s less control there than in other modalities of optometry. Best thing is we can mix and match, luckily. This isn't about earning less; it's about earning smart. It's about trading the illusion of security for the reality of freedom.

What matters more to you right now—a higher salary or more control over your working life? Why?