How to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Locum Doctor in Australia and New Zealand
8 min read | Doctor Wellbeing | July 2026
TL;DR: Locum doctors in Australia and New Zealand can achieve a better work-life balance by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, prioritising self-care, and leveraging the flexibility of their schedules. Building a support network and understanding the unique challenges of locum work are also essential to maintaining wellbeing and preventing burnout.
- Flexibility: Locum doctors can choose their schedules, enhancing work-life balance.
- Earnings: Higher gross rates offset self-funded expenses like superannuation and insurance.
- Diverse Experience: Locum positions allow doctors to work in varied healthcare settings.
Sources: 6 cited below ↓
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Locum Work
Locum work offers flexibility but comes with unique challenges. Every assignment introduces a new team, systems, and environment. This constant change can make it difficult to establish lasting relationships, which is a significant aspect of job satisfaction. Locum doctors often feel like outsiders, which can impact their mood and overall wellbeing. Understanding this dynamic is crucial to navigating the locum lifestyle effectively.
Moreover, locum doctors must manage their own professional responsibilities, including arranging professional indemnity insurance and funding their superannuation. This self-management is part of the locum experience and requires careful planning and organisation.
Every practising doctor must hold professional indemnity insurance to maintain AHPRA registration (AHPRA).
Setting Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life
Establishing clear boundaries is essential for locum doctors to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Begin by defining your work hours and sticking to them. This helps prevent work from encroaching on your personal time. Communicate these boundaries clearly to your employers and colleagues to manage expectations effectively.
Consider using technology to your advantage. Tools like scheduling apps can help you keep track of your commitments and ensure you allocate sufficient time for personal activities. It's also beneficial to designate specific times for checking work-related communications, allowing you to focus on personal moments without interruptions.
💡Boundary Setting
Defining strict work hours and communicating them helps maintain work-life balance.
Prioritising Self-Care and Mental Health
Self-care is crucial for locum doctors to sustain their mental health. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep form the foundation of self-care. Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, to help manage stress. Locum work's flexibility allows you to schedule these activities around your assignments, ensuring you prioritise wellbeing.
Engage in hobbies and social activities that bring joy and relaxation. Connecting with family and friends can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Remember, taking breaks between assignments is a practical way to recharge and prevent burnout.
12%
Employers must pay a 12% superannuation guarantee on a salaried employee's earnings; locums working as independent contractors generally fund their own super (ATO).
Leveraging the Flexibility of Locum Work to Your Advantage
The flexibility inherent in locum work is one of its greatest advantages. You have the power to choose assignments that fit your lifestyle and professional goals. This flexibility allows you to take breaks between contracts, reducing the risk of burnout and enhancing your overall job satisfaction.
By selecting diverse assignments, you can broaden your clinical skills and gain exposure to different healthcare environments. This variety not only enriches your professional experience but also keeps your work engaging and stimulating. Consider using locum work as an opportunity for professional development and networking, which can open doors to new career paths.
Locum work's flexibility allows for strategic career planning and personal growth.
Building a Support Network for Locum Doctors
A strong support network is invaluable for locum doctors. Building connections within the medical community can provide both professional guidance and emotional support. Engage with colleagues during assignments and stay in touch with them after your contracts end.
Join professional organisations such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), which offer resources and networking opportunities. Online communities and forums can also be valuable for sharing experiences and advice with fellow locums. Additionally, consider finding a mentor who can provide insights and guidance as you navigate your locum career.
💡Networking
Engaging with peers and mentors enriches your locum experience.
