Am I mad to give up permanent job for locum work?

[Mummyisamonster]

I'm a social worker in a permanent job for a council but am seriously thinking of leaving and joining a locum agency. Pros of where I am- job security, pension, close to home. Cons- cow of a boss, more money with agency. And advice/thoughts? Many thanks!

Hi

I think it is really difficult doing locum work - never getting to know the kids / clients properly. Why not try for a different job maybe part time and then do some locum on the side ?

I was going to post on here and say anyjob except a SW dont bother but as you are I'd say go for it!

Just finished working with a (fab) agency worker. She was covering 1.5 SW and working 4 days for equivilant money. So large caseload but still manageable. You need to be adaptable but she was constantly in demand and had 4 job offers before she left us. She could pick & choose where she went and what team etc. She liked the fact that if she didnt like her boss she could leave a week later.

Thanks for your thoughts and advice which are really helpful. Am still torn, I've never worked for myself and whilst last week I thought I'd definitely made my mind up, I've become unsure about it all. Am meeting ur with an agency this week so will in and see what they say. One thing is for sure, I do need to leave my current job what ever. Am at risk of killing my boss