What we are doing here

I thought I would explain a little about why we are in Oregon and what we are doing here, for those who don't know.

Justin and I wanted to continue our travel around the world and the US. And we figured there must be some way to keep it up, even with our jobs. Justin's job is very transportable, so that just left me. And just like traveling nurses there are travel physical therapy jobs as well.

I've known about travel PT since school, but there is always seems to be a bad association with it. For instance, you are going to be placed somewhere no one else wants to work- and there is usually a good reason for that. I have also heard that you may be the only therapist around and in charge of everything. And I still believe those positions are out there; I just made sure I didn't get that.

There are a lot of recruiter agencies out there- I kinda just stumbled into mine and so far am pretty happy with them. Initially they asked me where I wanted to go and what setting I wanted to work in. When Justin and I came up with a list of places to travel to, it was well over 10 cities/states and we had to slim it down. In our case we decided on the northwest and then more specifically Portland area. From that point it was easy.

Moving out here was relatively simple. It was very nice to just walk into a furnished apartment, unload our car and be done. But there has been some difficulty, I can't imagine a move without something happening. In our case it has been setting up internet- always an issue when you move. But this is particularly a problem since it effects Justin's work. But he managed and in the meantime found all the coffee shops and checked out the library.

I started my position about 1 month ago; and will stay there for 13 weeks in all. After that we don't really know what we are going to do, but it will be an adventure.

I ran into another traveler here who gave me some advice that I wish I knew in the beginning. She has been traveling for 2 years and loves it. She recommended never take an assignment over 13 weeks- try to extend if you like the facility later, and always work 2 days off into your contract. That way you have some time off if you need it, or you don't have to take it if you don't but at least you have the option. Good advice for next time.