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Have you just completed your degree and want to work as a freelance healthcare professional? Or are you considering working as a freelance healthcare professional instead of with a permanent employer? Before you take this step, you probably have a lot of questions. At Maandag®, we'll tell you all about the pros and cons.
Why work in healthcare?
When you work in healthcare, you have a positive impact on the lives of others. The care you provide has a direct impact on someone's life. As a result, it is work that gives you a lot of satisfaction.
There is plenty of work in healthcare. In fact, there has been an increasing demand for healthcare staff for years. If you want to make a difference and contribute to better care for patients in the Netherlands, then a job in healthcare will suit you down to the ground.
The advantages of working as a freelance healthcare professional
Being a freelance healthcare professional certainly has its advantages. The main advantages are:
1. Setting your own hours and rate
As a freelancer, it is easy to work more if you want. This can be a significant advantage if you want to increase your earnings. In addition, you decide what your hourly rate is. Of course, you have to consider the average rates applicable in healthcare, but you can decide how high or low you will go within the limits.
2. Freedom and flexibility
You set your own schedule as a freelancer. How much you work, when you work and who you work for, it is completely in your hands. So, you have much more freedom as a freelancer than when working for a permanent employer. It's also much easier to take a few weeks off if you want to.
3. Versatility
As a freelance healthcare professional, you hear a lot of exceptional stories. You work for different departments or even several hospitals. Everywhere you go, you meet special people, make connections with new colleagues and learn new things.
4. You have fewer meetings and less administration at the workplace
As a freelance healthcare professional you do less administration at the workplace. In addition, you are less likely to be involved in meetings. This leaves you more time to provide care.
The disadvantages of working as a freelance healthcare professional
Of course, working as a freelancer in healthcare is not just about advantages. There are also some drawbacks.
1. No job security and less fixed income
You have less income security when working as a freelancer, as you only get paid for the hours you actually work. You do not get paid during illness or holidays. In addition, you have less job security as you do not have a permanent contract with an employer or secondment agency.
2. You have a lot of personal administration
The freedom you have as a freelancer also comes with a lot of responsibilities. You may have less administrative work at the workplace, but you still have to keep your own records. That includes arranging everything from insurance, sending invoices and following up any unpaid invoices, to keeping track of your hours worked for tax purposes.
3. You run your business alone
The life of a freelancer can be quite lonely at times. Of course, you work with colleagues at the workplace. But you mainly have to figure it out on your own when it comes to getting new assignments, sorting your administration and dealing with other challenges you face as a freelancer. And that can feel quite overwhelming and lonely.
4. Responsibility for your own personal development
If you work at a healthcare institution or through a secondment agency, you often have personal help to boost your personal development. As a freelancer, you are responsible for ensuring that you attend training courses to keep your knowledge up-to-date and work on your personal development. Moreover, you have to pay for the training courses yourself.
Secondment in healthcare: the ideal balance between freedom and security
If you find freelancing a bit daunting and consider job security important, but would like flexibility, then secondment is an ideal option for you. At Maandag®, we have a wide range of vacancies in healthcare.
We would like to help you find a varied and meaningful job in healthcare that is ideally suited to you. With us, you can work within many different fields:
Mental health care (GGZ)
Youth care
VVT (Nursing, care homes, home care)
Welfare
Hospitals
At Maandag®, we connect people with work they enjoy and continue to enjoy. You can work for various clients doing a range of assignments, with the security of a (permanent) contract.
In addition, you will have a fixed contact person who will always provide input and help you grow and develop. So that you go to work with fresh energy every day.
No matter what your level of experience is, we always have that one job for you. Since being founded, the people working at Maandag® have always brought fresh energy to important work in healthcare.
You can also take advantage of our training and courses through the Maandag® Academy. That way, you always get the best out of yourself.
Take a look at our vacancies right away or create an account today and receive the latest jobs based on your personal interests.
Frequently asked questions about the pros and cons of working in healthcare
What does working in healthcare involve?
Working in healthcare means making a vital contribution to people's health and wellbeing. This can range from supporting the elderly in elderly care, providing acute care in hospitals to working as a nurse.
What are the benefits of being a freelance healthcare professional?
As a freelance healthcare professional, you have the freedom to set your own hours and rates, you provide care in a variety of settings which contributes to a diverse experience, and you generally have fewer administrative tasks at the workplace. This ensures a high degree of flexibility and independence in your career.
Are there any disadvantages to being a freelance healthcare professional?
While the flexibility and freedom are attractive, there are also drawbacks to being a freelance healthcare professional. There is less job security, and your income may fluctuate depending on the number of assignments. In addition, you are responsible for your own administration and must take care of your own professional development and further training.
How can I monitor my work-life balance?
Working in healthcare is especially challenging for your work-life balance when working night shifts. It is important to develop good sleep habits, such as darkening your bedroom during the day and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. It is also important to make time for relaxation.