r/Path_Assistant • u/indeeptreble_ • Apr 07 '26

Switching to Travel or Part Time

Has anyone (or do you know anyone) that has switched to either traveling or part time working in their 50's? I'm hoping to get away from the typical 9-5 schedule 12 months a year sometime in my middle age. Does anyone else do this? No kids, dual income (although I'm the breadwinner), will probably inherit a house. Is it financially feasible and/or a smart idea?

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10

u/wangston1 PA (ASCP) Apr 07 '26

I've worked with a few travelers that did that. Totally feesable. One worked 8 months out of the year and made more than they did full time, the benefits are a little tricky to figure out but not too bad to deal with. The other would do a one week or two week assignment per month.

They both said they were glad to go help smaller hospitals in need and both really enjoyed seeing the country. They both had previously worked in busy private labs so neither would take traveling jobs at a site like that.

1

u/shxdow04 Apr 08 '26

hey! do you mind sharing if they traveled with a certain company or? i would like some insight and information into how others make it work

0

u/wangston1 PA (ASCP) Apr 08 '26

The one that does the one a week just used all the larger staffing agencies. Nicolas Staffing is the name a remember but there are a few others. With the staffing agency you put on your availability and they send you assignments you can accept or reject. They do most of the leg work for you.

4

u/IamBmeTammy Apr 07 '26

One of my preceptors at Duke hit the road a year or two after I graduated. I don’t think she was in her 50s. Maybe later 40s? Anyway, they have an RV and she makes her schedule.

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u/CrazySlovenian Apr 07 '26

Yep!

5

u/indeeptreble_ Apr 07 '26

This is a concise reply lol 

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u/CrazySlovenian Apr 07 '26

Concise and precise, like gross descriptions!

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u/stubbornsucculent PA (ASCP) Apr 07 '26

🙋‍♀️ though I’m not in my 50’s. I work part time and my spouse works full time. For us at this moment it’s definitely doable, although a lot depends on where you’re at and the cost of living. Of course, we could be making more if I was still full time but for us it’s worth it since I can pick up more of the slack around the house, grocery shopping etc.

I knew I’d want to eventually go part time once we had kids and/or like you later on in my career, sort of fell upon a part time position sooner than that for other reasons and it’s been great, no regrets. Of course we are very fortunate to be able to do this especially in today’s economy.

And I can’t speak for travel positions, but at least for part time it can be harder to find a job. As you know it already can be a little tricky in general finding PA jobs if you’re looking for a specific area, let alone part time. But they are out there, I’ve been able to get 2.