Why I Left My Permanent Job to Start Travel Physical Therapy

Why I Left My Permanent Job to Travel as a PT

Before I started my travel PT career, I worked a “permanent” job… kind of.

Technically, I was a full-time salaried employee working 40 hours a week—but my role was as a clinic floater. That meant I rotated between four different clinics.

One of those clinics was in my small Southern hometown, where I grew up and was living with my parents after graduation to save money. Another clinic was where I had completed a clinical rotation, about an hour away. The other two clinics were also about an hour commute—but luckily, my grandparents lived nearby, so I’d often stay with them to avoid driving back and forth.

You Don’t Need Experience to Start Traveling

One thing I want to make clear: you don’t need prior job experience to start travel PT. You can begin as soon as you graduate and pass the NPTE.

My boyfriend (now husband) actually encouraged me to start traveling right away. He had already begun his travel PT career and loved it. But I told him I wasn’t going anywhere until he put a ring on my finger—and honestly, that’s the main reason I didn’t start traveling immediately.

(And just to say—there’s absolutely nothing wrong with living with your significant other before marriage. That was just a personal decision for me.)

What My Permanent Job Taught Me

Even though I didn’t stay long-term, my permanent job taught me a lot.

Because I floated between clinics, I gained experience across a wide range of patient populations—post-op, chronic pain, neuro, pediatrics, geriatrics, athletes, and even pelvic floor. At one point, my youngest patient was 6 months old and my oldest was 96.

I also:

• Strengthened my manual therapy skills in a very hands-on environment

• Learned from a variety of experienced therapists

• Built strong relationships with coworkers across multiple clinics

• Gained insight into billing, insurance reimbursement, and authorizations

• Completed in-person continuing education courses offered through the company

Looking back, that experience gave me a strong clinical foundation.

Why I Decided to Leave

As valuable as that job was, I eventually realized it wasn’t the lifestyle I wanted long-term.

1. The commute burned me out
At first, I didn’t mind the driving—it gave me variety and a chance to connect with different teams. But over time, it became exhausting. I was spending close to two hours a day in the car, constantly tired, and relying on energy drinks just to get through the day. On top of that, I was traveling on weekends to visit my boyfriend (now husband), so I rarely felt fully rested.

2. Limited time off
Like most permanent PT jobs, I had about two weeks of PTO per year. While that’s considered “normal,” it just wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more freedom to travel, explore, and experience new things.

In my first year as a travel PT, I visited four countries and took over two months off work. I learned how to ski, got scuba certified, and even started CrossFit—things I likely wouldn’t have done if I had stayed in my hometown.

3. Small-town dynamics
If you’re from a small Southern town, you know change isn’t always welcomed easily. As a new grad and a floater, I represented change.

While many patients and coworkers were amazing, there were some who preferred not to work with me simply because I hadn’t been there for 10–15 years like others. It was a reminder that even in places known for hospitality, not everyone is open to something new.

And for me, that mattered. I didn’t want to stay somewhere I didn’t feel fully welcomed.

4. The financial upside
Travel PT also made sense financially. As a traveler, you earn a combination of hourly pay plus tax-free stipends, typically paid weekly. Many contracts still offer benefits like health insurance, dental coverage, and a 401(k).

For me, it was an opportunity to increase my income while also gaining flexibility

Looking Back

I’m incredibly grateful for my time in a permanent role. I got to live at home, spend meaningful time with family, and build a strong clinical foundation. I worked with amazing coworkers and learned lessons that still benefit me today.

But choosing to leave was the right decision.

Since then, I’ve traveled to new countries and cities with my husband, explored different PT settings, picked up new hobbies, and continued learning from therapists across the country.

And most importantly... I’ve built a life that aligns with what I actually want.