Blog

Why your 40s are the perfect time to hit the road, explore new places, and elevate your career Choosing travel therapy in your 40s isn’t just possible, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions of your career. By now, you’ve built a strong clinical foundation, honed your skills, and learned what matters most in your life and work. You know your strengths, your priorities, and the kind of impact you want to make. Travel therapy in your 40s is less about testing the waters and more about diving fully into a career and lifestyle that aligns with your experience, curiosity, and desire for adventure. It’s a time to blend meaningful work with exploration, flexibility, and memories that last a lifetime. Here’s why stepping into travel therapy in your 40s is not only possible but exciting.

Stay Organized, Save Time, and Make Every Mile Count Life on the road as a travel therapist is full of possibilities—new places to explore, new people to meet, and new experiences around every corner. But let’s be honest—if you’re not a born planner, figuring out the details can get a little overwhelming. With a few smart apps, you can turn those long drives into adventures, make housing searches stress-free, and even find your next favorite coffee spot before your shift. Travel therapy is all about balance—leaning into the adventure even as you figure out the logistics of settling somewhere new. These five apps will help you do just that, making your journey smoother and your experience richer.

Exploring settings, patients, and possibilities—one assignment at a time One of the most beautiful aspects of travel therapy is that it gives you space to figure things out. You don’t have to know exactly where you belong or what setting is the perfect match for you right now. Traveling as a physical, occupational, or speech therapist lets you explore different environments, work with a variety of patients, and discover your strengths—all while earning a living and exploring new parts of the country. The best part? You’re never stuck. Every assignment has an end date. If you don’t love the setting, you complete the contract and move on to something totally different. If you do love it, you can take your next contract in the same setting or even settle in permanently. Travel therapy is like “dating” different work environments—you get to explore your options without pressure or long-term ties.

Embrace the spirit of the season in new places and with new faces Holidays on the road as a travel therapist just hit different, and while you might be miles away from your usual traditions, that doesn’t mean the season loses its sparkle. In fact, spending the holidays on contract can open the door to new experiences, unexpected connections, and memories that can last a lifetime.

Making Sense of Taxes, Benefits, and Liabilities on the Road You may find yourself unsure of whether you’re a 1099 independent contractor or a W-2 employee, and you're not alone in this! We're often asked if Jackson Therapy Partners travelers are W-2 employees or 1099 contractors, and all JTP travelers are W-2 employees. We’re going to break down the difference between the two, so you’ll have a complete understanding of what being on a travel contract means.