For many health workers, the question isn’t whether they want a change, it’s how to make one. After all, the idea of committing to a whole new speciality can feel overwhelming. Retraining takes time, and walking away without a plan (or a reliable source of income) isn’t realistic for most people. That’s where the six-month pivot comes in. Short-term contracts are increasingly being used as a way to “test drive” a new speciality, offering health professionals a chance to explore different work settings or patient groups without committing to a long-term decision, and while still earning at the same time. These temporary roles provide something many health workers are craving: flexibility with purpose. You still earn, still practise, still build skills, but with the freedom to reassess at the end and consider whether the role is right for you. And for many, six months turns out to be just enough time to gain clarity about what they want next, without the pressure.

A ‘test drive’ contract is a short-term role – usually lasting three to six months – and is often designed to fill workforce gaps, cover leave, or support growing services. Unlike casual shifts, test drive contracts provide full-time or part-time work with a set end date. This gives health workers enough time to properly settle in, learn new systems, and understand whether the role suits them. They’re frequently offered in community health, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health services, private clinics, telehealth roles, and regional or rural settings. Some professionals use them to explore a completely new speciality, while others use them to step into a different pace of work.

For many health workers, short contracts offer choice. One of the biggest benefits of a six-month pivot is that it lowers the risk of change. Health workers can explore a new speciality or setting without committing long-term, which makes career movement feel safer and more manageable. If the role isn’t the right fit, the contract has a natural endpoint. Plus, you continue earning, maintain registration, and build experience, all while gaining clarity about what you want next.

However, short contracts aren’t without their challenges. The steep learning curve can be hard to adjust to when it comes to unfamiliar systems, policies and expectations. It almost feels like being a beginner once again. This also comes with the ‘New Person’ title over and over, depending how many contracts you take on. It takes time to build relationships or to feel part of a team, especially when you have an end date.

So, how do you know if a short-term contract is right for you? To start with, you need to know what you’re looking for. Are you seeking a slower pace, new skills, or a different patient group? Or are you simply exhausted and in need of rest? A test-drive contract can offer insight, but it won’t solve everything. To get real value from a short contract, it helps to set a few personal goals early, such as developing certain skills or understanding a new care model. Building relationships is also important. Even in temporary roles, strong professional connections can lead to references, future opportunities, and ongoing support.

One of the biggest questions to answer is, what happens after the contract? But you don’t have to know this straight away. You might choose to stay on permanently, or decide that the role isn’t right for you and you want to explore something new. You may even enjoy working from contract to contract, taking advantage of the flexibility and variety it offers. Often, the six-month pivot isn’t about finding a final destination, but rather gaining enough clarity to make the next choice with confidence.

The six-month pivot offers health workers permission to explore change without pressure, guilt, or long-term commitment. These contracts allow professionals to learn through experience, not guesswork. Whether they lead to a new speciality, a return to familiar ground, or simply clearer boundaries around work-life balance, the insight gained in this time is invaluable.

Sometimes, a small, temporary shift is all it takes to build a career that feels more sustainable, intentional and genuinely aligned with who you are now.