The upfront cost

Some people travel for the chance to see new places, some people do it for the chance to learn new things in new hospitals and some do it for the money. Most of us probably do it for all three.

While the end result of travelling should be financial gain, the start up costs are freaking me out. Most people keep a permanent residence while they travel, but we are moving entirely. Anyone who isn't living under a rock knows moving is expensive. So the cost of buying moving materials starts adding up. Also, the costs of getting the license from another state can be anywhere from $37 (Colorado) to over $200 (most states). Setting up my own residence allows me to recieve a generous housing stipend, but I still need to pay a security deposit and be prepared to pay the first month's rent when I get there. Not to mention the cost of driving 3000 miles. I will recieve reimbursements for some of the trave and the licensure. And the housing will be paid for as mentioned above. It will end up paying out in the end and each subsequent travel assignment will cost less and less upfront. The first one is a bear!

Be prepared for such costs. I was ALMOST prepared. Thank goodness I have my wonderful mother who helped me out when I realized I didn't have the zillion dollars right away to get this going and thank goodness I have friends and family that happen to be on the way to Washington. Seeing them is priceless, so I guess I will also be reimbursed in ways that are way more amazing than money.