Was the Degree Worth It? Kellen Gets Real About Student Debt, Her First Week on Contract, and How to Actually Pay It Off

Summer Plans, Contract Overview & Something Big Coming For You

We're back with a little life update episode — and honestly? A lot is happening. Chelsea is gearing up for a big summer, going all in on Transcend Travel Therapy, and she's not holding back on what that looks like. Kellen is doing his thing out on contract and as always, keeping it real about the travel PT life. But before we get into it — we may have let something slip. There's something coming for this community and we are so excited we could barely keep it quiet. Stay tuned. It launches this week. You're going to want to be first in line. Then we get into the good stuff — a full contract overview for anyone who's newer to travel therapy or just needs a refresher on how it all works. We break down what a contract actually includes, what to look for, and the negotiation tips that most therapists don't know to ask about until it's too late. Whether you're on your first contract or your fifth, there's something in this episode for you.

Contract Regret: When the Job Isn't What You Signed Up For

Let's be real — not every contract is going to be the dream assignment, and sometimes the only thing getting you through is knowing there's an end date in sight. In this episode, Kell and Chels get vulnerable about the contracts that pushed them to their limits. Kellen opens up about her current outpatient contract with ATI, sharing exactly where she's at on the burnout scale (spoiler: she rates herself a 7/10, with 10 being a full mental breakdown). She talks honestly about the long hours, missing the sunshine, and what it feels like to be in the thick of it — while still finding the positives and the lessons emerging from the hard days. Chels shares her own breaking point story from a SNF contract on Oahu, plus the Kona contract she ended early because the timing just wasn't right. From regrets to learning when to push through versus when to walk away, she opens up about the guilt, the growth, and everything in between. This one's for the traveler who's mid-contract and counting down the weeks. For the one second-guessing their last decision. For anyone who needs to hear that regret doesn't mean failure — it means you're paying attention. Whether you're thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between — this conversation is the reminder that you're not alone, and every contract (even the regretted ones) is teaching you something. 🎧 Tune in now and let us know — have you ever regretted a contract? DM us on Instagram @traveltherapysocial and share your story.

Travel PT/OT Money Talk: Taxes, Home Buying & Knowing How to Navigate

This week on the pod, we're getting real about what travel therapy actually looks like behind the highlight reel. ✨ Kellen checks in from her family's lake house (much needed 🌊) and opens up about the burnout creeping in from outpatient 4x10s — plus the curveballs of trying to buy a home as a travel PT. Chelsea shares why she's feeling more grounded, leaving her PRN OT gig to return to her travel roots, and what a year of PRN taught her about taxes (spoiler: she was setting aside ~20-25% in DE — but every state is different, so do your homework 📚). We also talk: 🏡 Why every travel therapist should consider an LLC 💰 Charging for the value YOU bring ⚖️ The reality of inconsistent gigs + how to plan for it 📖 Financial literacy reads we recommend Books we love for financial + tax literacy: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz — game-changer for managing income with variable pay The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel — mindset around wealth Tax-Free Wealth by Tom Wheelwright — solid intro to tax strategy I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi — practical, no-fluff personal finance Profit First for Therapists by Julie Herres — niche but gold for clinicians ⚠️ Friendly reminder: we're therapists, not tax advisors. For the real deep dive — tax home qualifications, state-specific strategy, deductions — book a consult with Travel Tax. Their tax home consultation and tax advisor services are built specifically for travelers like us. Link in bio. 🔗 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

We Need to Talk About Leaving (The Heartbreak Nobody Prepares You)

Saying goodbye to a contract, a facility, and patients you love is one of the hardest parts of travel therapy or any position nobody talks about. Chelsea and Kellen sit down this week to unpack the emotional weight of leaving, Chelsea's big news about going all in on Transcend, and how to know when it's time to walk away from something that's no longer aligned with where you're going.

Was the Degree Worth It? Kellen Gets Real About Student Debt, Her First Week on Contract, and How to Actually Pay It Off

She graduated with a dream, a degree, and a whole lot of debt. In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Kellen to unpack her very first week on contract — the nerves, the wins, and the reality check nobody prepares you for. They get honest about the student loan conversation that nobody in healthcare loves to have: how much debt Kellen walked away with, whether the degree was worth it, and if she'd make the same choice all over again. Plus — the real talk on how travel therapy can actually be one of the fastest, smartest ways to tackle debt as a new grad or seasoned clinician. From pay packages and stipends to budgeting on the road, this one is full of strategies you can use starting with your next contract. If you've ever looked at your loan balance and questioned everything — this episode is for you.