Is being a pharmacist the dream gig?

[Anonymous]

Lots and lots of young women in my ethnic group are planning to become pharmacists. It sounds weird to say it that way, but it's true. They think it's the ticket to a satisfying, high-paying career that is also flexible enough to allow for childbearing (i.e. through working odd retail hours or part-time work). Any pharmacists out there want to comment? I sometimes feel like I was a total dumb for not going into that profession for the salary & (perceived) scheduling flexibility.

[Anonymous]

Where the f&ck are your friends getting their info?!

1) Flexibility. Retail chain, 13-hour shifts. Every other weekend. Not exactly flexible or family friendly.

2) Retails are laying off more than they are hiring

3) Corporate pressure to meet all sorts of quotas - totals, profitability, generics, etc.

[Anonymous]

Indian?

[Anonymous]

I'm not a pharmacist... and my only exposure to pharmacists are the ones who fill our prescriptions at our local CVS. I can't say for sure, but they certainly don't seem to love their jobs. Always busy there, even at 2am, and tons of crabby, sick people.

[Anonymous]

Not all pharmacist work retail.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure they want to be pharmacists? I know of people majoring in pharmaceutical science but I don't think they're going to be pharmacists. There are other jobs out there for them.

I think most pharmacists look grumpy and bored

[Anonymous]

There is a forum for pharmacists and pharm students. The picture painted conflicts with what you have stated.

[Anonymous]

On your feet all day. No fun

[Anonymous]

Do you mean chemists?

[Anonymous]

Saw a news story about a radiologist who teleworks from home 100% of the time. That seems like a great job with fantastic pay.

[Anonymous]

I thought I read somewhere that there is soon to be a surplus of pharmacists due to the increasing popularity and jobs won't be as easy to find. I don't remember where I read it though... Sorry, not reliable or much help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On your feet all day. No fun

Being on your feet all day is way better for your health than sitting in a chair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Saw a news story about a radiologist who teleworks from home 100% of the time. That seems like a great job with fantastic pay.

THIS!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Saw a news story about a radiologist who teleworks from home 100% of the time. That seems like a great job with fantastic pay.

+1 my friend's sister is a cardiac radiologist and works mostly from home. Doctor's salary and works from her home office reading the images while the kids are at school

[Anonymous]

There are many different roles for pharmacists. Not every one is in retail. There are clinical roles in a hospital setting, industry, poison control, and government. Salaries are high because it is a doctoral program and depending on setting, it can be family friendly.