OMG, finding a pharmacy job...

[BrightLight]

...is so frigging hard now!

I have several years of retail pharmacy experiences, and I have been searching for a position at a company other than WAG/CVS in the past few months. Even following job search website updates religiously, I find full-time pharmacist jobs very scarce, and most companies seem to offer only part-time or per-diem positions, even those that require a residency background, with no employment benefits. For every position that I applied to, a hoard of other pharmacists are rushing to compete for the same position (based on how many applicants that the HR told me they had to interview).

We all know that oversupply of new pharmacists looking for jobs are aggravating pharmacist job market, but some pharmacists already with jobs are a making the job hunt for other difficult too. I feel frustrated to hear pharmacits holding on to two or even three jobs at the same time. They either are not satisfied with a full-time pharmacist income or want to grab on to multiple jobs because of insecurity about future job market.

Just feel very frustrated now and what to get this out of my chest

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[rxlea]

...is so frigging hard now!

I have several years of retail pharmacy experiences, and I have been searching for a position at a company other than WAG/CVS in the past few months. Even following job search website updates religiously, I find full-time pharmacist jobs very scarce, and most companies seem to offer only part-time or per-diem positions, even those that require a residency background, with no employment benefits. For every position that I applied to, a hoard of other pharmacists are rushing to compete for the same position (based on how many applicants that the HR told me they had to interview).

We all know that oversupply of new pharmacists looking for jobs are aggravating pharmacist job market, but some pharmacists already with jobs are a making the job hunt for other difficult too. I feel frustrated to hear pharmacits holding on to two or even three jobs at the same time. They either are not satisfied with a full-time pharmacist income or want to grab on to multiple jobs because of insecurity about future job market.

Just feel very frustrated now and what to get this out of my chest

Have you tried Rural areas

 

[awval999]

What metro area are you looking in?

 

[joetrisman]

Obviously trolling as there are 35k pharmacist jobs on indeed alone


But seriously, I imagine xmas season is a terrible time to land a job when everyone is gunning for overtime

 

[mustang sally]

I wonder how many of the 35k are PRN though?

From my job hunt experience I found lots and lots of PRN out there; finding something full time with benefits is a bit more difficult.

 

[cycloketocaine]

Really?

That's funny....I've had 10 hospitals/colleges approach me asking me to apply.


Sure is nice over here in unicornland.

 

[Its Z]

Residencies are for dorks

 

[cycloketocaine]

Residencies are for dorks

I could say something hateful but I'll refrain.

 

[rph3664]

I'd like to know who all those pharmacists are who have multiple jobs; I can't think of any. Most of them have their main job, and maybe are on call for per diem work at an independent, and that's it.

As many of you know, I decided to retire from active pharmacy practice in February, and I am tweaking my investment portfolio because I couldn't even get a job as temporary Christmas help. Some of THOSE places got 500 or more applications for every opening (ETA: and I do not live in an economically depressed area), and why would they hire me when they've got a plethora of people with stretched out earlobes, full sleeve tattoos, and pierced noses and eyebrows that they can bring aboard? Seriously, that seems to be a requirement for employment these days.

There are some degrees nowadays that render a person totally unemployable, and a B.Sc.Pharm. is one of them, and it's why I've started a home-based business.

And I am VERY grateful that I even have an investment portfolio to begin with, and can get health insurance that doesn't cost a fortune.

 

[joetrisman]

Really?

That's funny....I've had 10 hospitals/colleges approach me asking me to apply.


Sure is nice over here in unicornland.

Psshhhh you rho chi kids and your overrated residencies.

 

[rph3664]

I have a friend who's in social work and is looking for another job, and she too found Indeed.com to be worse than useless. She wasn't surprised when I told her that they just get piles of newspapers and copy the want ads.

As for the places where they're always hiring and you know it isn't because the company is expanding, you have to wonder what's wrong with that place. Family Video is one place that comes to mind, and this summer, I was contacted by a call center that somehow got my resume, and offered me a job over the phone clearly having not read it at all! You DO NOT want to work at a place where they'll hire anyone who can fog a mirror. BTDT.

 

[rph3664]

p.s. I know a woman whose daughter graduated last year (and yes, she was Rho Chi) and is now working in this region as a floater for Walgreens. She literally works every day - 7 days a week - and the only reason I can fathom why they would voluntarily treat her so poorly, in addition to paying her massive overtime, is that it's cheaper to pay benefits to only one employee. And it was the only job she could get.

 

[joetrisman]

p.s. I know a woman whose daughter graduated last year (and yes, she was Rho Chi) and is now working in this region as a floater for Walgreens. She literally works every day - 7 days a week - and the only reason I can fathom why they would voluntarily treat her so poorly, in addition to paying her massive overtime, is that it's cheaper to pay benefits to only one employee. And it was the only job she could get.

The unfortunate part about statistics is that it is still only probabilities of an outcome that still follow a distribution. Rho chi, volunteering, etc change the probabilities of a positive outcome, but it does not change the outcome. Or at least that what I get out of it..

 

[rph3664]

the unfortunate part about statistics is that it is still only probabilities of an outcome that still follow a distribution. Rho chi, volunteering, etc change the probabilities of a positive outcome, but it does not change the outcome. Or at least that what i get out of it..

huh?

 

[owlegrad]

huh?

He means Rho Chi isn't a golden ticket.

 

[Pojman]

I would venture to say that most (not all) of the people that complain about the job market as a pharmacist have never had to compete for good jobs among people that did not have the opportunity to seek higher education.

Try starting at the bottom working for 8 dollars an hour and working your way up. You would have a whole new appreciation for what is available as a pharmacist.

 

[type b pharmD]

I'd like to know who all those pharmacists are who have multiple jobs; I can't think of any. Most of them have their main job, and maybe are on call for per diem work at an independent, and that's it.

As many of you know, I decided to retire from active pharmacy practice in February, and I am tweaking my investment portfolio because I couldn't even get a job as temporary Christmas help. Some of THOSE places got 500 or more applications for every opening (ETA: and I do not live in an economically depressed area), and why would they hire me when they've got a plethora of people with stretched out earlobes, full sleeve tattoos, and pierced noses and eyebrows that they can bring aboard? Seriously, that seems to be a requirement for employment these days.

There are some degrees nowadays that render a person totally unemployable, and a B.Sc.Pharm. is one of them, and it's why I've started a home-based business.

And I am VERY grateful that I even have an investment portfolio to begin with, and can get health insurance that doesn't cost a fortune.

I feel like I can count the number of pharmacists on one hand that i've met that only have 1 job. I agree, companies need to create more FTEs from their army of PRN jobs. I feel like it will happen more and more though as the employer sponsored health insurance system slowly degrades and eventually health insurance won't be as tied to FTE as it once was.

 

[BenJammin]

I must have went to a good school because none of my classmates are unemployed or working two jobs.

 

[gsRx]

The job market sucks for pretty much anyone right now (except unicorns apparently), and you are excluding yourself from working at two of the biggest employers of Pharmacists in the US lol.

 

[joetrisman]

Motion for a move to sky is falling mega thread

 

[SHC1984]

I must have went to a good school because none of my classmates are unemployed or working two jobs.

haha. No, it just means you graduated a long ass time ago when there were actually jobs to go around.

 

[gsRx]

haha. No, it just means you graduated a long ass time ago when there were actually jobs to go around.

There are still jobs around. I've seen plenty of students from my class on facebook say how happy they are to enter indentured servitude, I mean employment with CVS / WAGS.

 

[All4MyDaughter]

haha. No, it just means you graduated a long ass time ago when there were actually jobs to go around.

He graduated last year.

 

[owlegrad]

There are still jobs around. I've seen plenty of students from my class on facebook say how happy they are to enter indentured servitude, I mean employment with CVS / WAGS.

 

[SHC1984]

...
want to grab on to multiple jobs

1) Old farts that won't retire
2) people that work a million jobs

How much more greedy can you get? If you are 60 yo...you have been making six figures for 30+ years...I think it's time to go. how much money do you need? You will die before you can spend it all.

And the people that work 60+ hours a week? I don't know about you but I rather work 30 hrs a week and make 100K vs 80 hrs and make 200K. Its hard to spend money and have a life when you work so much...and the REASON you want so much money is to spend it and show off...well if you work 80 hrs a week you won't have much time for that.

 

[SHC1984]

There are still jobs around. I've seen plenty of students from my class on facebook say how happy they are to enter indentured servitude, I mean employment with CVS / WAGS.

I know 2 or 3 classmates with CVS offers. But they were all interns for CVS for 2+ years. I don't know anyone that got jobs who didn't work while in school. Do you?

I haven't really started looking yet...I have only contacted Costco...they said they are NOT hiring at all in the entire state!

I also contacted Walmart...not hiring right now either.

I have an interview with Target...

 

[All4MyDaughter]

I know 2 or 3 classmates with CVS offers. But they were all interns for CVS for 2+ years. I don't know anyone that got jobs who didn't work while in school. Do you?

I haven't really started looking yet...I have only contacted Costco...they said they are NOT hiring at all in the entire state!

I also contacted Walmart...not hiring right now either.

I have an interview with Target...

I agree that people who don't work during school are at a disadvantage. I wouldn't hire someone with no experience/spotty experience if I had an array of candidates with work experience to choose from.

 

[gsRx]

I know 2 or 3 classmates with CVS offers. But they were all interns for CVS for 2+ years. I don't know anyone that got jobs who didn't work while in school. Do you?

I haven't really started looking yet...I have only contacted Costco...they said they are NOT hiring at all in the entire state!

I also contacted Walmart...not hiring right now either.

I have an interview with Target...

Yeah all of them have been working at their respective chain for years. I've been at RA for 3+. You didn't work during school? Usually those types are all about the Residency. I hear Target gets to close their pharmacy gate for 30 minutes to enjoy lunch

 

[BrightLight]

1) Old farts that won't retire
2) people that work a million jobs

Its hard to spend money and have a life when you work so much...and the REASON you want so much money is to spend it and show off...well if you work 80 hrs a week you won't have much time for that.

A few of those RPhs who work 24/7 do not have the qualifications to have a life outside work (ie., socially awkward, physically incompetent, cosmetically repulsive, etc.)

 

[BrightLight]

Obviously trolling as there are 35k pharmacist jobs on indeed alone


But seriously, I imagine xmas season is a terrible time to land a job when everyone is gunning for overtime

F*U*C*K*that*S*H*I*T! Here is an analogy: If you go on YouTube and search for "porn," will all the results be watchable?

 

[SHC1984]

I agree that people who don't work during school are at a disadvantage. I wouldn't hire someone with no experience/spotty experience if I had an array of candidates with work experience to choose from.

Yeah all of them have been working at their respective chain for years. I've been at RA for 3+. You didn't work during school? Usually those types are all about the Residency. I hear Target gets to close their pharmacy gate for 30 minutes to enjoy lunch

I worked, but only during the summer time. I applied for the summer internship at Target and Walmart. I have worked for Walmart, Walgreens, and Target. I don't know if being one of their summer interns will increase my chances or not.

I really WANT COSTCO!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone know someone from the class of 2013 that already got an offer from Costco?

Damn, I am so mad that I miss the career fair. I want an interview with them so bad!

yes, Target and Walmart allows pharmacist to leave for lunch. Unlike Walgreens.

 

[SHC1984]

A few of those RPhs who work 24/7 do not have the qualifications to have a life outside work (ie., socially awkward, physically incompetent, cosmetically repulsive, etc.)

I see. Just trying to understand that is all. Even if you make 1 million a year...if you work 80+ hrs... your life will be a living hell.

30hrs a week at work is the perfect balance. The rest is time for ME and my REAL life.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

I worked, but only during the summer time. I applied for the summer internship at Target and Walmart. I have worked for Walmart, Walgreens, and Target. I don't know if being one of their summer interns will increase my chances or not.

I really WANT COSTCO!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone know someone from the class of 2013 that already got an offer from Costco?

Damn, I am so mad that I miss the career fair. I want an interview with them so bad!

yes, Target and Walmart allows pharmacist to leave for lunch. Unlike Walgreens.

There was a Costco that opened in Bucks county here about a year ago...every pharmacist in 3 counties applied for the position from what I understand. Costco is the retail unicorn job. Techs that get paid $20 an hour. $150k out of the gate. More calm and rational customer base. It's pretty damn nice. (Though I still maintain that retail overnight is the best position in all of pharmacy.) A fresh grad competing for that job would have to have some crazy mojo to even have their resume looked at.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Really?

That's funny....I've had 10 hospitals/colleges approach me asking me to apply.


Sure is nice over here in unicornland.

I'm sure that if I put an ad on Craigslist offering to polish the knob of any dude Philadelphia area, I'd get more than 10 job offers, too. Even walking by a school of pharmacy makes me cringe. Guh.

 

[Guitarmacy]

Yeah all of them have been working at their respective chain for years. I've been at RA for 3+. You didn't work during school? Usually those types are all about the Residency. I hear Target gets to close their pharmacy gate for 30 minutes to enjoy lunch

Pharmacists at the Walmart in my city also get that 30 minute break. I've heard a ton of people on here say otherwise. Guess these guys are lucky.

 

[BMBiology]

If you think finding a full-time pharmacist position is tough, try Southern California. It has saturated for at least 3 years now. I feel horrible for those students borrowing > $200,000 to get a pharmd and think they are going to stay in Southern California.

 

[kvl1027]

I work full time with an Independent and also PRN @ the hospital...is that ok with everyone on this thread? Although, it's easy to find a pharmacist job in my town, because no one wants to live here.

 

[Rutgers2015]

Wow, I must say as a 4th year pharmacy student slaving away studying, this is such an inspirational thread to see as finals approach. All that hard work for nothing? That's too cruel to be a nightmare...

 

[gsRx]

Wow, I must say as a 4th year pharmacy student slaving away studying, this is such an inspirational thread to see as finals approach. All that hard work for nothing? That's too cruel to be a nightmare...

Start making connections now. There will always be jobs available, but you will have to earn them, or even better... know people lol.

 

[pezdispenser]

I really WANT COSTCO!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone know someone from the class of 2013 that already got an offer from Costco?

You want Costco because you think it's cushy? It probably is, but I'd be more worried about job security. I know several pharmacists who got laid off when their stores got closed at K-Mart, Winn-Dixie, Albertsons, etc. So they had to start all over again.

 

[metformin87]

Funny thing is. People don't want you until you already have a job. I ended up working two jobs BC I didn't want to burn any bridges.



Try a staffing agency.

 

[SHC1984]

You want Costco because you think it's cushy? It probably is, but I'd be more worried about job security. I know several pharmacists who got laid off when their stores got closed at K-Mart, Winn-Dixie, Albertsons, etc. So they had to start all over again.

But isn't that true for EVERY job though? What job is guarantee till death?

 

[gsRx]

But isn't that true for EVERY job though? What job is guarantee till death?

Government jobs

 

[Sparda29]

Government jobs

Yup. There is a pharmacist who works at my hospital. He worked at a state hospital for 30 years and retired from there. He is collecting a pension which is 70% of his last year's salary which was ~140k, so his pension is about 98k. On top of that he works 2-3 shifts a week at this hospital at a rate of about $70/hour and plays golf the rest of the week.

 

[xiphoid2010]

I must have went to a good school because none of my classmates are unemployed or working two jobs.

Working a second job is a financial decision, school reputation has nothing to do with it. One of my pharmacist is working 2 jobs 21 daily straight at a time. His wife is a stay home mom and likes to buy stuff. Poor guy. I also work another PRN job for some extra play money, but trying to keep that to about 1 weekend a month.

 

[joetrisman]

Working a second job is a financial decision, school reputation has nothing to do with it. One of my pharmacist is working 2 jobs 21 daily straight at a time. His wife is a stay home mom and likes to buy stuff. Poor guy. I also work another PRN job for some extra play money, but trying to keep that to about 1 weekend a month.

I think we must know the same guy. I've never seen my guy turn down a shift ever.

 

[All4MyDaughter]

The people I know who work two jobs or crazy hours just really like to work, or they are working toward some financial goal.

I know a guy who is an overnighter at CVS and then works PRN at the VA on his off weeks. I asked him why once, and he said he just likes to work.

 

[pezdispenser]

But isn't that true for EVERY job though? What job is guarantee till death?

Look at it from a business point of view. If you're getting paid $120k which is about $500-$600 per day + benefits, and you want to take it easy filling 50-100 scripts/day, especially if a lot are $4 generics, then your pharmacy is going to be operating at a loss. This can only go on for so long until someone in corporate decides to squeeze you or shut you down.

Now with Obamacare coming, my personal predictions are:
- A lot of plans will have mandatory mail order to save costs.
- Very few cash patients left to milk, and with almost everyone on insurance, reimbursement will be so tight that the weaker retail pharmacies will go out of business i.e. Rite Aid, Target and some grocery store pharmacies, some independents.
- We used to be ok doing either brands or generics, but insurance will shut out brands and give piss poor reimbursement on generics.
- The big chains have their strategies to survive, which I am not able to discuss here.

 

[BenJammin]

Slightly off topic but someone down in Houston just text me that a certain chain sent out rejection letters with everyone's name on it. Now everyone who was rejected knows who else was rejected.

 

[rph3664]

I see. Just trying to understand that is all. Even if you make 1 million a year...if you work 80+ hrs... your life will be a living hell.

30hrs a week at work is the perfect balance. The rest is time for ME and my REAL life.

In the thread where I announced my retirement, I did mention that there's a reason why you don't see many investment bankers over the age of 35.