6 answers
Joyce
Student
1
Question
Asked
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Is pharmacy time consuming?
I want to pursue a career in pharmacy but I don't want to spend the majority of my time working.
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6 answers
Austin Miller, B.A., Pharm.D., BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
2
Answers
Updated
Austin’s Answer
Dear Joyce,
Pharmacy is a diverse field with numerous specializations, each requiring a different commitment of time and effort. These areas range from research, industrial, academic, retail, inpatient, outpatient, and more. Within these categories, there are further sub-specialties such as cardiology, oncology, critical care, and psychiatry in both outpatient and inpatient settings. While the path to becoming a pharmacist may be demanding in terms of education and work, the rewards, in my opinion, are well worth it.
Currently, I am employed as an inpatient clinical pharmacist at a mid-sized hospital located near a major city. My routine schedule is from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with every third weekend on duty and an average of four evening shifts every six weeks. While I have the option to take on extra shifts at another hospital or retail pharmacy, I typically stick to a 40-hour work week. Despite this, I am passionate about my job and would willingly work 50 or 60 hours a week if the opportunity arose.
Work-life balance is an essential factor to keep in mind when considering future job prospects. Different roles may demand varying degrees of time commitment. I suggest reaching out to various pharmacists in different settings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. You could shadow a clinical hospital pharmacist, preferably in a teaching hospital, a retail pharmacist, and an outpatient pharmacist. Additionally, consider contacting research or industrial pharmacists to learn about their daily tasks. This will provide you with a broad perspective of the different types of pharmacy and help you assess if the time and effort required align with your personal and professional goals.
Above all, it's crucial to pursue a career that you are passionate about. If you genuinely enjoy your work, find it fulfilling, and it aligns with your personal aspirations, you'll naturally strike a good work-life balance.
Pharmacy is a diverse field with numerous specializations, each requiring a different commitment of time and effort. These areas range from research, industrial, academic, retail, inpatient, outpatient, and more. Within these categories, there are further sub-specialties such as cardiology, oncology, critical care, and psychiatry in both outpatient and inpatient settings. While the path to becoming a pharmacist may be demanding in terms of education and work, the rewards, in my opinion, are well worth it.
Currently, I am employed as an inpatient clinical pharmacist at a mid-sized hospital located near a major city. My routine schedule is from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with every third weekend on duty and an average of four evening shifts every six weeks. While I have the option to take on extra shifts at another hospital or retail pharmacy, I typically stick to a 40-hour work week. Despite this, I am passionate about my job and would willingly work 50 or 60 hours a week if the opportunity arose.
Work-life balance is an essential factor to keep in mind when considering future job prospects. Different roles may demand varying degrees of time commitment. I suggest reaching out to various pharmacists in different settings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. You could shadow a clinical hospital pharmacist, preferably in a teaching hospital, a retail pharmacist, and an outpatient pharmacist. Additionally, consider contacting research or industrial pharmacists to learn about their daily tasks. This will provide you with a broad perspective of the different types of pharmacy and help you assess if the time and effort required align with your personal and professional goals.
Above all, it's crucial to pursue a career that you are passionate about. If you genuinely enjoy your work, find it fulfilling, and it aligns with your personal aspirations, you'll naturally strike a good work-life balance.
Thank you for the advice.
Joyce
Phuong Vo
Pharmacist
3
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Phuong’s Answer
Hello Joyce,
The world of pharmacy is what you shape it to be, with numerous opportunities across various sectors. Remember, your educational journey may stretch from 4 to 8 years, depending on whether you're aiming for a PharmD or a bachelor's degree. Some roles might require more effort than others, so striking a balance between work and personal life is crucial. While not all roles offer part-time or per diem options, there are certainly some out there if you're not keen on a 40-hour work week. Most importantly, it's essential to discover if this career path truly ignites your passion. I would recommend trying out some shadowing or volunteer work in a pharmacy to help you make this decision.
The world of pharmacy is what you shape it to be, with numerous opportunities across various sectors. Remember, your educational journey may stretch from 4 to 8 years, depending on whether you're aiming for a PharmD or a bachelor's degree. Some roles might require more effort than others, so striking a balance between work and personal life is crucial. While not all roles offer part-time or per diem options, there are certainly some out there if you're not keen on a 40-hour work week. Most importantly, it's essential to discover if this career path truly ignites your passion. I would recommend trying out some shadowing or volunteer work in a pharmacy to help you make this decision.
Trevor Dawson
Consulting
99
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
It appears to be pretty standard based upon this: https://www.wellesley.edu/careereducation/resources/pharmacy#:~:text=1%20Most%20work%2040%20hours,is%20spent%20on%20their%20feet.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Joyce !
I do have a few bits of advice despite that I am not a pharmacist myself, but just some things to consider.
I believe that no one should choose a career based on how much time they would spend at work, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. You will only know how long you will be needed when you go on job interviews and the employer will tell you how things are run at that particular pharmacy and what will be expected of you timewise. I confirm Niha's advice because I also had a friend who was a pharmacist (he worked in a privately owned pharmacy for an employer) and his hours varied as well. When you are needed, you are needed.
One thing you could do, if you want to invest the money and time to study to be a pharmacist is to only apply for part time work. You can consider other careers if you don't want to spend the majority of your time working. One way would be to open your own business and work for yourself. Eight hours a day is a third of your day and that is the minimum for a lot of careers, but you could explore other possibilities where you can be assured of minimal hours for good pay. Indeed has a list of some careers you can enjoy that usually have good pay and short hours. I have left a link for you below for this list.
Again, follow your passion and try not to plan out your future down to the time clock. It would be a mistake to invest in pharmaceutical school and than not be satisfied with your actual career. No matter what you choose, I wish you all the best !
CAREERS WITH SHORT HOURS https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/high-paying-jobs-with-low-hours
I do have a few bits of advice despite that I am not a pharmacist myself, but just some things to consider.
I believe that no one should choose a career based on how much time they would spend at work, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. You will only know how long you will be needed when you go on job interviews and the employer will tell you how things are run at that particular pharmacy and what will be expected of you timewise. I confirm Niha's advice because I also had a friend who was a pharmacist (he worked in a privately owned pharmacy for an employer) and his hours varied as well. When you are needed, you are needed.
One thing you could do, if you want to invest the money and time to study to be a pharmacist is to only apply for part time work. You can consider other careers if you don't want to spend the majority of your time working. One way would be to open your own business and work for yourself. Eight hours a day is a third of your day and that is the minimum for a lot of careers, but you could explore other possibilities where you can be assured of minimal hours for good pay. Indeed has a list of some careers you can enjoy that usually have good pay and short hours. I have left a link for you below for this list.
Again, follow your passion and try not to plan out your future down to the time clock. It would be a mistake to invest in pharmaceutical school and than not be satisfied with your actual career. No matter what you choose, I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Niha D
Physical Therapist
60
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Niha’s Answer
I'm not a pharmacist, but I have friends in the pharmacy field, and it's pretty varied. If you go the research or large corporation route, you might be expected to put in more overtime. If you decide to open up a private pharmacy, or work for a smaller clinic where you're lead, then you might also spend extra hours doing paperwork and running the business on top of pharm work.
If you decide to go the store route, and work at places like CVS, Walgreens, etc, that would have more stable hours that would give you a chance to pursue things outside of it.
If you decide to go the store route, and work at places like CVS, Walgreens, etc, that would have more stable hours that would give you a chance to pursue things outside of it.
Thanks for the advice.
Joyce
Michael Trocchia
Supply Chain Director
60
Answers
Mine Hill Township, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Unfortunately you are looking at a career in the wrong way. A pharmacy education is 6 or 7 years and is rigorous. You will need to spend nights and weekends studying sometimes.
A professional career is also rigorous. You might want to choose another path that is less rigorous. School teacher maybe.
A professional career is also rigorous. You might want to choose another path that is less rigorous. School teacher maybe.
Thank you for your insight, Michael! Do you perhaps have any resources you can point Joyce to that give more insight into a pharmaceutical career or other possible careers that offer more time flexibility?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
I would need more information from Joyce on her concerns. Most professional job in pharmaceuticals and other industries will require 8-10 hours a day 5 days a week. Is this more than she is looking for? Part time work is sometimes available but not at the beginning of a career. My advice is to look at what you want in life and figure out what career choices allow for the lifestyle you are looking for. The conundrum is of course part time work comes with part time salary which limits your lifestyle choices.
Michael Trocchia