re: Pharmacy: This Is What Happens When You Oversaturate A Market

When I got out of pharmacy school 15 years ago I knew enough not to go to a chain. I’ve worked independent ever since and have always looked forward to work. The pay has always been better than the local chains ($10k-$50k per year better depending on my situation), work environment is better, and I feel more secure in my job vs some of my colleagues at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc...

Independent jobs are harder to find, and you need to be flexible as far as scheduling goes (there may only be 2 pharmacist at an independent that must cover all hours), but it’s been rewarding. If I had a college age son or daughter I would not recommend them go to pharmacy school. With chains consolidating, a lot of independents going out of business, pharmacy schools pumping out graduates (it’s a money game for the schools) and insurances screwing you at every turn, it’s just not a great field to get into. I’m glad I’m where I’m at now, but I wouldn’t do it again if I had to do it over.