Job decisions

[RS_Non-Res]

My brother currently works for a company that assembles patient packs for inpatient facilities.

He also spent a few years doing part time work for several local retail pharmacies, filling in for vacations and temporary short staff situations. When the fishing was good it was super easy to say "I'm already booked that day."

 

[7mm-08]

Maybe this is a whole how you approach life decision (although I'd be inclined to listen to ztc92 because he's close to your lane and has insider knowledge). What I can say from experience is time sitting in a car to commute is a waste of an invaluable resource. Wrench's situation is very different because he makes an extra $100K a year for that sacrifice and time penalty. Think of the things you could do with that extra time (getting in top physical shape being one gift that keeps on giving as you age). Before I retired, I was ALWAYS looking for opportunities to put my family in a better financial position. And, that is working well for all of us today. I'm old school and came from a family made up of workaholics. I missed a lot with our kids because my philosophy was get ahead by working longer and smarter. I'm not certain (in retrospect) that was the best approach - balance would've been a better one. The bottom line is that only you can decide what you're willing to trade for your time. But in making this decision, you have to do your best to look around the corner and see which is the more advantageous path to reach you goals.

 

[MTBackroads]

Take the part time job and go fishing.

 

[RaceRedStang]

Hospital setting is definitely the better choice. Better stability and you will gain skill and resume if you decide to move.

My experience. 16+ years working in large big city hospital ERs as a bedside nurse. Challenge yourself it's not that hard and you'll be comfortable in a few months.

 

[Rich M]

I work 0700-1800 5 days a week minimum. Its not a big deal, especially if there is an end goal.

Ive also moved for work before.

Do what feels right:

 

[Joel/AK]

I quit a 6 figure a year job to move to MI to make barely half that. Weird how it works but my retirement outlook is much better for doing it. Im happier, except for being in MI, but in the long run and looking at #'s it worth it.

Find the best path for you. Like what was said before, look long term

 

[Agross]

Where in Michigan? What line of work?

 

[Joel/AK]

I work in a factory in the GR area. Pay is ok, benefits are decent. Big bonus is our ESOP. The money im making for retirement blows any 401k into the dust. My 401 is doing pretty good also.
Used to be a heavy equipment mechanic, now I just rebuild transmissions. Easier on the body.
7 more years and im retiring

 

[Bubblehide]

My top consideration would be retirement. I haven't seen you say where you are with retirement, the types of retirement accounts you expect to have, a pension, social security... having more than one is benifical. I have social security maxed out, so I don't benifit from continuing to pay into it; I am finishing up on a pension. I also have a 503.

 

[loganwayne]

Ive left two jobs in my post college profession.
First I didnt feel challenged and I was maxed out in pay and position. I left and nearly doubled my income.
Second one I left because the owner I felt like screwed me and the other employees. This one sucked the employees were great and I had a lot to learn there.
Current place I nearly quit 3 times due to my boss, owner talked me out of it everytime. Less than a year from the first time I told him I was going to quit he fired my boss, moved me up in position and asked if I would train to take my old bosses job.

You gotta do what's right for you and your family.
Stand by your work ethics and morals and you will always find the right path.

 

[NealS02]

One thing that I think might be somewhat overlooked is how different the position of a pharmacist is within the hospital and in the retail setting. I think of the retail setting being more low pressure and associated with the insurance side of medicine. In the hospital, you are essentially tasked with oversight physician orders that may or may not be ideal or in line with current medical recommendations, and catching potentially life threatening mistakes/interactions.

I know that when I consult the pharmacist from the ED, I have tough questions involving interactions, underlying allergies limiting my options, etc. Hospital pharmacists are often put on the spot for a life changing decision in a sick patient’s care. This is a lot of pressure that some don’t want. I know the commute is an issue, as is pay, but I think the bigger issue is what sort of work you want to do. What setting would make you most professionally and personally satisfied? You could try the hospital and if you don’t like it, go back to retail. Just my two cents and a genuine good luck in your decision.

 

[atmat]

I think of the retail setting being more low pressure and associated with the insurance side of medicine.

Most pharmacists I know who have done both (and whose retail experience is for big chains) say the opposite.

Retail can be extraordinarily high volumes and pressure.

 

[NealS02]

Most pharmacists I know who have done both (and whose retail experience is for big chains) say the opposite.

Retail can be extraordinarily high volumes and pressure.

I can only speak to what pharmacist friends, family members, and colleagues have told me, in addition to my own observations working in medicine. What I was getting at is that the nature of the pressure is different. In retail pharmacy, much of the pressure seems to be driven by customer service demands, prescription volume, workflow, and employer expectations. In the hospital setting, the pressure is often related more to patient acuity, complex medication management, and supporting the treatment of seriously ill patients. My comment was not intended to minimize the important work done by retail pharmacists, only to distinguish between different types of workplace stress.