I'm 23, currently in my 2nd year of Pharmacy school, with a 3.9 GPA.. I have the opportunity to graduate without any debt as well.. however, I have realized that I can't see myself working in a pharmacy for the rest of my life. I know this is a pretty good situation to be in.. and I am grateful. But even clinical/hospital pharmacy doesn't seem very appealing to me. My initial plans for my pharmacy career was to open my own independent, but it seems that is extremely tough nowadays with new laws / chains.
Some of my priorities would include freedom of location and owning my business. Pharmacy seems like it doesn't fit these.
I'm a bit stuck at the moment.. I'd feel like I'm leaving a conventionally good career that promises 100k+ (especially while in your mid 20s) despite the oversaturation in recent years. However, I believe if you are good at presenting yourself, networking, and work hard in your Pharm Intern job, you will have a good chance at getting a job wherever you are, even big cities like LA, SF, NYC, Philly (although it might be a less desirable one like at a busy chain). However, the oversaturation/lack of desirable jobs/new pharm schools opening up is another factor I've considered as a negative.
Is this worth another 3 years of intensive (I'm sure I'll have to put in a lot more time than the previous years, and will cost ~$130k)? It'll be tough to work on side projects/business as well when factoring in extra study time + intern hours (If I want any chance at a job after graduating.. this is a must). Opportunity costs are real.
I figure if my priorities change in the future, I can always re-apply in a few years to pharm, or even med school, as long as I put in the work. PA and PT are also in the cards.. probably most fascinated with PT out of these choices despite the lower salary.
I guess this is one of those "should I pursue something I love for work vs. a safe route?" / 'road less traveled by' situations. Any advice/input?
Some of my priorities would include freedom of location and owning my business. Pharmacy seems like it doesn't fit these.
I'm a bit stuck at the moment.. I'd feel like I'm leaving a conventionally good career that promises 100k+ (especially while in your mid 20s) despite the oversaturation in recent years. However, I believe if you are good at presenting yourself, networking, and work hard in your Pharm Intern job, you will have a good chance at getting a job wherever you are, even big cities like LA, SF, NYC, Philly (although it might be a less desirable one like at a busy chain). However, the oversaturation/lack of desirable jobs/new pharm schools opening up is another factor I've considered as a negative.
Is this worth another 3 years of intensive (I'm sure I'll have to put in a lot more time than the previous years, and will cost ~$130k)? It'll be tough to work on side projects/business as well when factoring in extra study time + intern hours (If I want any chance at a job after graduating.. this is a must). Opportunity costs are real.
I figure if my priorities change in the future, I can always re-apply in a few years to pharm, or even med school, as long as I put in the work. PA and PT are also in the cards.. probably most fascinated with PT out of these choices despite the lower salary.
I guess this is one of those "should I pursue something I love for work vs. a safe route?" / 'road less traveled by' situations. Any advice/input?