Anyone Else Unable to Find Work as a Pharmacist?

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Angela1234

Still Looking for Work
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Anyone else unable to find work as a pharmacist and had to move on? What do you do for a living now?
It's just been impossible to find any work, even PRN as a pharmacist. I've been contacting job agencies in other states to move, and still no reply. It is hard knowing I may never be able to use my medication knowledge to help people anymore.

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Job market is VERY tight right now. I feel bad for the new grads this year. I graduated 2 years ago and am still prn. All the new grads are having trouble finding float and PRN jobs because the graduates from the last couple years are still sitting in those positions. Pharmacists can't move between positions very easily anymore, and people are delaying retirement so new full-time positions have been opening very slowly. We have one 75 year old pharmacist still working at my chain. She doesn't want to retire because she has over 7-weeks of vacation time and only has to work 4 days a week. More power to her.

I would focus on rural areas and be willing to move out anywhere just to get experience.
 
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Two ideas:
-Alaska (no bonus anymore, but there are still jobs)
-IHS
 
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old ppl dont wanna retire mainly b/c the cost of healthcare. but now with obamacare they really should consider retiring. did they not save up all those years as a pharmacists? and dont they get social security checks? i dont see why these old pharmacists aren't ready to retire. why not spend the remaining years enjoying life?
 
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And older pharmacists aren't saddled with 100k+ loans so why would saving for retirement be so much harder for them...
 
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old ppl dont wanna retire mainly b/c the cost of healthcare. but now with obamacare they really should consider retiring. did they not save up all those years as a pharmacists? and dont they get social security checks? i dont see why these old pharmacists aren't ready to retire. why not spend the remaining years enjoying life?

The pharmacist who took my spot at my old hospital was retired. He is 59, he worked 30 years for the state hospital and is collecting a $140k pension/year from them. And now he's working full-time at this hospital collecting another $140k/year. His social security starts in 3 years and he collects a discount since he has 2 kids under 18. This is not including his IRA.

My current hospital has 8 staff pharmacists working the 7-3 shift, they have 3 working the 12-8 shift, they have 3 working the 3-11 shift, and 6 working the 9pm-7am shift. When the new pharmacy is completed next year, they will be hiring at least 6 more full-time staff pharmacists.
 
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And older pharmacists aren't saddled with 100k+ loans so why would saving for retirement be so much harder for them...
They don't have crazy student loans, but that doesn't mean they don't spend their money on random ****. Mortgage on a really nice house, luxury car loans, clothes, dining out, kids, etc... It all adds up especially if you're bad with money.
 
And older pharmacists aren't saddled with 100k+ loans so why would saving for retirement be so much harder for them...

Pharmacists used to make $40-50,000 in the 90s. They were a dime a dozen then and will be again.
 
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old ppl dont wanna retire mainly b/c the cost of healthcare. but now with obamacare they really should consider retiring. did they not save up all those years as a pharmacists? and dont they get social security checks? i dont see why these old pharmacists aren't ready to retire. why not spend the remaining years enjoying life?

Why do Warren Buffet or Bill Gates not retire? They could lie on a beach for the rest of their lives'. Some people like working and making money. You young pharmacists stop telling the older ones what to do. I can see a lot of resentment and a split in the profession if young pharmacists go about with this attitude.
 
Will totally switch jobs if our pay drops down that much. Even if it means going back to school. The risk of harming someone isn't worth 50k
not gonna drop to that level, BUT you will not see pay increases more than the cost of living increases. I have averaged 4% a year over the past 10 years, not great, but not horrible. A couple of promotions in there, I am confortable, but not gonna get rich.
 
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not gonna drop to that level, BUT you will not see pay increases more than the cost of living increases. I have averaged 4% a year over the past 10 years, not great, but not horrible. A couple of promotions in there, I am confortable, but not gonna get rich.
The general public views this different. They definetly think pharmacists are "rich"
 
The general public views this different. They definetly think pharmacists are "rich"
compared to how I grew up, I am rich, I get to travel all over the place (a big trip for me growing up was to go to Omaha :-( )

but ya, I live comfortable, I guess it is all relative
 
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compared to how I grew up, I am rich, I get to travel all over the place (a big trip for me growing up was to go to Omaha :-( )

but ya, I live comfortable, I guess it is all relative
Same here. That's if I have a job when I graduate......
 
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the company i work for (Rx Care Pharmacy) is always looking for qualified pharmacists as we continue to expand, currently licensed to open pharmacies in Texas, New York, New jersey, Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, Michigan and Virginia. If you are open to these areas shoot us over your resume and more than likely we will be in touch.
 
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Some people don't want to quit working because they have nothing else to do.
 
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I can't believe angela123 has not found work yet. She has been unemployed for like 2 years lol >_>; If you are a citizen/green card holder, there should be plenty of undesirable jobs somewhere. Unless you are really adamant of staying at your current metro location, I am sure there are some dink ass towns at the border state willing to hire you. Try all indies around you too, say you are willing to help 1 day a month or whatever. You need to prove yourself to other employers that you are a desirable employee. It takes a job to get a job.
 
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Anyone else unable to find work as a pharmacist and had to move on? What do you do for a living now?
It's just been impossible to find any work, even PRN as a pharmacist. I've been contacting job agencies in other states to move, and still no reply. It is hard knowing I may never be able to use my medication knowledge to help people anymore.
I remember talking with you before. There are jobs out there, but you have to be willing to move. The job market isn't what it was a few years ago. You have to distinguish yourself from other pharmacists. If your not interested in doing so then I suggest you look into alternate careers. I even offered to help review your CV, but you never responded.
 
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I'm unable to find a job and I graduate in a month! :scared:
 
I got a job at the biggest IHS hospital as contract and I am offered a full time permanent job after 1 month of working. I have to move and my CV looks good. People say they can't get a job is because they ask too much and work too little, and are not willing to relocate. Shame on you!
 
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I got a job at the biggest IHS hospital as contract and I am offered a full time permanent job after 1 month of working. I have to move and my CV looks good. People say they can't get a job is because they ask too much and work too little, and are not willing to relocate. Shame on you!

I'm willing to relocate anywhere so where should I go?
 
Barrow, Alaska
 
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Sadly, there are still jobs out there, but employers are now looking for experienced pharmacists.

I think personality and work ethic is 90%, and the 10% you can learn on the job. Hiring managers will pass up the most eager and willing new grad for an old geezer with "experience" on cruise control and knows how to get by doing the bare minimum. SIGH.
 
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the longer you are not practicing pharmacy, the harder it will be to come back to the profession. VCU offered some assistance and you blew him off. instead of soul searching of why you got fired/quit and how you can become better, you sulk and take no responsibility.

angryrx, sorry you were discriminated against. most of the new grads that were recently hired did not help your case. talk a big game but lack work ethics, common sense, how to deal with angry patients, and have no business acumen. I see it first hand when they float to my store.

an example, I have a classmate that is still in the float pool. he is a nice guy but is so clueless. he thinks he is good at everything, now that is scary. instead of asking himself why he is still in the float pool and how he can get better to get his own store, he demands a store from the supervisor because someone hired after him got a store already. this same guy was a licensed rph already, they demoted him for 6 weeks so he can train as an intern again. so he can understand the workflow and master the other stations before it comes to pre-ver/verification. that is 2 paid 6 weeks training on top of another 6 weeks of APPE.
 
I graduated in May 2013 and I just found a job last month with Target. It took me 6-7 months of applying to literally every job within my state to find something. The market IS tight and even if you want to relocate it's hard. You have to just be at the right place at the right time. I got the job at Target because several people just decided to leave, but that doesn't happen often.

I'm willing to relocate anywhere so where should I go?

Send me a PM about your situation, maybe I can offer some helpful advice!
 
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Does Kansas and Louisiana really have a lot of positions? How do you know?
 
Does Kansas and Louisiana really have a lot of positions? How do you know?

Did your school have any sort of career day where you could do a preliminary interview with potential employers? How and where are you searching for jobs? Have you interviewed with anyone recently? Seems like chains like Rite Aid are always looking.
 
Angela, I am going to give you some rough feedback here. You have been trying to find employment for a few years now. The only employers that gave you a chance was CVS and an independent pharmacy. It did not work out in either case. My suggestion is to switch your line of work.
 
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What went wrong with CVS and the independent?
 
The independent pharmacy I was working at closed a few months ago. Bad economy. Been looking again ever since.
 
I can't believe angela123 has not found work yet. She has been unemployed for like 2 years lol >_>; If you are a citizen/green card holder, there should be plenty of undesirable jobs somewhere. Unless you are really adamant of staying at your current metro location, I am sure there are some dink ass towns at the border state willing to hire you. Try all indies around you too, say you are willing to help 1 day a month or whatever. You need to prove yourself to other employers that you are a desirable employee. It takes a job to get a job.


How is being unemployed and broke funny? You put lol. I already had a job agency and my school look at my resume, but thank you VCU.
 
There are plenty of new grads like Angela and there will be more. Right now there are jobs in undesirable locations but soon, those jobs will be gone too. There is simply not enough jobs for everyone.
 
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angryrx, sorry you were discriminated against. most of the new grads that were recently hired did not help your case. talk a big game but lack work ethics, common sense, how to deal with angry patients, and have no business acumen. I see it first hand when they float to my store.
Sorry to get the thread off topic..but Nah, I have never experienced discrimination. I have been very fortunate to have had so many opportunities. I've done it all, and I'm 100% happy with where I am today. Sure I have bad days, but it could be a lot worse. I see myself in some new grads and wish I was in the position to give them the same opportunities. I was never a top student, but I bust my ass and know how to work.

I have to agree with you though; the pharmacy schools are churning out a lot of pharmacists that are socially awkward (some things never change), can't apply their booksmarts, and are not motivated....those are the students I send home early. If they don't care to learn, then I'm not going to waste my time.

To get back on topic..there are still lots of jobs out there..the money isn't as good as it used to be, but there are still jobs out there. If you're willing to relocate, there is no reason to be out of work.
 
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Barrow, Alaska
Barrow Alaska? I no longer live in barrow alaska. But because of the experience I have from barrow I got the job I am currently working. You are making fool of yourself in this forum and no one is respecting you. Sorry for you to waste of time forcing people to believe what your doom and gloom life is. Lol
 
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Barrow Alaska? I no longer live in barrow alaska. But because of the experience I have from barrow I got the job I am currently working. You are making fool of yourself in this forum and no one is respecting you. Sorry for you to waste of time forcing people to believe what your doom and gloom life is. Lol
If you had to go to Alaska I'd say that's pretty doom and gloom...
 
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Barrow Alaska? I no longer live in barrow alaska. But because of the experience I have from barrow I got the job I am currently working. You are making fool of yourself in this forum and no one is respecting you. Sorry for you to waste of time forcing people to believe what your doom and gloom life is. Lol
I consider it a rite of passage if spending a year or two at Alaska helps you get the position you want, at the location you want.
 
How is being unemployed and broke funny? You put lol. I already had a job agency and my school look at my resume, but thank you VCU.

Again... excuses. What if VCU had gotten your resume and floated it around to his/her colleagues and found you a job? If this is how eager and willing you are to advertise yourself then how can you expect employers to want your services?

Being unemployed is not funny. But what's tuned into a joke is your spiel of blaming your joblessness on anything but your own doings. Maybe if you approached therse forums as a learning and networking tool instead of a personal blog you'd be singing a different tune...
 
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I consider it a rite of passage if spending a year or two at Alaska helps you get the position you want, at the location you want.
I only spent 2 months there and it is one of the best experience I can ever have. I see things that most people never have a chance to see. After that exp, my cv becomes the top of several companies and I got hired easily. Again, people always complain no job but never be willing to do what it takes to get a job. I feel sorry for those. You will never get a job if you keep thinking doom and gloom. You waste of your energy and speak negative over your life. Guess what that is what you get for what you speak.
 
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Again... excuses. What if VCU had gotten your resume and floated it around to his/her colleagues and found you a job? If this is how eager and willing you are to advertise yourself then how can you expect employers to want your services?

Being unemployed is not funny. But what's tuned into a joke is your spiel of blaming your joblessness on anything but your own doings. Maybe if you approached therse forums as a learning and networking tool instead of a personal blog you'd be singing a different tune...
I'm not so sure I want to give out my information to strangers. I don't want things going back to my former employer. I mainly wrote to talk to others in my situation.
 
There are plenty of new grads like Angela and there will be more. Right now there are jobs in undesirable locations but soon, those jobs will be gone too. There is simply not enough jobs for everyone.
He speaks the truth. I'm looking in undesirable locations and still can't find anything.
 
I'm not so sure I want to give out my information to strangers. I don't want things going back to my former employer. I mainly wrote to talk to others in my situation.
Again, another excuse not to do this or not to that. Why don't you erase your name in your cv if you don't want people to know who you are? Isn't when you submitting your cv to the staffing agencies it is the same thing as to give it to the strangers? Also, willing to do something is not enough nowadays, you gotta do it, you gotta carry out the actions.
 
He speaks the truth. I'm looking in undesirable locations and still can't find anything.

So you have tried IHS sites on all the reservations, Alaska, etc.., as well as prisons, correct?

I find that many new grads just don't know how to look for jobs. Some residents at the hospital I work didn't even know about the existence of indeed.com and USAjobs.gov (which they should, since it's a federal institution).
 
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When you are at the bottom, there is no way to go but up. Keep your spirit up but first, you need some experiences. Don't include your work experience at CVS. Talk to independents. Tell them you are willing to work for less but in return, they would allow you to say you have been there for 2+ years.
 
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I got my current job as a cold call. I posted my resume on job search websites and I did get responses. Mind you, I have about 5 years experience as a pharmacist. You need to be willing to network and play the game to get a job.
 
Again, another excuse not to do this or not to that. Why don't you erase your name in your cv if you don't want people to know who you are? Isn't when you submitting your cv to the staffing agencies it is the same thing as to give it to the strangers? Also, willing to do something is not enough nowadays, you gotta do it, you gotta carry out the actions.
This exactly....no excuses. You write your own future. No-one here knows what you have or have not done to obtain a job, but we are all rooting for you and offering advice/help. Criticism is difficult to take, but you must to achieve your goals. I'll give you an example, my brother is a media specialist. He created a CV in the form of a Google search page and got noticed by a major magazine and voted one of the 10 best CVs that year. He got multiple job offers soon after. Point is, distinguish your self and don't shy away from people (strangers) spreading your name among our pharmacy community.
 
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Tell them you are willing to work for less but in return, they would allow you to say you have been there for 2+ years.

Wow, teaching people to lie isn't professional and unethical. Also, you twisted your arguments to whatever it takes to make your nonsense points. No wonder why people do not respect this guy. My last post for this kind of person.
 
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