CVS vs. Independent

[sks_pharmd]

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Hi all. Just looking for some advice and what would you do if you were in my shoes.
A little bit about me...

I've been with CVS for 3 years now. During that time, I got my license and certification as a pharmacy technician. I started off with $10/hour and 3 years later, I'm at $10.81... That's including my yearly raises and my national certification raise. Yes, if you think this is ridiculous-- I agree. I'm at my last straw with CVS and I just can't take it anymore. So I decided to apply around to hospitals and an independent pharmacy.

The independent pharmacy is the first one that has gotten back to me. They have good hours and are opened only on Saturday during the weekend. Has anyone worked at an independent before and preferred it over a chain?

One more thing, I will be a P1 in the fall for pharmacy school. Should I stick it out with CVS to become an intern with them? Will it be worth it if I stick it out? The pay is literally killing me and I don't understand how anyone survives off such **** pay. Or should I move on to see if the grass is greener on the other side?

I appreciate your comments/ advice.

 

[Eichhoernchen]

I made more $ at my independent.. I personally liked working during school-hours were good, you always have your weekends, you just have to work after classes 2-3 weekdays which I didn't mind (and half Saturdays sometimes). And it wasn't a stressful environment at all. Now that I graduated though, I see the benefit I could've had at a chain since getting hired after graduation I assume would have been easier. I still didn't have that much trouble though..

 

[PharmacistReb]

I loved independent. I worked 3 years following pharmacy school at an independent in Southwest Kentucky. I have no experiences at CVS so I can't relate to what it's like there relative to independent. But I will tell you that my time in the independent was well worth it. I enjoyed it thoroughly and made a ton of lifelong friends (small town, get to know everybody). I had an opportunity to get into hospital pharmacy this year and I decided to transition out because I was looking for something new and wanted a new scene.

Independent could be financially advantageous if you get in good with the owner and he's willing to sell to you down the road.

I say go independent. I had stress but I also had complete autonomy and no corporate supervision. I worked half a day on Saturday every other weekend. I was off on Wednesday's every week. I was paid competitively and guaranteed 40 hours/week. My insurance was totally subsidized by the owner and my boss matched my 401k contribution.

Of course, it all depends on the independent you choose. But as far as retail goes, I would say that the average independent pharmacist is a lot happier in their position than the corporate big box stores. Just my opinion, though.

 

[sks_pharmd]

Thank you both for replying. I think it's time to leave CVS and move onto better things. I just got off the phone with the head of HR of the independent pharmacy. I have an interview Thursday morning with them. They said they would also consider an intern position for me when I start school, which is a plus. Again, thank you for the comments. I hope I get the job!

 

[SClENCE]

I would work for whichever company that you feel like you will most likely be working for as a pharmacist. Potential job offer down the road is as significant or more significant than a 1-2 dollar raise now (Plus CVS would upgrade you to intern pay as well). Would you work for CVS as a pharmacist? Is CVS or the independent more likely to be hiring pharmacists down the road? Look at the big picture not just a 2 dollar raise.

 

[sks_pharmd]

I would work for whichever company that you feel like you will most likely be working for as a pharmacist. Potential job offer down the road is as significant or more significant than a 1-2 dollar raise now (Plus CVS would upgrade you to intern pay as well). Would you work for CVS as a pharmacist? Is CVS or the independent more likely to be hiring pharmacists down the road? Look at the big picture not just a 2 dollar raise.

I've thought about that as well. At the moment, I do not plan on going into retail. I was also thinking I could work for CVS still, like every 3 weeks so I can still be on their payroll and not kicked out of the system completely. Even though the pay sucks, I do love the people I work with. We're #1 in our district.. I think that says something about the techs there, including our PIC. So I don't plan on burning bridges with anyone. I initially started with CVS for the experience. Not sure I want to work with the company in the future, but who knows. One step at a time I guess.

 

[owlegrad]

I think that says something about the techs there, including our PIC.

Your PIC is a tech?

I think you should take the independent gig. CVS will still be there if it doesn't work out.

 

[sks_pharmd]

Your PIC is a tech?

I think you should take the independent gig. CVS will still be there if it doesn't work out.

I'm sorry, no he isn't. What I meant to say that our techs were great to begin with. Our new PIC helped showcase that by being a good leader.
Thanks owlegrad, I think you're right. CVS is always hiring. I think if I left and needed to go back, they'll hire me again.