How to Quit a Job

[pharmd1701]

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So there's so many threads on lack of job opportunities. In my case, I was wondering how to quit without burning any bridges. I posted a thread on CII inventory problems, and unfortunately, that is only one of many problems I'm facing as a pharmacy manager. My techs are eventually leaving (3 techs) while work is piling up with less tech hours to work with. I chose to be a pharmacy manager because it was the only job offer that I received, so I went for it. I don't regret choosing it as I have learned a lot so far; I've been here for little over 2 months. However, the problems are not stopping and I honestly don't feel like a manager. Being a recent graduate with little experience is tough to gain command and attention from everyone, especially techs who worked for more than a decade. I'm also located in a town (not small), but far away from a major city.

I was wondering if there's anyone who's been in my position or have any advice on how to quit or maybe transfer to a large city. I feel like I'll feel much better living in a city, regardless of whether it's a busy pharmacy or not. Any advice is really appreciated.

And to all recent graduates, my advice is think very, very carefully when you receive a job offer from retail. Don't just take the job and think that you're all set. I wish I was a bit more patient, no matter how bad the job market may be.

 

[johnpharm01]

So there's so many threads on lack of job opportunities. In my case, I was wondering how to quit without burning any bridges. I posted a thread on CII inventory problems, and unfortunately, that is only one of many problems I'm facing as a pharmacy manager. My techs are eventually leaving (3 techs) while work is piling up with less tech hours to work with. I chose to be a pharmacy manager because it was the only job offer that I received, so I went for it. I don't regret choosing it as I have learned a lot so far; I've been here for little over 2 months. However, the problems are not stopping and I honestly don't feel like a manager. Being a recent graduate with little experience is tough to gain command and attention from everyone, especially techs who worked for more than a decade. I'm also located in a town (not small), but far away from a major city.

I was wondering if there's anyone who's been in my position or have any advice on how to quit or maybe transfer to a large city. I feel like I'll feel much better living in a city, regardless of whether it's a busy pharmacy or not. Any advice is really appreciated.

And to all recent graduates, my advice is think very, very carefully when you receive a job offer from retail. Don't just take the job and think that you're all set. I wish I was a bit more patient, no matter how bad the job market may be.

Quit once you have a new job and keep telling them the company line until then. Give them two weeks notice. And retail is retail is retail. I love to read how some people like safeway over walgreens over cvs etc, but they are all very similar poor staffing and high workload expectations. I would stay where you are at until you can find a new position outside retail then stay put so as not to become a job hopper.

 

[Sabril]

i think you will run into similar problem wherever you go. If they don't take you seriously while you are the manager at your place, imagine what these kinds of people would do if you are just a run-of-the-mill staff pharmacist at a hospital or whatever your next job will be.

though burning bridges is not your biggest problem now. I would just turn in the two weeks notice as soon as I am able to. If they are not ok with that then it is not a bridge to be kept.

 

[johnpharm01]

One thing I forgot, is check your state regs on change of management requirements. My state requires the new manager to notify the board in writing and the outgoing one as well.

 

[redfish955]

It sounds like you have a fantastic opportunity to save and open your own pharmacy or purchase an established pharmacy from someone else. You could save up 500k and make a 200k down payment and have 300k for emergency operating costs. Small towns revolve around school events and church so go to church, volunteering, and going to highschool games. Never talk down about the location. You took the job because you knew the town needed a pharmacist. If you want to go to an actual city I would look at places like Madison, Louisville, Indianapolis, Omaha, and ect. States with a high concentration of farmers tend to produce fewer college graduates because farming pays the bills.

 

[PharmDBro2017]

Start applying everywhere you can, depending on your driving distance tolerance (50-75 miles away if you must). Ihirepharmacy.com is a pretty good site to sign up on and look for gigs. Have options for plan B & C, before you put in your 2 weeks notice at Plan A.... like have an actual offer/written contract before you do that. Don't shoot yourself in the foot here.

Treat people with respect, but demand respect in return... lay down rules and what is expected of your techs. They will respect you for it. Tell them what you need them to do, don't be bashful. You are their boss. Bringing the occasional pizza/donuts doesn't hurt either (don't do it too often and spoil them either).

 

[Ninetails]

I'll be honest with you. Most places prefer that you don't cut and run from your first job before one year is up. It gives the impression that you would not be a reliable employee and that they might be wasting their time training you. You might just want to stick it out.

That said, look elsewhere first and try to find a job. Unless they are writing you up (which is retail's precursor to firing people), you are simply a warm body. Get a job offer, social network, and save money so you can be mobile at a moments notice. And give the company requested notice unless you have an offer contingent on starting immediately. Sometimes you can express regret at leaving and quote family hardship and stay on as PRN but unless you have a wonderful relationship with your DM, it is unlikely to work. If you give notice, you are generally not blacklisted from being employed again in the future if you change your mind down the road.

Doublecheck your employee handbook for the appropriate exit strategy.

 

[laepharmD]

Really the question is what do YOU want to do? Try another retail position? Can you transfer? Work prn at a hospital until a full time position opens up?
I know working prn doing clinical work in a small town while working as a Pharmacy manager at a retail chain helped me with coping. So you have friends in that town? Can you afford to work part time at an independent or LTC facility?
I quit my job once without finding another.... I wouldn't recommend that too my worst enemy. Best to find another outlet in the mean time ( hobby, vacation) before you quit in the middle of a shift

So there's so many threads on lack of job opportunities. In my case, I was wondering how to quit without burning any bridges. I posted a thread on CII inventory problems, and unfortunately, that is only one of many problems I'm facing as a pharmacy manager. My techs are eventually leaving (3 techs) while work is piling up with less tech hours to work with. I chose to be a pharmacy manager because it was the only job offer that I received, so I went for it. I don't regret choosing it as I have learned a lot so far; I've been here for little over 2 months. However, the problems are not stopping and I honestly don't feel like a manager. Being a recent graduate with little experience is tough to gain command and attention from everyone, especially techs who worked for more than a decade. I'm also located in a town (not small), but far away from a major city.

I was wondering if there's anyone who's been in my position or have any advice on how to quit or maybe transfer to a large city. I feel like I'll feel much better living in a city, regardless of whether it's a busy pharmacy or not. Any advice is really appreciated.

And to all recent graduates, my advice is think very, very carefully when you receive a job offer from retail. Don't just take the job and think that you're all set. I wish I was a bit more patient, no matter how bad the job market may be.

 

[Lexington2012]

I love to read how some people like safeway over walgreens over cvs etc, but they are all very similar poor staffing and high workload expectations.

What if I told you that not all chains make you do PCQ calls?

 

[BidingMyTime]

Be aware, most managerial jobs want 4 weeks notice. Check your employee handbook for the expectations. Yes, you are an at-will employee and can leave for any reason, but giving less than 4 weeks for a managerial job is likely to burn bridges. And as others have said, do not quit until you have another job lined up. If you do, future employers are likely to think you were fired after 2 months, and they will not want to take a change on you.

 

[confettiflyer]

 

[johnpharm01]

What if I told you that not all chains make you do PCQ calls?

They are all essentially the same.