Need advice - sign with CVS or small chain?

[orizzle]

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[rph3664]

Go with the regional chain. Trust me, job security is NOT better at CVS. That company is a house of cards.

 

[J ROD]

small chain.....

 

[charfdorn]

Hello all, first time posting here but have been reading the forums for awhile. I am hoping I can get some advice from some experienced RPh's.

I am going to be graduating this spring and have received two job offers, one from CVS and the other from a smaller regional chain of about 50 stores. Pay and benefits are comparable, perhaps only marginally better with CVS.

My question is, who should I work for? I am more inclined to work for the smaller chain, as I am accustomed to the lower script volume, but thinking CVS because of better job security? Just looking for some feedback from those of you who have been in the industry for awhile.

If you've been reading this forum for a while, you must know the answer to this. I don't have any experience with CVS, but I've NEVER heard a good thing about them.

 

[spacecowgirl]

This is a non-question.

ETA: congrats on two offers

 

[owlegrad]

If you've been reading this forum for a while, you must know the answer to this. I don't have any experience with CVS, but I've NEVER heard a good thing about them.

They have ample parking in my area, so there's that. Also the free coats they provide are pretty nice. Did I mention the ample parking?

 

[charfdorn]

They have ample parking in my area, so there's that. Also the free coats they provide are pretty nice. Did I mention the ample parking?

I hadn't considered parking. That's very important to me.

 

[charmacist]

.

 

[iluvtennis]

Hands down go with the small chain. A small chain is still retail experience and will make you just as marketable as the next experienced pharmacist who is applying to CVS should you decide to apply a couple of years from now. I am very curious as to where you live, because I have been practicing for some time and I know a number of CVS pharmacists who are looking to leave too a less annoying retail company or ideally a small chain. However, in the area where I live the market is so competitive these jobs are hard to come by. I once heard through a friend who is the district manager at a high-end supermarket pharmacy, that almost all of the jobs for his pharmacy are filled before human resources are available to post them online. You already have the small chain offer, which makes this a no-brainer.

 

[StevePerry]

Hello all, first time posting here but have been reading the forums for awhile. I am hoping I can get some advice from some experienced RPh's.

I am going to be graduating this spring and have received two job offers, one from CVS and the other from a smaller regional chain of about 50 stores. Pay and benefits are comparable, perhaps only marginally better with CVS.

My question is, who should I work for? I am more inclined to work for the smaller chain, as I am accustomed to the lower script volume, but thinking CVS because of better job security? Just looking for some feedback from those of you who have been in the industry for awhile.

Same choice -- your small chain will most likely be CVS or Walgreens in a few years. You know it's sad but true...

 

[orizzle]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Sorry for not posting back sooner. I have just accepted the offer for the chain.

@iluvtennis - I live about an hour north of Cincinnati.

@StevePerry - I'm not so sure we'll end up being bought out. I have worked for a local chain for many years, and we recently finalized a deal to purchase a Rite Aid and convert it to one of ours. The chain I am signing with has reported record profits this past year - so whether or not this is a perfect indicator of success, I'm not sure, but it sounds like things are going fine.

 

[quickfeet]

Whatever you do, just steer clear of ****ing Walgreens.

 

[RealistRPh]

Go with the regional chain. Trust me, job security is NOT better at CVS. That company is a house of cards.