Working while in school...a dilemma

[pillpharmer]

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I started my first semester of pharmacy school. I have worked for Walgreens as a tech for a year now before starting school. Before people start bashing Walgreens, I have actually really enjoyed working for them and have had good experiences. I initially thought that I could continue working while in school but only work maybe one to two days per week.

After going through my first week of pharm school, I've kinda been put off from the idea of working because of the huge work load of school. I talked to the pharmacy manager yesterday about this and he was totally understanding about me not wanting to work. He mentioned maybe I could just work one day a month on a Saturday or something so I could stay with the company and keep my benefits.

Thing is, while I have enjoyed my time there, I really don't know if I want to work for Walgreens for the rest of my life. I don't think I'd be happy in retail. I have read posts saying that keeping a pharmacy job while in school is good because you can relate what you've learned easier than just not working.

So question is...should I just quit cold turkey for at least the first semester of school or should I try and work one day a month? Thank you for your advice.

 

[nerv12345]

just work one day a month...after all...it IS just one day a month

 

[Allure]

I'd keep the job for many different reasons. You can pick up more hours when you are on xmas break or summer break and when you need extra money. One day a month now does not mean you will end up doing retail for the rest of your life.

 

[BravoKilo]

Another thing to look into is if Walgreens has any sort of educational leave you can take. At Meijer you are able to put in for an educational leave while in school, which negates any sort of obligation to work XXX days per month, though still retain the option to work (assuming they need help) as your schedule allows.

 

[rxlynn]

Keep the job - I only work 4 hours per week while school is going on, and I think it really helps me cement some concepts from school in my brain when I see them in real life. Also, it will enable you to put your entire time period at Walgreens down on your resume as working.

 

[heatherkmd]

Easy decision. Work one day a month. It will help you in the long run. Plus, you will be able to work over the holidays..and stay immersed in the drugs you need to know on the Top 100 and 300....it will help out more than it will hurt you.

Also, as you read each person's experience with Walgreens, know that they are different for everyone and if you are in a good store, with good manager, good pharmacists,....etc...I would work extra hard to stay there.

 

[pillpharmer]

Thank you all for your replies!

 

[vu5082]

I have the same issue and now I end up with one day per month with Walgreens too, n guess what? I miss working.....yeah, believe it or not....🙂

 

[UBCmicrobi]

I agree with what the other people have said, work one day a month. It will help you apply what you are learning in school etc. I'll be working 5 hrs a week during school. I was hoping to do every other weekend (twice a month), but 1 shift/week is the minimun, so be happy it's only once a month, you should have plenty of time to study!!

If you're worried about being stuck in retail becuase you feel like you have some obligation towards Walgreens, who cares, you can quit when you graduated if you deciede againsts retail (or quit when you get sick of it)

 

[Requiem]

I agree with what the other people have said, work one day a month. It will help you apply what you are learning in school etc. I'll be working 5 hrs a week during school. I was hoping to do every other weekend (twice a month), but 1 shift/week is the minimun, so be happy it's only once a month, you should have plenty of time to study!!

If you're worried about being stuck in retail becuase you feel like you have some obligation towards Walgreens, who cares, you can quit when you graduated if you deciede againsts retail (or quit when you get sick of it)

What school are you sticking with?

 

[UBCmicrobi]

what School Are You Sticking With?

University of British Columbia

 

[pillpharmer]

Thanks again for the replies...I've decided to try and work every other Saturday, so I'll see how that goes.

 

[Hels2007]

Thanks again for the replies...I've decided to try and work every other Saturday, so I'll see how that goes.

That's a pretty good choice. It's not taxing on your time and allows to keep your years of service and gain real world experience. 🙂 Pharmacy school workload is greatly overrated. I have yet to meet anyone who really did study half as hard as they would whine and complain about. Yes, there are some really bad weeks, but most of the time most people don't spend that much time outside of class on studying. Pharmacy school still leaves you a lot more free time than working full-time (confirmed by every pharmacist I have ever met, myself included 😀)