Is 23 years too old?

[Emma R]

I think we all have good days and bad, but the good ones can be very rewarding! I think we all just need to give each other some praise and recognition for a hard job well done!
Patience and diplomacy are very important traits to possess when working in community pharmacy!
I think the public need to be told what we can and cannot do, some requests are down right ridiculous! Service agreements for ALL addicts (not just trouble makers). Support staff are vital as long as they are passionate about their work and are trained and motivated (low morale does nothing for business).
All students who are considering pharmacy should actually WORK in one before making the commitment, I have seen 3rd year students with no clue about working in a dispensary and thinking 'is this for me?' A day 'shadowing' the pharmacist isn't enough imo. I have worked in community pharmacy for the past 7 years, and although I have my bad days, love it! One happy customer makes up for the bad 'uns

[hibernia]

By the way my brother's a lawyer.... but you're right, how he sleeps at night is beyond me, considering the individuals he defends.

A lawyer friend explained it to me. Everybody is innocent until proved guilty, therefore he only defends the innocent, once they are convicted and guilty his job is over.
I suppose he is right. If you were accused of a terrible crime you would want somebody to defend you.

[vanquish s]

I personally know alot of pharmacists who enjoy their jobs, you dont just have to be dispensary based pharmacist. My manager runs PCT clinics once a week and reguarly goes to business meetings etc. The money is good and you have a nice secure job, many graduates can only dream about the oppurtunities you will have. Any job of dealing with the public is stressful, my GP reguarly complains how difficult/violent some patients can be. I worked on checkouts for three years, it was the same. If you cant accept this have being part of any health profession then work in a bank, join the army, what ever you like. Dont be deterred by the opinions of others. Pharmacy is a rewarding career, with good flexibility, many career paths and good pay.

As for nasty customers, most arent. Their are tossers in all walks of life, even colleagues. I feel sorry for those that are, as they obviously lead miserable existences with nothing better to do than bring others down. As a health professional i pitty them and help them best i can as they cant help themselves.

[culchie82]

On a side note Hibernia, can you recall a member called N.T? I was looking through some of his previous posts, and I thought I was negative about the profession, but he took the biscuit. What did he go on to do?

[hibernia]

On a side note Hibernia, can you recall a member called N.T? I was looking through some of his previous posts, and I thought I was negative about the profession, but he took the biscuit. What did he go on to do?

No, I see from his profile that he hasn't been active since Sept 2008, which was before my time on this forum. Looks like he took his own advice and got out and doesn't even take an odd look back to see what he has left behind.

If you are really unhappy, as opposed to a state of mild discontent, then you should look for an alternative. Many years ago, before I had a family, I looked at a few options, accountancy and optics among them, but in the end I felt I had invested too much time and energy into pharmacy to give up on it. Strangely enough once I made the committment I started to enjoy pharmacy again.
Often that discontented feeling is coming from yourself rather than the job. Real unhappiness, to the point of despair, is very different. I've seen it in people in different jobs including pharmacy and the only solution is to get out. Most people don't have the courage to just chuck it so instead they make themselves so ill they can't work.

[vanquish s]

i would agree with what hibernia said. At least if you hate it that badly you can locum felxible to fund another career or further education.

[patels]

its never too old BUT consider other courses if you still got time and the grades.. dentistry?

[nicholass]

culchie82 have you ever stopped to think that there are people out there who may enjoy their jobs...?

yes it maybe could be better, but its what you make of it at the end of the day!

most people I know are enjoying these, but it's can be stressful sometimes. What job doesn't stress you at all? let me know. =D