Signs That It’s Time to Move On
By Ray Fisher
Recently I was going through the web reading some blogs that pharmacists have written about their daily experiences on the job. Some of them are simply ranting and raving about little annoyances and most seem pretty happy and content about their job (unless you work for a pharmacy that offers a 15-minute guarantee!) There’s a few blogs I’ve read recently that are shining examples of pharmacists that need to find a new job. Here are five good reasons that you should consider determining whether or not it’s time to find a new job.
1. No room for promotion. If you want to move up and the opportunity isn’t available than it’s time for you to go find a company that provides advancement opportunities.
2. Pharmacy is not adequately staffed. You have a tech constantly calling off? Always having to stay late or come in early to help the pharmacy get caught up? The pharmacy isn’t adequately staffed and it could affect your professional career. Pharmacists are more likely to make mistakes, misfills or neglect counseling patients on medications when they are working in an environment where it is short-staffed. The pharmacy shortage is over, there’s no excuse for a pharmacy to be understaffed.
3. Hours are being cut. If your hours are being cut there are only a couple reasons why. Either your pharmacy is losing business or they anticipating losing you. Either way, it may be a sign that you need to start looking for a new position. It is much easier to find a new job while you are still gainfully employed than after you have been fired.
4. Boss or supervisor isn’t communicating much. One common sign that your boss is getting ready to terminate you is when they stop communicating with you as much. Perhaps it is in the smaller things such as they aren’t as cordial to you, refrain from any (appropriate) personal conversation at work or even more noticeable where they avoid you all together. Trust your intuition. Remember, it’s easier to find a new position while you are still employed than after you have been fired.
5. You dislike the environment you are working in. Maybe retail isn’t your thing? Always dreamed of working in a hospital? Make it happen. Sometimes an industry change is all the ‘pep-me-up’ that you need to continue enjoying your career. While it’s true that outside of the retail industry it’s difficult to get into a hospital or long-term care pharmacy without previous experience there are always ways to get your foot in the door for what industry you think would best match your career goals.
I’ve said it twice and I’ll repeat it one more time. It is easier for a pharmacist to find a job while you are still employed than after you have been fired. It is more difficult for a pharmacist gainfully employed to find the time to conduct a search but with the help of a qualified recruiter, you can continue to put your best efforts on your current position while someone else is helping you find your next position. Keep in mind though that you will have to find the time to do phone interviews and face to face interviews. If you are looking to change industries be flexible and realize that you may have to relocate and go where the jobs are.
