The End of the Road

The more I think about it, the more I want to leave my current job. I work as a technician in a central fill pharmacy; I was recently promoted to a fairly advanced lead position there, and although he hasn’t given me a concrete reason to think this, I really get the impression that my supervisor wanted his girlfriend to get it instead of me. Also, management is hopeless— they simply do not understand what goes on and how things work. They think that, regardless of how much work they pile on us, we’ll still be able to give them the same results as before, when we are understaffed, burnt out, and the machines break down frequently. I feel a lot of pressure to know everything after working with the lead on the other shift, and the problem with that demand is that the other lead can explain things to me until she’s blue in the face, but only when I’m doing it on my own will it really make sense. Plus it’s a very noisy, chaotic, high-pressure environment. It really burns me out. The problem is, the solution isn’t as simple as finding a new job in a different pharmacy, because I’m realizing more and more that I’m sick of working in pharmacy. I’m opening an Etsy shop within the next few weeks, and I’m designing a company logo for a family member, but I can’t live off those. I don’t know what kind of job I want, I just know I don’t want this job or any other pharmacy job. My parents suggested I go back to school; firstly, I am not made of money. Secondly, the one thing for which I would actually want to get an advanced degree, I can’t do because it exploded in my face and I got treated like a leper by the whole ****ing field. (Long story, in case you couldn’t tell…) Ugh. I just want a job that pays enough for me to pay my mortgage and bills. That’s all. I’m sick of investing effort and passion into jobs that don’t work for me. I just don’t know what to do instead of pharmacy, since I’ve done it for so long. I feel like there are a lot of options out there and I am paralyzed by indecision.

Would becoming a pharmacist is an option? Of course you’d need to go to school but you can take a loan and pay it back. Pharmacists make enough to be able to pay loans back. No one I know pays for school directly. My coworker’s daughter is a pharmacist at the hospital. It’s not loud and crazy. Hospital pharmacies are pretty quiet places

If you have art degree though you can try some graphic design or advertising agencies. My nephew’s wife went to art school. She’s been working for advertising agency since she graduated and she makes very nice money

I think graphic design would be a good field, and also you might be able to just take a few courses rather than get a full degree.

Honestly, I don’t want to be a pharmacist. You’re right that they make more, but not enough to justify the pressure of having their license on the line when checking every prescription that is entered, filled, etc. Like I said, the only thing I would want to get another degree for I can’t do, and we are not discussing that further. I already have student loans and I don’t want to rack up more. I do have an art degree, so graphic design and advertising is an option.

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That is a possibility— I’m open to taking individual courses. Just not going for a full degree. Been there, done that a few times already.

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I don't think you would necessarily need a degree, just a good portfolio. Which you could get if you design things for friends or non-profits.

I just want to say that I can relate to your position and frustration. I am stuck in a field I don't want to be in anymore but I've invested the last 10 years into this field and have few other skills to offer. I would have to take classes in another field in order to switch directions, but I am older and taking classes while working full time is very difficult for me.

That would be my only suggestion, as has already been mentioned - classes in a field of interest. There are short courses, even two-month certifications, you can get online that you can do at home at your own pace. Something to look into, if you're thinking graphic design or advertising.

The pharmacist is a nice and worthy job. Keep going!!!

I am a pharmacy technician, not a pharmacist. And I don’t want to keep going.

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I was in healthcare also and realized I was unfit for it. I have impaired judgment due to my mental illness. I totally understand your lack of motivation to be in healthcare. I am now taking care of my parents. I am also taking some classes to help my family's business. I am much older than you, I believe. You should do what you want with your career. I've decided after many setbacks to pursue another area of interest. Fortunately, my family has a business and can afford to help me still. I am blessed. I know without my family I would not be anywhere but on the streets - homeless. I was homeless once. I have come to the conclusion that nothing lasts forever in this world. Your situation will change as mine will also. I would not give up and become depressed about your situation. I would try to make the best of the situation by taking finding what you really want to do with your time/ life. If advertising is an option, I would look into it. The family down my street owns a billboard advertising company and is doing quite well. I don't know how they got into it but they seem to have a comfortable life. I think if you put your energy and time into making some positive strides in your life, you will overcome your obstacles and succeed.