Job Description
How I got into Pharmacy:
My father was a pharmacist and as his son I worked as basically free labor for him, hence where I was introduced to the profession.
I started my own business in the 1950's. I bought a small little pharmacy in a transistional part of Chicago. At the time I was the only business in the entire building. The business didn't really start exploding until all the Doctors and Dentists got recalled from World War II, and then all of them got their own spaces in my building. This was a huge plus because it brought new clients.
Back then 90% of the people paid in cash so I didn't have to worry about insurance.
Now I'm retired and travel the world with my wife, all in all not bad.
Pros
Something about myself first. I'm 78 years old and have been retired for 16 years since the age of 62.
Detail Oriented:
1) If you love details, this is the job for you. It's almost like accounting but with drugs. My first love is accounting, and I eventually went to get my MBA at the age of 66.
Cons
No more Independent Pharmacies anymore:
1) This just isn't possible anymore. Back in the 1960's it was still feasible but with the Wallgreens and such buying drugs in such huge volumes you just can't compete with the price anymore.
Work long hours:
2) You work 6-7 days a week and 12 hours a day as an independent pharmacist. Counting inventory, finances, etc.
No Pay in the Beginning:
3) When I bought the store I had little to no inventory so I did not take a paycheck until 6 months down the road. In fact at my previous job as a pharmacist I made top dollar of $3900 a year, and my first car was $1600 brand new!
Company Size
0-25 employees
Pay Range
$100,001-$120,000
Years in Job
11-20
Education
Undergraduate / License
City
Chicago
State
IL
