Look, I’ve worked with thousands of pharmacists—and I’m going to tell you something that might surprise you. Quitting isn’t always the answer—but sometimes, it absolutely is.

In this article, I’ll share seven key red flags that might signal it’s time to leave your pharmacy job. And then, I’ll give you three strategic action steps to consider, so you can make a plan and potentially find something better.

Have you ever had that moment at work where you think, “I just can’t do this anymore”? That overwhelming feeling when you’re in the pharmacy and ready to walk out? You’re not alone. According to the 2022 National Pharmacist Workforce Survey, 36% of pharmacists—more than one in three—are actively looking to quit their current jobs. So, is now the time for you to make that change?

Here are seven major red flags I’ve seen that might point to the fact it’s time to quit:

1. You’re doing the job of three people. Work overload is no joke.
2. Your management team either doesn’t understand pharmacy or doesn’t care. This one really gets me—when management has no clue about the work we do.
3. You’ve lost all control over your workday. It’s just metrics and corporate mandates, with no room to give feedback or make improvements.
4. You’re undervalued and underpaid. Listen, 9 out of 10 pharmacists don’t negotiate their salaries. Inflation has really squeezed our pay. We should be at $150K—but we’re not there.
5. Zero team spirit left. You don’t even care if your team shows up anymore.
6. Unfair treatment is everywhere. Your colleagues get better perks, better shifts, and you’re left out.
7. Your values don’t align with your company anymore. If you’re driven to help others but your company is more interested in maximizing profits, that’s a serious mismatch.

When you’re experiencing these red flags, it’s natural to feel like running. But here’s the thing—95% of pharmacists who start job searching give up after just six weeks. They have a terrible day, go on Indeed, send out a few applications, but life gets in the way. They get distracted by family, friends, and everything else. Then, another bad day happens, and the cycle repeats. 

Instead of reacting emotionally, let’s talk about Ashwin, a client of mine. He was burned out, dealing with every one of these red flags. He was ready to quit—but instead of rushing out the door, he took a strategic pause. He took administrative leave, and that breathing room changed everything. He used that time to reframe his next move and ended up writing a paper that was published in a journal (he even cited me—how cool is that?!). That paper became a major asset for him as he transitioned into a clinical liaison role in pharma, and he’s thriving now.

When you’re in that “I need to quit NOW” mindset, you’re in fight-or-flight mode. Trust me, I don’t make my best decisions when I’m panicking. That’s why I want to share something most career coaches won’t tell you: Burnout is now recognized by the World Health Organization as a legitimate medical condition. That means you have options you probably haven’t considered—like taking FMLA or administrative leave. You don’t have to choose between your mental health and your career.

So, should you quit? Let me give you three strategic steps to figure that out:

1. Take a “strategic pause.” This isn’t about quitting immediately—it’s about creating space to think clearly. Use your PTO, take a long weekend, or whatever you need to step away from the chaos and think about what you really want.
2. Do a reality check. Are you dealing with temporary issues that could be fixed, or are these systemic problems you can’t change? This is key to deciding your next move.
3. Create a strategic plan. If you decide to leave, it’s essential to have a plan, not just an emotional reaction. The best opportunities aren’t always on job boards—they’re found through networking and strategies that take time to develop. I talked to a pharmacist last week who was about to quit without a plan—but she followed these steps, built her network strategically, and landed her dream job in industry. That’s the difference between reacting and responding strategically.

Look, if you want to quit your job, I’ll support you. But I want you to do it the right way. Be smart about it. Think financially. And above all, be professional and strategic. This isn’t just about escaping a bad situation—it’s about building a better future.

Making a career change doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, with the right approach, it can happen much quicker than you think. Instead of letting burnout take over your career, take a step back, reevaluate, and make sure your next move is calculated, not reactionary.