I’ve spent years in pharmacy, and I know the grind all too well. There comes a point when you start wondering if there isn’t a better way to leverage all those years of training and experience. That’s when I discovered a whole world of side hustles—opportunities that let you earn extra income, sometimes even enough to replace your traditional salary. Here’s how I broke free and how you can too.
Medical Writing
With our deep understanding of medications and disease states, medical writing became a natural extension of what we already do every day. I started turning clinical knowledge into articles, blog posts, and educational content that companies crave. The best part? I could work on my own schedule and build something that not only added to my income but also enhanced my reputation as a trusted voice in the field.
Freelance Consulting
I realized that every pharmacy has its unique challenges, from optimizing workflows to solving complex drug interactions. By offering freelance consulting services, I could share my specialized insights with startups, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions. Each project reinforced that our expertise is in high demand and that the impact we can make goes far beyond the counter.
Course Creation
There’s something incredibly powerful about teaching. Creating courses allowed me to package my knowledge into bite-sized lessons that not only educate but also generate income long after the initial effort. I’ve seen peers transform their expertise into engaging cheat sheets and comprehensive classes, proving that the pharmacy world is ready to learn from us—even when we’re not behind the prescription counter.
Virtual Medication Counselling
The telehealth revolution has opened up new avenues for care. Virtual medication counselling lets me connect with patients remotely, providing them with the guidance they need without the limitations of a physical pharmacy. This side hustle has shown me that quality care isn’t confined to a traditional setting; it can be delivered wherever there’s a screen and a willing ear.
Content Creation
I started sharing my pharmacy insights on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. It’s not just about influencing—it’s about building a brand that resonates. By mixing education with entertainment, I found a way to reach a broader audience and prove that our professional expertise can shine in unexpected places. The key was finding my unique voice and consistently providing value.
Webinar / Speaking
There’s a unique energy that comes from speaking live—whether it’s at a webinar, conference, or workshop. Presenting my ideas in real time not only diversified my income stream but also cemented my status as an expert. Every time I stepped up to speak, I not only shared knowledge but also opened the door to new opportunities and collaborations.
Coaching
Coaching is where passion meets impact. Guiding fellow pharmacists through career transitions or health management challenges has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I’ve had the privilege of watching people transform their lives based on a few pieces of advice, and those success stories are the fuel that keeps me pushing forward. It’s personal, it’s powerful, and it’s a reminder that our impact goes far beyond prescriptions.
Art
Sometimes, the most unexpected side hustles are the most liberating. I even saw pharmacists channel their creativity into art—launching Etsy shops, crafting pill bottle resin art, and creating something that defies traditional expectations. It’s a bold reminder that our skills are versatile, and our passions can find expression in myriad forms.
App Development
Innovation isn’t reserved for tech giants. By identifying everyday problems—like the headache of managing CME credits—I jumped into app development. You don’t have to be a programmer to spot an opportunity. With the right idea, a bit of testing, and user feedback, a small side project can evolve into a full-time venture that revolutionizes how we work.
Every one of these side hustles started as a small experiment—just a few extra hours a week, a spark of curiosity, and the courage to take that first step. I learned that it’s not about quitting your job overnight, but about testing the waters, chasing what excites you, and gradually building something meaningful.
The pharmacy field is changing, and if even a fraction of us take the leap, it will send a powerful message: our expertise is too valuable to be confined to a single role. So, why not take that first step today?
Alex is the Founder of The Happy PharmD. He loves anime, his family, and video games, but not in that order.