Have you ever taken a job and regretted it immediately? You’re not alone—many pharmacists miss the red flags during interviews that signal a toxic workplace. But here’s the good news: these warning signs are easy to spot if you know where to look. They can save you from making a mistake that could negatively affect both your career and personal life.

Take work overload, for example. It’s a huge red flag. We’re talking about consistently working more than what’s reasonable, not the occasional late night or weekend shift. I’m talking about the kind of job where you’re expected to work seven days in a row, multiple nights per week, and every other weekend. It’s exhausting, and it becomes a vicious cycle. One pharmacist I spoke with was making good money, had a great career in digital health, but she was missing the formative years of her child’s life. She was working too much, and in her mind, she couldn’t leave because she had put in too much time and was making too much money. That’s what work overload does to you—it traps you. But trust me, there’s always a way out. You don’t have to stay stuck.

Another red flag that I see over and over again is a lack of autonomy. It’s so frustrating to work for a boss who doesn’t trust you and micromanages your every move. When you can’t make changes to improve things and your voice isn’t heard, it can feel suffocating. I remember getting instant messages first thing in the morning—constantly being checked in on—and it gave me chills every time. It’s worse when non-pharmacists have more influence over your work than you do. It’s not about patient care anymore; it’s about pushing numbers, surveys, and donations. If leadership is rigid and unwilling to consider even small changes, that’s a huge red flag.

Then there’s the issue of insufficient rewards. Sure, the salary might look good on paper, but what about recognition? Pharmacists often work nights, weekends, and holidays, but what do they get in return? A thank-you letter from upper management. No real appreciation for their sacrifices. Most of us pharmacists are humble, but that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve to feel valued. When the workplace fails to recognize your effort beyond a generic letter or an impersonal “pizza party,” it’s a sign you’re being taken for granted.

Support and community are also essential, yet so many pharmacies lack this. If people don’t socialize outside of work, it’s a sign that something’s off. It’s not just about the workload; it’s about professional isolation. Being stuck in a place where you’re only communicating via email or text with no personal connection makes it harder to find fulfillment in your career. Building real relationships with your colleagues is important, even if that means connecting virtually. You have to be able to rely on the people you work with, not just for work but for support and camaraderie too.

Unfairness in the workplace is another glaring red flag. Some people can do no wrong, always get first pick of shifts, and seem to coast by while others carry the load. If you notice that tasks aren’t equally distributed and some people are getting away with doing the bare minimum, you’re dealing with a toxic workplace. Pay attention to how things work when no one’s watching—does everyone seem stressed and unhappy, or are there a few employees who seem to get special treatment?

Finally, mismatch in values is one of the biggest red flags. When a company cares more about the bottom line than patient care, it goes against everything we stand for as pharmacists. I’ve heard from pharmacists who were expected to do more with less, with no concern for their well-being, while the company’s focus remained solely on profits. If you’re not in a job where your values align with the organization’s, it’s time to walk away.

Before you accept any job offer, do your homework. Check out company reviews on sites like Glassdoor and really dig into the details. Look for patterns in the feedback—if several employees are mentioning the same issues, it’s probably a problem. And don’t be afraid to ask tough questions in the interview. Ask about the typical day-to-day, how they handle call-outs, and how they support their staff. The answers—or lack thereof—will tell you everything you need to know.

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Even if you need a job, it’s better to hold out for something where you can thrive. Your career, health, and happiness are too important to settle for anything less.