There’s something that I’ve noticed in the pharmacy world – it’s rare to find someone who genuinely loves their job. Sure, there are those who get a kick out of what they do, but for many of us, we’re just counting the hours until our shift ends, wishing we were anywhere else. It’s honestly heartbreaking that this is the norm because I don’t think those who truly love their work are anything special. I think they just found their niche, something I spent years searching for.

If you’re reading this, chances are you might be one of the pharmacists who’s feeling burned out, frustrated, or wondering if there’s something better out there. And if that’s the case, this message is for you. If I could’ve had this conversation with my past self, maybe things would’ve been different for me much sooner.

I know what it feels like to be stuck. When I lead workshops with pharmacists, there’s this moment when someone realizes that they’re not alone, and it’s always so powerful. They look around, and they realize everyone else is dealing with the same struggles. That feeling of isolation starts to fade. But the messages I get, from pharmacists saying, “I hate my retail job,” or “I’m done with my clinical role,” or worse – “I don’t think I want to be a pharmacist anymore” – break my heart every single time.

I’ve been there. That desperate place where you feel like you have no way out and don’t even know what to do next. It’s tough. But I want you to know that you’re not alone. And more importantly, you have so much more potential than your current situation is letting you show.

Now, I’ll be honest – I don’t believe in the idea of a perfect job or a “dream job.” Every job has its ups and downs, and there’s no such thing as a job with zero problems. But I do believe there are careers, environments, and companies within pharmacy that can make you feel more fulfilled, happier, and even excited about what you do. I learned this the hard way, when I was stuck in a clinical ambulatory care role, completely burned out and bored out of my mind. Anti-coagulation might be exciting for some, but for me, it wasn’t.

But I didn’t give up. Instead, I did two exercises that completely shifted my perspective and set me on a path that led me here, helping pharmacists find fulfilling careers. Let me share them with you.

First, imagine you’re at your retirement party. You’ve spent decades in your career, and people are gathered to celebrate you. What are they thanking you for? What impact did you have on patients, coworkers, and the healthcare community? It’s not about curing cancer or becoming a CEO – it’s about the smaller things. Maybe it’s the relationships you built with your patients, where they specifically ask for you by name. Maybe it’s knowing that you helped prevent a bad outcome or solved a healthcare problem.

When I did this exercise, it hit me. The thing that moved me most was the idea that I could help others going through the same struggles I had faced. I realized that I didn’t need to quit pharmacy altogether – I just needed to find a better fit.

The second exercise is more practical. Take that vision you just imagined and ask yourself, what are some small steps you can take this month toward that vision? Who do you need to talk to in your network or your state association to make this happen? I’ve worked with hundreds of pharmacists, and what I’ve learned is that the question isn’t “how” – it’s “who.” Who do you need to know? Who can open doors for you?

When I was stuck in that job I hated, I kept asking myself “how” to escape. But everything changed when I started asking “who.” It wasn’t about figuring out the steps on my own – it was about finding the right people to help me get there.

So here’s my challenge to you. Do the retirement party exercise. Think about what you want people to say about you and your career. Then, write down three to five people who could help you get closer to that vision. Reach out to just one of them this week. Don’t overthink it – send them a quick message and start a conversation.

The amazing thing is that when pharmacists find work they actually love, it doesn’t just make healthcare better – it makes their entire life better. They become better spouses, better parents, better friends. They stop dragging the stress of work home and start being present and happy, and that positive energy spills into all areas of life.

One of the saddest things I hear from pharmacists is when they don’t know what they’re proud of. When I ask them what they’ve accomplished that makes them feel good about their work, and they say nothing, it’s a red flag. But that’s not a hopeless place to be. It’s an opportunity for a powerful shift in mindset.

Maybe you don’t feel proud of your pharmacy work, and that’s okay. But the question becomes – what could you do to feel proud of your work? Maybe it’s not within the traditional pharmacy roles – and that’s okay, too.

If you’re reading this and nodding along, feeling a spark of inspiration, I want to help you take that next step. At The Happy PharmD, we’ve developed a system that has helped thousands of pharmacists land jobs they actually love in six months or less. And no, I’m not talking about just another job – I mean roles where you feel respected, valued, and genuinely excited to get to work.

In the Career Transition Accelerator, I work with you in a small, intimate group, showing you the exact strategies our clients use to land fulfilling jobs. There are problems in every job, but these roles are so much more rewarding.

If you’re ready to stop dreading Monday mornings and start loving your career again, I’d love to help. Click the link, answer a few questions, and let’s start working together.

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry. I get it. But I’ve seen countless pharmacists transform their careers, and I know you can, too. Sometimes you just need a little help seeing your potential and finding the right path forward.

Hating your job isn’t a life sentence – it’s just a sign that it’s time for change. Let’s make it happen.