What's life like as a pharmacist?

[joecormac]

Eldest is doing science A levels.

She's got a Saturday job at a pharmacy and absolutely loves it. But I'm trying to get her to figure out if she loves the staff (who are lovely to her) and that first feeling of adulthood and wages OR the actual job.

So if you are a pharmacist
A) are you happy you chose it as a career?
B) what degree do you do? Is it Pharmacy or Pharmacology?

Thanks

[BeyondMyWits]

I have worked in a community pharmacy for many years as a counter assistant and have seen many pharmacists come and go. The job is not great looking at it from the counter, my Dd wanted to be a pharmacist, but switched to pharmacology after a month's work experience, saying wayyyyyy too much pressure.

[shenanigans5]

I think the salary is actually going backwards. Just before leaving my pharmacy role 7 years ago I was paid £50K to manage a small pharmacy (around 5 staff) working 9-6 from Monday to Friday with 30 minute break each day.

Now I hear the pay for these types of roles is closer to 40K.

[JMAngel1]

I agree - 20 years ago, I used to locum for £30 an hour. Now the going rate is £20

[Cybercubed]

Just curious, for those who have mentioned pharmacology/toxicology, would a phd be required in order to get the higher paying jobs? And what sort of salary can someone potentially earn in toxicology with a phd?

I think the issue which would potentially put me off is any animal testing, if I could avoid that then it would be career that interests me.