There are a fair few comments here stating “DON’T DO PHARMACY” which I’m not sure is that helpful. I hope the below is a little more useful for prospective pharmacists.
Step 1: Will you enjoy the job?
I think this is by far the most important question over pay etc. No amount of pay will compensate for a job you don't enjoy. Thankfully, it’s also by far the easiest to answer. Do some work experience in community or hospital pharmacy. You’ll be able to understand c.80% of what the role involves.
There is a definite answer to this question and only you can answer it. Consider other people’s opinions but don’t adopt them blindly.
If you enjoy the job, go to step 2. If not, go to step 3.
Step 2: What are career prospects like?
This is a more difficult question to answer and will require research. There is no definite answer to this question and you’ll need to use your own judgement. Remember you are having to make a judgement of the jobs market in 4/5 years time.
Some of my own thoughts for you to consider (or ignore):
- There are more pharmacists qualifying each year than there are new pharmacist roles being created. The result is an increasing pharmacist:roles ratio leading to higher levels of competition for jobs.
- At the moment, jobs are easier to find in less desirable locations. Are you willing to start your career in what you might find to be an uninspiring location if required? Also consider you will be in your 20s.
- A lot of pharmacists like to say supply and demand makes it inevitable that salaries will decrease. I don’t think it’s quite as simple as that, but I reach the same conclusion given that pharmacy payment is based on supply (i.e. items dispensed). There is little/no possibility for ‘x’ pharmacist to add greater value than ‘y’ pharmacist to justify a higher salary.
- It is unlikely this will change any time soon despite the push for services (i.e. pharmacists being paid for providing advice). Explaining why would require a post of its own.
- Hospital is largely protected from pay concerns through the Agenda for Change pay scale which you can google
If you think you'll enjoy pharmacy and are not concerned about increasing competition (always room for the best, right?) then you can stop here. Otherwise go to step 3.
Step 3: If not a pharmacy career, what should you do instead?
This a question often ignored by the ‘not pharmacy’ crowd.
Either:
a) Research all your career options and pick a degree that better suits what you want to do
b) Admit you have no idea and pick the course you’re most likely to enjoy at the best university you can get into to keep your options open
The key point to make is either option might lead you to still studying a pharmacy degree. I think the course is genuinely interesting if you’re interested in the sciences. It is generally viewed as academically rigorous. You do not have to become a pharmacist after completing a pharmacy degree. Do not get stuck in this mindset. Remember that the vast majority of disciplines do not lead to a vocation (e.g. history, maths, politics).
It's also true that the vast majority of graduate schemes at the largest employers will accept applicants from any discipline. This is true for accountancy, banking, oil/gas, law etc. etc. The competition will be even higher than in pharmacy though but at least with pharmacy you have a fall-back option which is undoubtedly of some value. The competition means while at university you have to ensure you take part in extracurricular activities (e.g. president of a society) and summer internships.
Good luck.