Just getting it off my chest... is the best thing I can do for me right now.
I love my job.. I love the people I work with, I love having responsibilities and most of all I love helping people. This is the reason I got into pharmacy. Being in pharmacy is one of the best things I did. But....
The wages are appalling. I work so hard. I give my best always but after 11 years and being a single mum, it's is getting so hard. Sometimes I do 3 people's jobs and even sometimes the pharmacist job and I still get the worst possible wage. It's a joke!!
There is no recognition for pharmacy assistants. I feel so responsible for so much but it is not reflected in my wages.
At this time when I am needed the most I second guess my loyalties. Should I take the time to help...in my own time...for time in lieu? Time in lieu is nothing to me. Absolutely pointless!! It does not help me. $20.61 an hour.. it would take an extra $6.50 an hour for me to get off government payments and earn the same money. How sad is that! I will loose $9000 + a year in a couple of weeks (with all the cut backs) when my son turns 8. I don't know how I will manage.
I am so stressed that I am neglecting my self and my son. It's not right. The boss would never give me a pay rise. But don't get me wrong he has helped me with my vet bills and is totally flexible with my roster... he is a great boss but he is governed by the pharmacy guild and he does stick to it like glue..
and I have voiced my concerns numerous times over the years..
On another note.. I want to do my naturopathy but just found out that I can't do it online anymore as my location/income/single mother hood prevents me from doing so.. fml!!
I am not in debt, I don't own a car (can't afford one)...house or own any thing of value. I live in government housing and the saving I do have is money for my sons future braces (=$5000-$10000-saved from the last 5 yrs tax money). I am not stupid, I am smart (with out a ticket). I know most people would say get another job a higher paying job...
Will the grass be greener on the other side? Who the hell knows.
I am so angry about life right now.. it's not like me... it's not who I want to be... it's like I'm in a dark hole and I can see the light but I can't reached it..
I'm not person to ask for help. I don't have family, friends or sons father (ex husband.. not willing) to rely on. They have enough problems on their plate.. like everyone else.
I remember being in bliss at a time in my life and now I feel like my life is like a rope around my neck slowly tightening. I want my bliss back!!
Btw.. I'm not depressed.. I'm frustrated, angry, annoyed and stressed.
I know life can be better and more beautiful. I have been there! I know it exists.. I am a good person, I will open my home to anyone in need, I don't judge people and only wish I could help others more. Why is this journey through life so difficult at times? I look for the silver lining in everything, I except people for who they are... but sometimes I wish people would return the favour..
6 Replies
No advice but I feel you! I am a pharmacy assistant & get paid $18 an hour. I actually get paid 20cents more than the other girls at work because I took a $2 pay cut to work there (only a 5 min drive from home as opposed to the45 mins I was driving) and I wouldn't take less than $18. Its a joke, they have me working as a dispensary assistant. I have my cert 2 & 3 in community pharmacy with 8 yrs experience in pharmacy. I know the products, I know the procedures & I am good at my job! But no, if they give us a pay rise they reckon they will need to drop a staff member. Meanwhile they are a major chain making a lot of money! My only consulation is I am due with my second in 3 months& if they want me back I will not be taking $18 an hour. They can find an unqualified person and start from scratch with the training!
I wish you all the best! My silver lining is I am teaching my daughter the value of money & how good it feels to earn your own money.
You sound like an amazing staff member! With your background and skill, core values and personality - have you considered swapping into nursing? Much better pay and I imagine you would retrain quickly. Or if you are determined to stay in pharmacy what about moving to a hospital dispensary where the pay would probably be better. Just a thought.
Change jobs! Study and become a pharmacist. Will the grass be greener? Hell yes, it will be.
So glad I read this post. After being a SAHM for over 10 years I was just about to apply to TAFE to do a Certificate 3 in Community Pharmacy, hoping I could find placement which would lead to a job. I had no idea the pay was so low.
have you considered other qualifications you can do online that are relatively quick? Something that could get you into a better paying job but still in a similar field?
I used to be pharmacy assistant and I also really enjoyed it but I remember working full time and earning $250 a week! Mind you I was only 18 at the time but I'm not sure how you are supposed to live out of home on that sort of money!
I am now in an office manager position and earning $30 per hour but to be honest I don't enjoy the job so this year I started studying Personal training online and will be qualified in January. My plan is to do PT part time as it has a pretty high earning potential and I can work from home and will most likely get a casual job as well. I wanted to go back into pharmacy but it looks as though the pay has not improved at all, although a casual rate might be better than a full time rate.
Just to put things into perspective for you.. I'm struggling financially. I too am about to lose money, both from the pension and child support (my ex is on the verge of losing his good paying job). I have applied for so many jobs, all of which I have the skills and experience to do, not even a phone call for an interview. The rent prices are getting ridiculous here and there's literally no point in putting my name down for government housing because the wait list is too long. I can't move away to find work or find cheaper rent because I was told by a solicitor I can't due to the care arrangement I have for the kids with my ex. I am running a part time business from home to earn a bit of income and so the kids don't have to go to after school care (which is another expense I can't afford), but it doesn't bring in very much and it can be very hit and miss from week to week. I would give anything to have a steady income, even if it was only $20 an hour.