You have put in your time. You have paid your dues. You have studied and studied and studied and……well, you get the point. You strut up on stage and you finally get your diploma you’ve been dreaming about for years. Now what? First, start by asking yourself these questions….
Is a residency for me?
That is a question only you can answer, but now that you have finished your didactic career as a student, you must now step into the world of pharmacy. If you have considered doing a residency in pharmacy, now is the time to do so. If you tell yourself you are going to wait for a while and then decide, chances are you will have a very hard time giving up your career and going back to complete a residency receiving partial salary and working twice the hours.
Do I really need that flashy car?
Sure, it’s always nice to reward yourself after a big accomplishment, especially graduation. Whether it’s a car or something else you’ve had your eyes on, it’s always better to make a large purchase after you’ve paid down your credit cards and begun repaying your student loans. At least you will know where you stand.
When do I want to retire?
Most of us won’t retire for years and years, but the sooner you plan, the sooner you will be able to accomplish this goal. As you fill out your new employment paper work you will be able to determine how much you can “kick” to your 401K or other long-term savings plan. Some recommend 10%, but I would recommend the maximum amount allowed if you can afford it. You will thank yourself when you are older!
Have I effectively negotiated my employment?
I know you might be excited to finally land that job you were looking for. After all, who wouldn’t be, since it’s something you’ve been looking forward to doing for at least half of your lifetime. But don’t be too quick to jump right in. Negotiating salary, vacation time, and hours is something that you should focus on at the beginning. These things will affect your life for years to come as you enter your new career, so make an effort. After all, you can’t go back and negotiate once you’ve been hired!
What are my goals as a pharmacist?
As a pharmacist, you are able to contribute to your profession, your community, and your employer on an infinite amount of levels. Your journey has only begun. Keep yourself in check. Constantly challenge yourself with new goals within the pharmacy profession, and I guarantee you have a rewarding and fulfilling career!
It’s certainly a good idea to start saving for retirement right away and paying off student loans right away. Put off buying the nice car or home and save yourself huge amounts of compound interest paid out. By the time you hit 40 you can pay cash for a sports car and a nice home.