I am a pharmacist, have a few comments based on what I read on this thread.
pharmacists make about 100-105k
This depends. Hospital pharmacy is probably about that, or slightly lower. Retail (ie walgreens) folks make at least that much, and between the mandatory overtime and bonuses, etc.. $110-115k is doable. I can't comment on other subareas like industry, academia, long-term care, nuclear pharmacy, etc.
To me it looks like an amazing easy job for very good pay. But for someone who has been an engineer, and liked it, dispensing pills could be an overwhelmingly boring way to spend the day or evening.
Going to assume two things: You say that in jest, and you know nothing about the profession. In many cases, pharmacists are the only safety net preventing your doctor from killing you. In addition, we are seriously responsible for keeping a lid on drug costs.. You would not believe the number of interventions pharmacists make dozens of times a day and how much money this saves the system, as well as patient's well-being.
I am thinking about going back to school for Pharmacy (3 years) weekend only program so I can do this while working.
I can hardly believe this is possible. First, there is no such thing as a part-time pharmacy program, and since you have no choice but to be a pharmD, there are not any programs shorter than 4 years, full-time. Doublecheck your claims. Not only that, most programs require either a 4 year degree (which you are more than covered by), or a litany of science/math courses to weed out the noncontenders.
I don't think pharmacists have low stress jobs. There is a ton of responsibility with dispensing drugs. I'm a certified drug agent at my current position and the paperwork for controlled drugs is a nightmare. I assume it's the same for a pharmacist....don't want any part of that. They can cart your arse off to jail if your paperwork ain't correct.
Honestly, it depends. I've practiced in two settings, and there are many more I know little about. When you hear the word 'pharmacist', you only think of one thing.. the retail pharmacist behind the counter. There are MANY other opportunities out there with this degree. I am now an informatics pharmacist in a hospital - I deal with healthcare IT, implementing and maintaining our electronic medical record system, helping design a bedside barcode medication system, and lots more.
You are correct about the regulatory aspect - its a blinding mess, especially on the hospital side. Not so on the retail side.. there its pretty much making sure you have all the oxycontin you are supposed to. That being said, regulatory compliance is not the main cause of stress.. its the requirement to handle maddening volumes of prescriptions because the reimbursement is so crappy that you need to really crank the volume. I considered buying a pharmacy (independent) when I graduated... thank God I didn't.
Take my advice for what its worth.. I actually wouldn't recommend doing this just for money. The 4-year program is going to cost you at least $50k just for the school, and like I said - doublecheck on the full-time thing. Its pretty hard to work while attending school also. I managed half-time, working as an intern in a pharmacy, which helped a lot with staying sharp at school. I'll be honest - its a daunting program. We had many weeks with 2-3 difficult exams per week. Its a huge commitment.
I don't regret it - I am only 27, making decent money which is enabling me to invest lots for the 'early retirement' plan. I'd think long and hard before doing it - if you don't hate life every morning perhaps what you need is to do some market salary analysis and make a job move. Anyway, if you have more questions about the profession I'd be happy to answer what I can.
I am seriously doing something wrong! I have 10 years experience, a Masters Degree in ChemE plus management experience. My salary is at the very low end of that range. I think I may cry.
