There are pros and cons in every job.......the grass may seem greener on the other side, but it still has to be tended, mowed, fertilized and maintained.
As people we all have a tendency to share the negatives on career/jobs from personal experiences, but forget that those experiences don't make up the entire career and job at hand. That is why I think you will tend to see more of the negative related comments on career "boards". It is easy to become more focused on the negatives instead of the positives.
If we listen to all of the negative things people say, we will never leave our homes or do anything!
As far as employment opportunities.... in any field, I always think doing job searches is the best way to check the market out in the geographic area you reside. Some people, for example, due to financial reasons or family reasons can't relocate.........so those folks don't want to pursue careers where they would most likely have to relocate for a job.
Indeed is a good job search
http://www.indeed.com Only you can personal decide what a good life will be for you. Your job is not your life, but I would think the quality of relationships and having time for self is what makes my life "good". Sometimes your job may be only as good as you make it.....which starts with our attitude about the job. I have really been I feel blessed to have great co-workers....we get along well. We have to travel together sometimes, so that is a plus. I really feel the people really make the work environment.
I work in the area of health care regulatory compliance. A good Pharmacist has to be an advocate and willing to enage and interact in positive ways with physicians. If someone is the type of person who is not assertive or the type of person to challenge a physician (when applicable), then that person may not be the best personality to be a Pharmacist. The last conference I attended a Pharmacist consult with a long-term care facility said he had no problems with sending physicians black box information and contradindications along with his recommendations regarding the medication regimen for nursing home residents. He said it requires a person to be assertive and diligent in ensuring the appropriate medications are being administered to individuals and that they are not on multiple drugs in the same classifications, or drugs that work against each other. In the world of Poly-Pharm........more doesn't mean better. Federal nursing home regulations require that a licensed consultant Pharmacist must review the drug regimen of nursing home residents monthly, and they must make recommendations to the Physician if they see any irregularities. The Pharmacist reviews physician's orders, labs, dietary assessments, nursing assessments, and other medical record documentation and makes a clinical recommendation on the current medication regimen. This would include making recommends to check lab levels for certain medications. The Pharmacists I have spoken with seem to enjoy what they do. The challenges I have heard from attending some workshops at conferences is communication and making suggestions to the doctor. Some docs aren't always "nice" when it comes to the things they may have to say. Definitely requires good communication skills and being tenacious! There are different types of jobs that Pharmacists do....not all work in retail pharmacy.
I say all that mumbo jumbo to say that Pharmacists play an important role in the lives of patients. If you feel the call of being a Pharmacist, then I would say why not go for it.