Hi Cheryl,

Thanks so much for reaching out to Cancer and Careers. Before I pass your question along to one of our coaches, I just want to make sure I’m understanding what you are asking – are you looking for a job you can do while you are in school to become a pharmacy technician? Or are you wanting to find an alternative career to being a pharmacy tech?

If it is the former, I would say you’re halfway there in the sense of identifying the types of skills (writing and customer service) you want to be using. I’d recommend doing a bit of research on what industries are hiring for roles like this. Glassdoor or LinkedIn could be helpful resources for gathering such information on companies. Try to network to spread the word that you’re looking for positions that fit those parameters, or to find out if there are any open opportunities that you could be connected with.

If you’re interested in looking for a completely new career from pharmacy tech, then I do recommend you begin to assess your needs and wants, the practical steps needed to take, etc. We have some great resources on what a career change after cancer looks like including:

• Career Shifting webinar


• Job Hunting After Treatment


• Finding Meaningful Work

As I mentioned, I will pass this question along to one of our career coaches, but if you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to cancerandcarees@cew.org and we can set up a time to discuss your questions and concerns.

Warmly,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Hi Cheryl,

I believe that I may have reviewed your resume as well earlier this year. I have the same questions as Nicole in that it is unclear whether you are trying to identify a new career using your writing and customer service skills to augment being a Pharmacy Tech or instead of becoming a Pharmacy Tech. 

Do you have a portfolio of writing samples? Have you tried to get any freelance writing jobs? This is what comes to mind first as it's flexible and would enable you to use a skill that you enjoy. I also recognize that you may need a more steady income. Some industries that require writing skills are science, technology, public relations, advertising, and marketing. I would search on Indeed or LinkedIn for jobs as Nicole recommended. 

There are also plenty of remote customer service jobs available in many industries. 

It's also important to remember that you can start out in a specific job at a medium to large company and then transition into a different type of job once you are employed there for a while. 

If you write back with more information about what your goals are, I can provide a more customized answer to your questions.

Take care,

Julie