I come seeking advice

[Volt]

Extra money and maybe a bit of effort, but you could bring on a manager for the business side (payroll, stock, advertising, etc) and you could be the drug side of the house. Hire them or go 51/49 type of deal.

Originally Posted by RX2010

Another clarification

The owner is not looking to sell right away, he is, however, looking for someone to take over in the next 10 years. I've seen the financials on the place, revenue stream is of no concern, his being an independent, and having working protocols with the physicians in town allows him to do so much more than any chain could ever do. The practice setting would be nice, but Volt, you're right, I really don't know if I want the responsibility of owning a business, I've always said I didn't want to, but this is a unique situation

[DrDubzz]

Originally Posted by Volt

Extra money and maybe a bit of effort, but you could bring on a manager for the business side (payroll, stock, advertising, etc) and you could be the drug side of the house. Hire them or go 51/49 type of deal.

true, but honestly, the only way it would be worth financially is to own it outright.

otherwise I could make the same money at a chain store (although I have zero desire to work at a chain store)


Really, my decision can simplified like this

a) great benefits, job satisfaction, and practice setting

b) more money, unique practice setting/freedom, more stress


B would also offer the stability of living in one place long term (for better or worse) whereas (A) would be moving every 3-5 years for 20 or so years, but then I could plop down cash for a house wherever I want while still receiving retirement

The problem is I can't truly go wrong, I'm just trying to figure out which might be better. Deep down I'm still leaning military, but they need to pick up the pace on things

[alley00p]

FOG (and ex-USAF) here...

Tim, I served 1 tour in the USAF, and volunteered for "SEA". Somehow, instead I was stationed at Nellis AFB, outside of Vegas for 3 years, but I spent a lot of time TDY'd to other places during my tour. I worked for Ma Bell prior to my enlistment in the AF, and when I got out, I went gladly back to my old job at home. As much as I enjoyed my time in the AF, I was glad to go back to civilian life. After 31 years with the Bell System, retiring and working a full-time job now, I have few regrets.

If it were me, I'd definately take a long look at the pharmacy deal first. If you decide running a business isn't for you, you can always enlist later, and have a little more "practical" experience. And you can always join the "reserves" in the meantime, if you want to. Even up in Northern Michigan, my middle son was in the National Guard, while he was living in a very small town.

But from my perspective, it's nice to be able to plan for the future. running a business in a small town, has some nice perks - being home most of the time, and having a chance to put money away for yourself and your family.

Don't get me wrong - I would never run someone down because they want to serve their country. I did it, and have no problem with my boys doing it either. But each person has to decide if that is their "bowl of rice".

Good luck with whatever decision you make, Tim!!