Courage

Upon immigrating from South Africa to Britain in 1998, at the height of the confusion following the release of Mandela, I joined a pharmaceutical company that owned a chain of retail pharmacies in North Wales. There was some apprehension regarding my suitability, not having worked in a retail pharmacy for 25 years. I was 63 years old, an age at which some might consider undertaking a challenge of this magnitude to be rash. I was not unaware of the responsibility and the potential for unforeseen complications. Yet, a potent combination of determination and a thirst for a new adventure propelled me forward. This determination, I found, was a powerful force that could overcome any obstacle. Upon my arrival, a young pharmacist was assigned to oversee my orientation and evaluate my aptitude. A palpable contrast, the seasoned experience marked initial interactions juxtaposed with her youthful energy. As the orientation progressed, I drew upon a reservoir of knowledge and skills honed over decades of practice. Together, we navigated the complexities of the environment, each contributing our unique strengths to the shared goal. The initial uncertainties gave way to mutual respect and a collaborative spirit. It was a testament to the power of intergenerational partnerships and the enduring value of experience in the face of new challenges. Our collaboration, despite our age difference, was a key factor in my successful adaptation to the pharmacy setting, highlighting the importance of diversity and teamwork in any work environment. 

Limited to observing the familiar, I felt unable to contribute further. After some days of visiting shops, I arrived at a rather busy pharmacy. I felt completely out of place and could contribute nothing. Just prior to the lunch break, the young dispensary assistant, a key member of the pharmacy team responsible for various tasks, including customer service and inventory management, made it known that she was unwell and would not return after the break. Upon reopening the shop, the resident pharmacist returned from the local doctor's surgery with a handful of prescriptions. He confessed that there were more prescriptions than ever before and that he had to catch a train to London at 6 pm. He thereupon dumped the pile of prescriptions at the side of the computer and disappeared. I squared up before the machine and found the capture of the scripts straightforward. By the time he returned, I had processed many of the prescriptions, complete with dosage labels. When my tutor arrived to collect me, I processed a pile of prescriptions that were ready for dispensing. It took the rest of the afternoon for the two pharmacists to complete the dispensing in time for the train to be caught. The next day, the CEO of the organisation, together with the personnel manager and a new car, arrived. They were impressed by my adaptability and the speed at which I had learned the new system. They proclaimed that I needed no further training and should begin locum duties right away, a decision that validated my determination and the power of intergenerational collaboration.