Could transferring from a 6-year PharmD program or working at a smoke shop hurt my T30 admissions chances?

I'm currently a sophomore in a six-year PharmD program, but I've realized that pharmacy isn't the career I want to pursue. I'm planning to transfer for Fall 2027 to study economics, public policy, or a related field. I'm considering Cornell ILR, Columbia (a long shot), UMich (depending on affordability), Claremont McKenna, and Georgetown.

For context, I have a 3.88 GPA, 1520 SAT, and made Dean's List during my first semester. I've participated in faculty-supervised research involving congestion pricing and its socioeconomic impacts, micromobility and transit accessibility, and delivery work economics. I'm also involved with a nonprofit advocating for improved public transportation access in underserved communities.

Additionally, I've worked at a smoke shop since freshman year, typically 40–50 hours per week and occasionally up to 60, to pay my tuition and help support my family.

I have two main concerns:

1. Transferring from a professional program: My curriculum is highly structured, leaving little room to pursue coursework outside pharmacy. Although my research and extracurricular activities reflect my growing interest in economics and public policy, I'm concerned about how admissions officers might perceive such a significant change in academic direction. Could my lack of coursework directly related to my intended major disadvantage me, even with strong grades and relevant activities?

2. My employment: I've included my smoke shop job in the activities sections of Common App and Scoir, but I'm worried about how admissions officers might perceive it. The business also sells cannabis products, which would be apparent if someone searched for my employer online. I'm simply a retail employee handling customer service, transactions, and closing responsibilities, but I'm concerned that the nature of the business could create a negative impression.

At the same time, I believe my employment provides important context for my academic performance and financial responsibilities.

I'm also considering discussing this experience in a supplemental essay. Working with customers from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds has given me a more grounded understanding of how income, employment, and access to opportunities affect people's lives. These interactions have also influenced my interest in economics and public policy.

Would admissions officers view either of these circumstances negatively? Should I keep the employment experience in my application, and could writing about it in an essay be worthwhile despite the potential stigma?

I'd appreciate any advice from admissions counselors or people familiar with selective transfer admissions. Thank you!