Bein' a rep way too long?

Discussion in 'Merck' started by anonymous, Jul 26, 2015 at 3:43 PM.

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  1. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Seems that if yer lookin' fer a job ya better not to have too much rep time on the resume. How are ya reps out there finding it these days? Managers don't like when reps have been only a rep? Grey and still a rep? Don't they know about gettin' ahead in the pharma world......:confused:?

    Add yer 2 cents....

    We need to know solutions fer the job seekers...
     

  2. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Rep job (I hesitate to say career) really doesn't change .. you're doing the same thing on day 1 as you are on day 10,000..it's a very comfortable job, nothing wrong with that... BUT.

    3 years is tops and then you should've gotten out..15 years in now with mtge, ex spouse, now new spouse, college bills for yours and step kids? now how do you sex up your resume to make dropping samples and doing lunches sound like working at a new start up company? You got me there...anything outside of work (volunteer on boards,hobbies ...??) You gotta come up with a good story.
     
  3. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Primary Care rep positions are fading fast. Many companies have eliminated their primary care sales forces altogether. If you want to stay in this industry, find a specialty rep position.
     
  4. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    That's not an easy move for most PC reps to move into specialty.....

    In most companies (except Merck) its a promotion for PC or a back step for managers at a layoff...

    Most PC reps are not real specialty types....in most companies specialty jobs have no hiding in the shadows, no dumping the work on the other guy, no late arrivals and early departures for the kids...its not a mommy gig or a job for those who like to skim....

    No company will hire a PC rep into a specialty job....

    Specialty into PCs.....but most will not hire the other way around unless the rep fits a special need...
     
  5. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Specialty is only a temporary solution...I was a Specialty Rep for about 20 out of 23 years in the industry, and at a certain point, (like when you are nearing 50 and getting expensive for the company) they will without fanfare, force your butt out of the company.

    There is a reason the CTLs never lose their jobs and make the big bucks...they are the thugs of the company.
     
  6. anonymous

    anonymous Guest


    .....if you're in specialty it's shaky too if nothing is in the "ready to go" pipeline!!
     
  7. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Have observed a little trend....if you're young, under 5 years in and have a thing called an MBA....you're on a fast track to getting out of rep land! Check it out on the career profiles...

    Interesting that young, often very young managers are now CTLing gramps and other greys...:eek:

    Now that's something! ;) .....LOL!
     
  8. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    People are in for a really big rude awakening if you are forced out at 50, 55 or whatever. No one cares where you worked or how stellar your performance. It is not a job for an older person it is as simple as that. Find another way to make a living before you drive yourself crazy trying to get a pharma job.
     
  9. anonymous

    anonymous Guest


    True, former well paid rep now making squat. Happy to have squat. Its better than nothing and a lot more than many of my colleagues who are still unemployed.
     
  10. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Totally agree. Was 49 when given "early retirement" by mother Merck. Not my choice I must say. Was spec. rep for 15 years and in great standing. This was end of 2011. I was very cocky. I thought as much as this hurt, I would just skate into another similar spec. gig with the competition. Not the case. Almost 4 years later I have finally given up trying to get back what I once had and loved with Merck. Nobody wants a white male in his early 50's it seems. Fortunately I have come to terms with this, waved the white surrender flag and moved on. I am lucky I got a retirement bridge. Able to go into a semi retirement state of mind and took a job as a low paid gofer with a local Respiratory O2 supply company. Not making much money but it pays the basic bills without getting into my retirement. I have not been this happy in many years. No more RAT RACE. Was tired and defeated of almost 4 years of rejection trying to get the glory days back. Now have something I enjoy doing, nice hours and no corporate or manager hassles. Life is good. Lucky I am in a place in my life to enjoy this. I want NOTHING to do with Big Pharma ever again. It was great back in the days but now just $$$$$ Golden Handcuffs. Not to mention the feel you will be at risk of downsizing at any given time. I feel like a college kid again having fun with a summer job. Thank you Merck. Just took me 3.5 years to figure out what will make me happy.
     
  11. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Its the bridge that matters. Without it you're in a bad position; no available income and no healthcare. The bridge makes all the difference. Merck cut some people out of money by pushing them inches from eligibility for their bridge. Consider yourself lucky!
     
  12. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Agreed. The bridge makes all the difference. Merck was a means to an end. Thanks Merck for making a contribution to the end.
     
  13. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    Speciality rep, yea, I called on them as well, Uro, oncology, Pulm...same gig as calling on pc docs, offices had nicer waiting rooms with fancier magazines but still the same dog and pony show...
     
  14. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    True, but no poddy mates!

    Now that makes for one special job! ;)
     
  15. anonymous

    anonymous Guest

    3-5 years seems to be the max for those who want to move up...then drop it off the resume.