40k base?

[anonymous]

I used to mostly agree with you, but the older I get (I have done both pharma and medical device), the more I think the pharma reps are smarter…because you have to remember that you are a corporate sales person, and you are not making that much more in these "real" sales jobs…you are working long hours for a dollar that is not worth much.

you have to remember that time, not money, is the most important asset in life (aside from water, air, etc).

you must still be in your 20s and 30s. Once you hit your 40s, you will see it more clearly. trust me on that.

Nope I'm 51 and can't disagree with device & capital equipment sales eating up people due to the work load. I was in pharma for 14 and capital equipment/disposable/ device sales for almost 17 years.
Most device companies don't want their reps to make more than $130k per year and you are in the OR at 6am & might leave a 3:30.... Then you have to set up cases for the day after,then handle returns and credits. 12 hour days are the norm.
When I first got into device sales, top performers were making 200 k per year....those days are gone,unless you work for Edwards Lifesciences, St Jude Medical, have an ortho distributorship,or sell high end capital equipment.
80-+ hour weeks aren't conducive to having a life.

I have discouraged pharma reps from pursuing the hospital based OR sales position,especially if they are 35 or older.