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.
