Embarrassed to be in pharma

[Anonymous]

This is so true. I used to be such a go getter. I graduated top of my class from a very prestigious universtiy, landed a high powered marketing job, and switched to pharma when I got laid off a few years into my career. Now I get up at 9:30 every day, take frequent naps and drink all the time. The icing on the cake is that I am actually a top ranked rep!!!

I just got out of pharma to start something on my own. The people I am starting my new business with can't believe the bad habits I have from pharma. When you are not used to cold calling or pursuing warm leads, or working from 7am to 7pm it is hard to change to doing that. It is a whole different mindset that pharma takes away from you. I floated through 7 years of pharma knowing I was wasting my time. I ranked high and had good sales numbers, but who the hell knows if the success was due to me or the formularies or my team mates. The longer you can work pharma while starting your realty career or insurance career or open a business that you run part time etc the better off you will be. There is not much worse than to sit back and know you are wasting your life in the fake world of pharma.

 

[Anonymous]

I left pharma about 4 years ago after 10 years due to all the issues posted here--but mainly because I was bored out of my mind. I didn't think the pharma job bit could sink any further, but last Wednesday I had gone down to the deli for lunch and happened back at the elevator at the same time as a female pharma rep taking in a lunch to two IMs located on one of the lower floors of the building. I was just shocked. This gal had on white knit leggings with Charo spike boots and a long turtle neck sweater over the leggings. Swear to God. She was sashaying around with her Olive Garden bags and roll behind case and acting like a rude little uppity witch to all. She was on the elevator with not one person that makes less than $150K, all degreed engineers, and one of the guys innocently asked her if she worked for Olive Garden, and I almost burst out laughing. This gal just came unglued. She set him straight real quick. It was so damn funny. When she got off, one of the guys said, God, she was dressed like a hooker. I thought she was a delivery driver for Olive Garden, too. HA HA HA HA

 

[Anonymous]

That's hysterical!! Just goes to show you one of the major reasons this industry bit the big one is because of bimbos like that. The funny thing is, they really do think they're all that and somehow 'special' because they managed to 'land' a pharma job. Too dumb to realize it's not a 'prestigious' job anymore ---- hasn't been for a very long time now. Maybe people outside pharma used to be 'impressed' by it years and years ago, but it's since become a joke, as you know. (I have recently left the industry after many years b/c it simply sucks).
I saw my share of those bimbos running around... not long before leaving, saw one in PC with a sweater that was FAR more appropriate for weekend clubbing. She was trying her damnedest (sp??) to show those things to everyone. Saw another one not long after who truly looked like a hooker -- skin tight clothing, stilettos, the typical long blonde hair, boob job, tons of makeup and thinking she was the shit. Funny as hell, and yes, made me feel so embarrassed to also be a pharma rep even remotely associated with that. I bet all of them reading this don't even realize we're talking about THEM! Many of the guys are just as bad --- seems they all have spikey, gelled-up hair and wear pink or purple shirts. One of them talked to me recently and said that Drs probably look at him and initially think he's dumb b/c of his looks, but then he said "they totally end up respecting me b/c they realize I know so much about the disease state and am so knowledgeable". I think he said he'd been in the industry for something like 2 years. omg. It's a sad state of affairs. Glad I left.

 

[Anonymous]

Amen...to all!!! I CAN'T wait to have pharma in my rear view mirror! I feel so terrible at the end of every work day...a day that starts with me having to FORCE myself out of the house. Pharma sales has become a JOKE! all about the MONEY. That is it, I really do not believe they care at all about the patient! Sometimes I sit back and watch the performance that some of these so called reps, more like pill cocktail waitress, put on for docs and I literally want to go to the bathroom and throw up. This business has drained me emotionally and professionally. I feel dumber and dumber every day that I stay in it!

 

[Anonymous]

Amen...to all!!! I CAN'T wait to have pharma in my rear view mirror! I feel so terrible at the end of every work day...a day that starts with me having to FORCE myself out of the house. Pharma sales has become a JOKE! all about the MONEY. That is it, I really do not believe they care at all about the patient! Sometimes I sit back and watch the performance that some of these so called reps, more like pill cocktail waitress, put on for docs and I literally want to go to the bathroom and throw up. This business has drained me emotionally and professionally. I feel dumber and dumber every day that I stay in it!

Start working hard to get out. Sure, the economy is shitty but I still get calls and emails about device/equipment jobs so they are out there. Good luck!

 

[Anonymous]

one of the "Barbies" just got divorced. Time for the Big Doc to move in...((-;


But now with Obama in there....

Copeeteeleezm ees DEAD Tovareetch

 

[Anonymous]

Amen...to all!!! I CAN'T wait to have pharma in my rear view mirror! I feel so terrible at the end of every work day...a day that starts with me having to FORCE myself out of the house. Pharma sales has become a JOKE! all about the MONEY. That is it, I really do not believe they care at all about the patient! Sometimes I sit back and watch the performance that some of these so called reps, more like pill cocktail waitress, put on for docs and I literally want to go to the bathroom and throw up. This business has drained me emotionally and professionally. I feel dumber and dumber every day that I stay in it!

You are in the fight of your life and don't really know it. getting out of pharma is not so easy. To explain the job to a hiring manager in an interview is not so easy. Now if you want to take a step back financially and sell houses, financial planner, copier sales etc than those jobs might be there for you. Don't get me wrong those careers I mentioned eventually makes more money than pharma but not right from the start. You need to cold call companies for the job you want. You need to be agressive in chasing down a recruiter that will have your best interests at heart. My advice is to organize your week so precisely that you give yourself part of every day just to look for a job. Call friends and do informational interviews. Get the word out to networking groups such as Linkedin.com and even Facebook so everyone know's exactly what you are looking for. I took a step back to go forward and it is really tough on the family and my finances. Somedays I wish I could be driving around in my car playing tunes and bitching about my weak ass job. On the other hand I will be free from corporate America and I will be able to see all my kids activities and sporting events. And in a few years I will be making much more money than I ever had in pharma. So start getting out now and believe in yourself and don't look back!

 

[Anonymous]

You are in the fight of your life and don't really know it. getting out of pharma is not so easy. To explain the job to a hiring manager in an interview is not so easy. Now if you want to take a step back financially and sell houses, financial planner, copier sales etc than those jobs might be there for you. Don't get me wrong those careers I mentioned eventually makes more money than pharma but not right from the start. You need to cold call companies for the job you want. You need to be agressive in chasing down a recruiter that will have your best interests at heart. My advice is to organize your week so precisely that you give yourself part of every day just to look for a job. Call friends and do informational interviews. Get the word out to networking groups such as Linkedin.com and even Facebook so everyone know's exactly what you are looking for. I took a step back to go forward and it is really tough on the family and my finances. Somedays I wish I could be driving around in my car playing tunes and bitching about my weak ass job. On the other hand I will be free from corporate America and I will be able to see all my kids activities and sporting events. And in a few years I will be making much more money than I ever had in pharma. So start getting out now and believe in yourself and don't look back!

Good post, the first year out is hard because you probably will make less. Also most of your time is spent cold-calling and building up your customer pipeline. Some of the days suck but it is better than pharma

 

[Anonymous]

Good post, the first year out is hard because you probably will make less. Also most of your time is spent cold-calling and building up your customer pipeline. Some of the days suck but it is better than pharma

Cold calling can be fun if you make it. I am in device sales in a highly specialized field so if I do 5 cold calls a day, I am doing okay. It is such a rush for me to get a good lead I know that I found myself and then followup in the manner that is appropriate for the account. If you go in with enthusiasm and confidence, it makes your life so much better. Point being: You define your own success in REAL sales.

cold calling kicks ass over these predetermined call lists pharma has because if I think a Doctor is an asshole, I don't have to see them ever again. In pharma you have to kiss their ass over and over again and beg. There is no begging in device, you either have the sale or you don't and if they say no and you can't overcome it, move on.

in device you don't do lunches and they don't expect you to. The Doctors say stuff like this and I shit you not "Oh I thought you were a drug rep. but since you are selling devices, which i hardly ever see anyone come around with these particular devices, ill give you 10 minutes, what do you have." The respect difference is huge.

the value i feel as a device rep. is so much higher in a office, not because of ego on my part but because the product i sell actually helps people on a daily basis, and i am thankful for that.

 

[Anonymous]

That's hysterical!! Just goes to show you one of the major reasons this industry bit the big one is because of bimbos like that. The funny thing is, they really do think they're all that and somehow 'special' because they managed to 'land' a pharma job. Too dumb to realize it's not a 'prestigious' job anymore ---- hasn't been for a very long time now. Maybe people outside pharma used to be 'impressed' by it years and years ago, but it's since become a joke, as you know. (I have recently left the industry after many years b/c it simply sucks).
I saw my share of those bimbos running around... not long before leaving, saw one in PC with a sweater that was FAR more appropriate for weekend clubbing. She was trying her damnedest (sp??) to show those things to everyone. Saw another one not long after who truly looked like a hooker -- skin tight clothing, stilettos, the typical long blonde hair, boob job, tons of makeup and thinking she was the shit. Funny as hell, and yes, made me feel so embarrassed to also be a pharma rep even remotely associated with that. I bet all of them reading this don't even realize we're talking about THEM! Many of the guys are just as bad --- seems they all have spikey, gelled-up hair and wear pink or purple shirts. One of them talked to me recently and said that Drs probably look at him and initially think he's dumb b/c of his looks, but then he said "they totally end up respecting me b/c they realize I know so much about the disease state and am so knowledgeable". I think he said he'd been in the industry for something like 2 years. omg. It's a sad state of affairs. Glad I left.

Been in industry 20 years, and I remember when they only hired reps with some kind of science degree. Those days are long gone. I saw a bimbo rep talking to the dr with her bluetooth in her ear, like what she was going to answer it in the middle of her detail? She also had huge earings on and her hair was bigger than a Bee Hive, and she had tight pants on, another Hooker. I swear, where do these companies get these reps, do they go to the red light district. I was laughing for 2 hours after this, my stomach hurt, I can't imagine the dr took her seriously. It's no wonder the offices have closed the doors on us.

 

[Anonymous]

Why do I never see the hooker type in my territory? Damnit! All I see is washed up old women, balding men or clueless young guys. My territory sucks, seriously.

My friend's relative is a rep. and wears fishnets...loL...she is hot don't get me wrong but I really feel like she should be on a pole, and i would pay to watch that!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Been in industry 20 years, and I remember when they only hired reps with some kind of science degree. Those days are long gone. I saw a bimbo rep talking to the dr with her bluetooth in her ear, like what she was going to answer it in the middle of her detail? She also had huge earings on and her hair was bigger than a Bee Hive, and she had tight pants on, another Hooker. I swear, where do these companies get these reps, do they go to the red light district. I was laughing for 2 hours after this, my stomach hurt, I can't imagine the dr took her seriously. It's no wonder the offices have closed the doors on us.

Anyone who wears their bluetooth outside of their car or home is a fuckin deuchbag. Seriously, do not wear your bluetooth into any offices, at the airport, or even into the convenience store. Nothing else says: "I'm a fuckin' loser"

 

[Anonymous]

Been in industry 20 years, and I remember when they only hired reps with some kind of science degree. Those days are long gone. I saw a bimbo rep talking to the dr with her bluetooth in her ear, like what she was going to answer it in the middle of her detail? She also had huge earings on and her hair was bigger than a Bee Hive, and she had tight pants on, another Hooker. I swear, where do these companies get these reps, do they go to the red light district. I was laughing for 2 hours after this, my stomach hurt, I can't imagine the dr took her seriously. It's no wonder the offices have closed the doors on us.

I saw a rep today dressed in leggins and a big oversized sweater, and really high heals-- she looked like a Maddona wanna be from the 80's. Then I saw an older GSK rep in granny loafers ugly pants and button down shirt untucked. For Pete's sakes people what has this job turned into- no one even dresses with pride anymore, it is utterly disgraceful what I see out in the field, and you know there are people looking at you than your clients-- your competitors see you too and are laughing at you. At least dress yourself like you are going out to more than the grociery store. I have also been around long time, when you only wore suits. Some of these women look worse than hookers, at least the hookers dress up for their jobs.

 

[Anonymous]

I saw a rep today dressed in leggins and a big oversized sweater, and really high heals-- she looked like a Maddona wanna be from the 80's. Then I saw an older GSK rep in granny loafers ugly pants and button down shirt untucked. For Pete's sakes people what has this job turned into- no one even dresses with pride anymore, it is utterly disgraceful what I see out in the field, and you know there are people looking at you than your clients-- your competitors see you too and are laughing at you. At least dress yourself like you are going out to more than the grociery store. I have also been around long time, when you only wore suits. Some of these women look worse than hookers, at least the hookers dress up for their jobs.

I still don't know if it is worse to see the hooker look or the surgical rep. that dresses in scrubs all damn day...Losers. I do like the ones though that change into scrubs on site and then leave bu chaning back in their suit. You are not a Doctor, so get over it. And this is coming from someone in device sales!

 

[Anonymous]

Been in industry 20 years, and I remember when they only hired reps with some kind of science degree. Those days are long gone. I saw a bimbo rep talking to the dr with her bluetooth in her ear, like what she was going to answer it in the middle of her detail? She also had huge earings on and her hair was bigger than a Bee Hive, and she had tight pants on, another Hooker. I swear, where do these companies get these reps, do they go to the red light district. I was laughing for 2 hours after this, my stomach hurt, I can't imagine the dr took her seriously. It's no wonder the offices have closed the doors on us.

OMG, don't tell me dumb, unqualified managers are hiring unqualified reps now,lol?

 

[Anonymous]

The whole blue tooth thing bothers me. I mean who is going to call a field rep throughout the day? The president of the company? no. The president of the United States? no. maybe daycare? yes. husband? yes. DM? yes, and why would you answer? The only rational for having a bluetooth as a rep is because the company pays for unlimited minutes. If I were a DM and saw one of my reps wearing a bluetooth I would assume they do not work much throughout the day. Boredom does come into play, but still that is why you have WIFI and coffee houses on every corner. And to the 20 year vet I cannot agree that this job should require a science degree because I do not have one and I do not see the need for that level of training. But I do believe this job should have been turned into more or an account management job. You manage the needs of say 30 accounts and you take ownership 100%. Not this co-promote POD selling crap. Accountability, responsibility, and knowledge would be key to be successful. Right now the pharma industry is in total kaos with reps trying to justify their jobs everyday.

 

[Anonymous]

The whole blue tooth thing bothers me. I mean who is going to call a field rep throughout the day? The president of the company? no. The president of the United States? no. maybe daycare? yes. husband? yes. DM? yes, and why would you answer? The only rational for having a bluetooth as a rep is because the company pays for unlimited minutes. If I were a DM and saw one of my reps wearing a bluetooth I would assume they do not work much throughout the day. Boredom does come into play, but still that is why you have WIFI and coffee houses on every corner. And to the 20 year vet I cannot agree that this job should require a science degree because I do not have one and I do not see the need for that level of training. But I do believe this job should have been turned into more or an account management job. You manage the needs of say 30 accounts and you take ownership 100%. Not this co-promote POD selling crap. Accountability, responsibility, and knowledge would be key to be successful. Right now the pharma industry is in total kaos with reps trying to justify their jobs everyday.

One of the big reasons pharms reps are beginning to be downgraded to the likes of used car salesmen. Oh, I forgot , some dumb managers are hiring car salesmen!!!

"And to the 20 year vet I cannot agree that this job should require a science degree because I do not have one and I do not see the need for that level of training."

 

[Anonymous]

The whole blue tooth thing bothers me. I mean who is going to call a field rep throughout the day? The president of the company? no. The president of the United States? no. maybe daycare? yes. husband? yes. DM? yes, and why would you answer? The only rational for having a bluetooth as a rep is because the company pays for unlimited minutes. If I were a DM and saw one of my reps wearing a bluetooth I would assume they do not work much throughout the day. Boredom does come into play, but still that is why you have WIFI and coffee houses on every corner. And to the 20 year vet I cannot agree that this job should require a science degree because I do not have one and I do not see the need for that level of training. But I do believe this job should have been turned into more or an account management job. You manage the needs of say 30 accounts and you take ownership 100%. Not this co-promote POD selling crap. Accountability, responsibility, and knowledge would be key to be successful. Right now the pharma industry is in total kaos with reps trying to justify their jobs everyday.

this job used to actually be more- that's why you needed a science degree. I used manage accounts, and discuss disease states, pharmacology, physiology, biology. But now we just spew out a 2 secound marketing message, no more, and the doctors do not listen, and do not respect a word you are saying. They used to respect us, and actualyy engage in conversation with us.
The bluetooth thing- was reprehensible- like what is more important at that time than----YOUR JOB?????? I don't get it? the rep looked like she had just graduated from college---but you know that was is what these companies are hiring now- they want to pay less-$30-40K--- well they are getting what they pay for, lack of experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And they should be embarrased, because the reps they are hiring are embarassing the companies!!! That's what you get with cost cuts! You know all of us industry vets that these companies want to cut for high pay, can just laugh at all of these inexperienced idiots making fools of themselves out in the field. And these companies can cut all of us old timers, but in the end we are the ones that will be laughing at the circus that will be left behind in the offices.

 

[Anonymous]

this job used to actually be more- that's why you needed a science degree. I used manage accounts, and discuss disease states, pharmacology, physiology, biology. But now we just spew out a 2 secound marketing message, no more, and the doctors do not listen, and do not respect a word you are saying. They used to respect us, and actualyy engage in conversation with us.
The bluetooth thing- was reprehensible- like what is more important at that time than----YOUR JOB?????? I don't get it? the rep looked like she had just graduated from college---but you know that was is what these companies are hiring now- they want to pay less-$30-40K--- well they are getting what they pay for, lack of experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And they should be embarrased, because the reps they are hiring are embarassing the companies!!! That's what you get with cost cuts! You know all of us industry vets that these companies want to cut for high pay, can just laugh at all of these inexperienced idiots making fools of themselves out in the field. And these companies can cut all of us old timers, but in the end we are the ones that will be laughing at the circus that will be left behind in the offices.

Ah, the good old days I remember so fondly when docs would tell you to come in the back door or just bypass the front desk. Then companies began hiring idiots for managers and they in turn hired unqualified idiots for reps. The back AND front doors started to close and look at where we are today---banned forever from many offices. Great job you moronic managers!!!

"this job used to actually be more- that's why you needed a science degree. I used manage accounts, and discuss disease states, pharmacology, physiology, biology. But now we just spew out a 2 secound marketing message, no more, and the doctors do not listen, and do not respect a word you are saying. They used to respect us, and actualyy engage in conversation with us. "

 

[Anonymous]

do you realize how rediculous you sound? do you know how lucky you are to be in this industry? do you know how many people are trying to get into the "club"?
be thankful that you make what you make, save what you can, and pray you get to keep your job!!