Need FAST advice please!!!!!

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Anonymous said:
C. CAll 911, get admitted to spych ward, get my med quickly into my system.
D. Go and get the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

This guy if screwing with you people. The fact that some actually answered is sad. The only logical answer was the one that called him a r*****.
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Not screwing around pal. Go eat a you know what
 




I wouldn't worry about how it will look..(job hopping? no way will this be factor), your still in sales (got the different industry part, but still sales in your degree field).. if you had written offer/confirmation from AZ that could game changer but a hope and promise? that doesn't carry any weight.
 




If you have no job offer form AZ for the trainer position then you have no job as a trainer right now. Take to offer form the other compnay, a reason exists as to why you interviewed.
 




Anonymous said:
Okay first of all I realize I will get called names by posting this so, please save yourself the trouble, stop reading if you are immature. I need serious advice...

First I am a CL 4, making a base of 91K and 23K targeted bonus. My DSM, who IS staying, promised me that in 2012 I will most likely be promoted to a position back east. Yes that IS what I wanna do. I do not wanna be a rep forever. Most likely I will survive the layoffs, but to protect myself I looked for other jobs and one of them turned into an offer.

The offer is for a Sr Sales Rep in another industry. I have a degree in that industry. I will not say what it is, as I do not wanna give it away, but it is more recession proof. They are offering me a base of $110,000 and a bonus of $25,000. So a jump from AZ BUT the pickle is that I would still be a sales rep, and basically start from bottom and work for 4-6 years before I can get into management.

Now, knowing what you know, and if you were in my shoes would you:
A. Remain at AZ for hope of being a trainer, analyst or whatever back east OR
B. Start in a new industry but as a lowly, alas highly paid, but still a sales rep?
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B.

Option A may work for 12 months, but you NEVER will get back east. It just isn't gonna happen. nothing against you, it just isn't gonna happen.
 




Everyone I know is asking what other job they can get making a decent income comparable to what we are making. You have that in your hands and you are questioning it. I was a DM and was laid off and demoted to sales rep. This industry is shrinking and we are all hanging on. I wish I had your offer or knew at least knew what it was?
 




Anonymous said:
OP post here.... Thank you all for the advice. For the immature respondents, go eat a dick. And good luck tomorrow because you will need it. For the majority who IS mature and posted honest responses thank you!!! I am kinda leaning toward the new job but have to share with you that I am scared to start all over in a new industry, with no trackrecord. This is almost like career suicide. How will this look on LinkedIn or my CV when they see me hopping industries? Thoughts?
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It doesn't look bad, it looks as if you are intelligent enough to know when its time to move on. The dumbing down of pharma will/has resulted in most other industries having disdain for pharma reps. This would be a great move in terms of your marketability.
 




This one is easy. Option B. Promises schomises... unless you've been officially offered the job back east, you don't have it. Let's see... $20,000 more in a much more stable industry. It's really no contest. But you'll have to go with your gut and instincts. Age is not the issue either - I know people who have become doctors or accountants at 40 and started a whole new career. Matter of fact, I'm getting an accounting degree as we speak to cya because the industry sucks so bad.
 












Anonymous said:
Okay first of all I realize I will get called names by posting this so, please save yourself the trouble, stop reading if you are immature. I need serious advice...

First I am a CL 4, making a base of 91K and 23K targeted bonus. My DSM, who IS staying, promised me that in 2012 I will most likely be promoted to a position back east. Yes that IS what I wanna do. I do not wanna be a rep forever. Most likely I will survive the layoffs, but to protect myself I looked for other jobs and one of them turned into an offer.

The offer is for a Sr Sales Rep in another industry. I have a degree in that industry. I will not say what it is, as I do not wanna give it away, but it is more recession proof. They are offering me a base of $110,000 and a bonus of $25,000. So a jump from AZ BUT the pickle is that I would still be a sales rep, and basically start from bottom and work for 4-6 years before I can get into management.

Now, knowing what you know, and if you were in my shoes would you:
A. Remain at AZ for hope of being a trainer, analyst or whatever back east OR
B. Start in a new industry but as a lowly, alas highly paid, but still a sales rep?
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The tell that I see for the reason this is such a dilemma for you is your not sure you still want to be a salesman. The real issue you are debating in your mind is: do I want to be a salesman still, even for more money and a new industry? or do I want to take on a new type of job, get away from sales?.

This is what I think where your true indecision lies yet in saying that even though I hear the cry in your description " I don't think I want to be a salesman anymore"!! The training position is not a sure thing and I can tell you if they cut the field they really cut training not to mention the new thing now is to contract out training. Just as field sales is going contract so is training. I know this for a fact my cousin is/ was in corporate training in pharma.

I would say since the offer at AZ is not a sure thing and pharma as we knew it, especially in terms of the field, is going the way of the dinosaur, take the plunge into the new industry for job security, diversification into sales other than pharma and last for the money. You'll be more marketable on the job market with pharma off the top of your resume and then you can always work toward being a trainer in 2 years with the new job.

Then again go with what your heart says and don't listen to what anyone else thinks. As you think it through it will come to you. Hope that helps you. Both choices present risks yet I see B as increasing your value for more opportunities.
 




Anonymous said:
The tell that I see for the reason this is such a dilemma for you is your not sure you still want to be a salesman. The real issue you are debating in your mind is: do I want to be a salesman still, even for more money and a new industry? or do I want to take on a new type of job, get away from sales?.

This is what I think where your true indecision lies yet in saying that even though I hear the cry in your description " I don't think I want to be a salesman anymore"!! The training position is not a sure thing and I can tell you if they cut the field they really cut training not to mention the new thing now is to contract out training. Just as field sales is going contract so is training. I know this for a fact my cousin is/ was in corporate training in pharma.

I would say since the offer at AZ is not a sure thing and pharma as we knew it, especially in terms of the field, is going the way of the dinosaur, take the plunge into the new industry for job security, diversification into sales other than pharma and last for the money. You'll be more marketable on the job market with pharma off the top of your resume and then you can always work toward being a trainer in 2 years with the new job.

Then again go with what your heart says and don't listen to what anyone else thinks. As you think it through it will come to you. Hope that helps you. Both choices present risks yet I see B as increasing your value for more opportunities.
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OP here. Thank you. You hit the nail in the head my friend. I do not want to be a salesman anymore... and true, this industry is going to the crapper. I am just afraid of starting over which is understandable. I will talk this over with my wife and dear friends. Good luck to all of you tomorrow. This company has fucked things up good. Real good.
 




Anonymous said:
Trainer in DE for which products? Shit, we have nothing left to sell.....most trainers at HQ were laid off and those who remained were moved to brand teams.
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Soooooo NOT true. I am in HQ and I know for a fact only 6 trainers got let go. That is it. There are still over a dozen. I am no math major but that is not most.
 








Here is the bottom line OP. I am only 23, a Level 2 PSS and only make 63K base plus 18K bonus. Not bad for 23, but even I know I need to get out of this industry. In fact I just got accepted to business school and will start my MBA at a top 20 school in August. Full time. So I am gone regardless.

My father though is the COO - that is Chief Operating Officer for you idiots - of a Fortune 100 company. I will not say which company, but let me tell you he is on the board of directors of a major pharmaceutical company, not AZ, but around same size. Besides being a Wharton graduate, he makes 1 MM per month (that is per month), and is extremely knowledgeable about a lot of industries including pharmaceuticals. Extremely.

He guarantees me that by 2014 virtually 95% of reps will be contract with the exception of highly specialized ones like HIV or Oncology. The entire model from PSS to CBL is going contract. Trainers will also be contracted out. If you dont believe me take a look at companies like Genentech/Roche.

If I was in your shoes, I'd go with B and fast. I am going to study full time and go into finance. Good luck!
 








Anonymous said:
Soooooo NOT true. I am in HQ and I know for a fact only 6 trainers got let go. That is it. There are still over a dozen. I am no math major but that is not most.
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There used to be over 40 of them only a year ago. The opportunity after training has also been reduced. Brands have shrink, reps have shrunk, and training is going more online.
 




Anonymous said:
Here is the bottom line OP. I am only 23, a Level 2 PSS and only make 63K base plus 18K bonus. Not bad for 23, but even I know I need to get out of this industry. In fact I just got accepted to business school and will start my MBA at a top 20 school in August. Full time. So I am gone regardless.

My father though is the COO - that is Chief Operating Officer for you idiots - of a Fortune 100 company. I will not say which company, but let me tell you he is on the board of directors of a major pharmaceutical company, not AZ, but around same size. Besides being a Wharton graduate, he makes 1 MM per month (that is per month), and is extremely knowledgeable about a lot of industries including pharmaceuticals. Extremely.

He guarantees me that by 2014 virtually 95% of reps will be contract with the exception of highly specialized ones like HIV or Oncology. The entire model from PSS to CBL is going contract. Trainers will also be contracted out. If you dont believe me take a look at companies like Genentech/Roche.

If I was in your shoes, I'd go with B and fast. I am going to study full time and go into finance. Good luck!
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Lots of bragging here, but its sensible.

OP if you really have that opportunity, I have no idea why you are asking the question. If you are any good it'll take no more than 4 years to DSM (I did it in 2) Especially with your background.
 




Anonymous; said:
Here is the bottom line OP. I am only 23, a Level 2 PSS and only make 63K base plus 18K bonus. Not bad for 23, but even I know I need to get out of this industry. In fact I just got accepted to business school and will start my MBA at a top 20 school in August. Full time. So I am gone regardless.

My father though is the COO - that is Chief Operating Officer for you idiots - of a Fortune 100 company. I will not say which company, but let me tell you he is on the board of directors of a major pharmaceutical company, not AZ, but around same size. Besides being a Wharton graduate, he makes 1 MM per month (that is per month), and is extremely knowledgeable about a lot of industries including pharmaceuticals. Extremely.

He guarantees me that by 2014 virtually 95% of reps will be contract with the exception of highly specialized ones like HIV or Oncology. The entire model from PSS to CBL is going contract. Trainers will also be contracted out. If you dont believe me take a look at companies like Genentech/Roche.

If I was in your shoes, I'd go with B and fast. I am going to study full time and go intfinance. Good luck!
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Consider yourself lucky to be in a position to pursue an MBA from a top 20 school.

While I respect your fathers level of success and education and realize he is in the top 1/10 of the top 1% of wage earners. I say this with sincerity, it does not take a MBA from Wharton to figure out that this industry is making the transition to Contract Sales. With that comes the end of career advancement and stagnant income potential. With contracts you will work for 24 months and be off looking for another contract for the next 6 months. This could be a great gig for a second wage earner in a family, but that's it.

Many that enter the industry in the early 90's fell victim to the above average pay and are forced to regroup and redirect their careers. Again, you are lucky you can make the adjustments now and are not in the prime earning years of your life.

Best of luck to all and especially those who are going to continue to pursue a career within pharma. It will only get worse from here on out.
 




Anonymous said:
OP post here.... Thank you all for the advice. For the immature respondents, go eat a dick. And good luck tomorrow because you will need it. For the majority who IS mature and posted honest responses thank you!!! I am kinda leaning toward the new job but have to share with you that I am scared to start all over in a new industry, with no trackrecord. This is almost like career suicide. How will this look on LinkedIn or my CV when they see me hopping industries? Thoughts?
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You dont have a "CV", you have a resume.
 




OP here. It was a tough decision but I decided to leave AZ and, even though I made it, the other industry seems more secure. I can now say what it was. My degree was in Petroleum Engineering and I will be working for an oil company. If this gives any hope I would be happy. So many of you think that you can never make what you did in pharma. So not true. I am an example of one who left for more. I feel bad for those laid off yesterday and for those retained honestly. I wanted to be a trainer so bad but this company has no pipeline. Good day and to the trolls who will curse at me, I say fuck off!!!
 




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