There is a reason they call it "Mother" Merck

[Anonymous]

So interesting (and sad) that the majority of Merck reps just wait around waiting to get "picked off" as another CP poster put it. Sort of like sinking in quicksand, and just resigning yourself to that fact, instead for grabbing at a tree branch, or finding another
way out.

Here is the problem with the "just wait for the severance package" mentality. For many reps, (especially older ones) they begin using Gestapo-like tactics to get one to quit. I can't think of any other job or industry, where things are so subjective, that management can basically make or break anybody they want...what a sick and unfair system.

Once they have you in their sights, it gets ugly fast...You think the field visit is really for rep
"coaching?" Guess again, it is their most useful and effective tactic to harrass people out.

 

[Anonymous]

So interesting (and sad) that the majority of Merck reps just wait around waiting to get "picked off" as another CP poster put it. Sort of like sinking in quicksand, and just resigning yourself to that fact, instead for grabbing at a tree branch, or finding another
way out.

Here is the problem with the "just wait for the severance package" mentality. For many reps, (especially older ones) they begin using Gestapo-like tactics to get one to quit. I can't think of any other job or industry, where things are so subjective, that management can basically make or break anybody they want...what a sick and unfair system.

Once they have you in their sights, it gets ugly fast...You think the field visit is really for rep
"coaching?" Guess again, it is their most useful and effective tactic to harrass people out.

You've got it right as rain. Field visits are as much about "coaching" as PIP's are about "improvement" --it's all a sick game that gets played out daily in a sick and unfair system as the pp stated. That was an intolerable and unacceptable issue for me, knowing that my job "security" in pharma sales had very little to do with objective sales and could all come down to some subjective evaluation from a new and inexperienced manager when I might no longer be in a position of strength to start over in a career. I saw it happen to too many tenured older reps when Merck engaged fully in rep wars and brought in so many new young managers who knew very little and often resorted to terminations as a tactic to quickly make a name for themselves. I'm happy to be in an objectively measured sales position now with a lower base and higher incentive program. I see my manager twice a year and couldn't be happier. For those who can sell, it's the smart place to be.

 

[Anonymous]

I always enjoyed eating greasy ribs, slaw and baked beans at local BBQ joint the night before my field rides. The "mother" of all farts in the car on those hot days make the coaching moments most memorable.

 

[Anonymous]

Love the fart idea! That is awesome. Do not quit, if you can mentally take it. They will try to break you and make you quit, like the original poster said. Make them pay you severance and make sure you can collect unemployment because this economy and job market is ridiculous. You can always turn off your phone. Or, just look at it as a game, if they're trying to run you off. Stay strong, peeps! Make them pay you off to go away and don't make it easy.

 

[Anonymous]

Love the fart idea! That is awesome. Do not quit, if you can mentally take it. They will try to break you and make you quit, like the original poster said. Make them pay you severance and make sure you can collect unemployment because this economy and job market is ridiculous. You can always turn off your phone. Or, just look at it as a game, if they're trying to run you off. Stay strong, peeps! Make them pay you off to go away and don't make it easy.

really?? this is how you want to live? seriously, no job is worth it if you ask me...why lose your sanity in a crazy Merck game of chicken?