Why do so many people hate this job?

[Anonymous]

Great post = all true. I think a lot of us just get too old. When you're over fifty it is too late to find something that requires an "aggressive" representative. Even if we can do it. Age discrimination is worse than ever before. Employers do NOT see someone over fifty as even capable of coherent thought let alone closing the deal. It really does suck. Hence, I work on other areas of life and hope that if this gravy train ends, I have a back-up plan.

Its funny, all of you are sick and tired of pharma, and here i am in my late 30's trying to get in. I've spent the majority of my career working for small groups, unlimited upside with unlimited downside. I've been chasing the almighty dollar and have yet to catch it. I am aggressive and talented and feel as though I can work circles around most others, and yet I can't catch a break. So yes, I am ready to be a little bored, make some decent money with good perks and see where it takes me.

How many of you, beside the oil and gas saleman have worked in any other industry?

 

[Anonymous]

Its funny, all of you are sick and tired of pharma, and here i am in my late 30's trying to get in. I've spent the majority of my career working for small groups, unlimited upside with unlimited downside. I've been chasing the almighty dollar and have yet to catch it. I am aggressive and talented and feel as though I can work circles around most others, and yet I can't catch a break. So yes, I am ready to be a little bored, make some decent money with good perks and see where it takes me.

How many of you, beside the oil and gas saleman have worked in any other industry?

You had me convinced when you said aggressive and talented but then you mentioned you wanted to be a little bored and settle for decent money etc. You my boy would be perfect for pharma. A type 'A' go getter that settles for average. This is your dream job. Because after a few years of making 70-90K a year you will want out but you will quickly find out there are no other lazy ass jobs like pharma out there that pays decent money. Then you are stuck with boredom which for you sounds like a perfect fit! I came from house whare sales, and toxicology lab sales and if I stayed and hustled in either one of those industries I would have been much farther in my earning potential than any cookie cutter pharma gig I had. Because I came from a sales job to pharma where the companies design the job to look and sound like sales yet in all realities is customer service dressed up like sales. So if you want to go waste your so called talent then keep trying to get into pharma, but if you can run circles around others then go prove it in a real sales job that comes down to you and your work ethic!

 

[Anonymous]

Its funny, all of you are sick and tired of pharma, and here i am in my late 30's trying to get in. I've spent the majority of my career working for small groups, unlimited upside with unlimited downside. I've been chasing the almighty dollar and have yet to catch it. I am aggressive and talented and feel as though I can work circles around most others, and yet I can't catch a break. So yes, I am ready to be a little bored, make some decent money with good perks and see where it takes me.

How many of you, beside the oil and gas saleman have worked in any other industry?

I spent twenty years in healthcare marketing and public relations making OK money but not "big" money and certainly not a car perk. Like you, I could not wait to get into pharma. I saw it as my ticket to paying off my debts and getting ahead in life. It took me two years of constant interviewing and networking but I got in = mostly because of my persistant attitude and an unusual hobby for a chick that impressed my soon to be boss. Fast forward and this was one of the worst moves I could have made. I should have gone back to school to get a PhD or another clincial or beneficial degree. But no, I have been at this for fifteen years, been "downsized" or "reorganized" six times and it has been so stressful you have no idea. I would go back to my simple middle management job in a heartbeat - at least it was secure and I could pretty much count on a retirement. Not in Pharma, it is so unstable I would not recommend you come in this direction.

 

[Anonymous]

I get what you're saying, I do. I'm currently in real estate and my salary was cut 25% last year. The next 2-3 years will be tough, not much upside and the survival of my employer is unknown too. I'm also going after device but its just as difficult to get in wo/ previous experience. I need to make a move but the options are limited in this economy. I've had a few interviews this summer and have one lined up for this week.

As for all the BS and boredom that you guys/gals talk about, you're going to find that in every job. Job security? Please tell me which industry provides that?

I didn't say i was the best salesperson, just that I would put as much effort in to pharma as I do with my current job which 110%, according to these boards, that's way more effort than the average pharma reps puts in.

comments?

 

[Anonymous]

I get what you're saying, I do. I'm currently in real estate and my salary was cut 25% last year. The next 2-3 years will be tough, not much upside and the survival of my employer is unknown too. I'm also going after device but its just as difficult to get in wo/ previous experience. I need to make a move but the options are limited in this economy. I've had a few interviews this summer and have one lined up for this week.

As for all the BS and boredom that you guys/gals talk about, you're going to find that in every job. Job security? Please tell me which industry provides that?

I didn't say i was the best salesperson, just that I would put as much effort in to pharma as I do with my current job which 110%, according to these boards, that's way more effort than the average pharma reps puts in.

comments?

Totally agree with the job security thing. Its all about working for yourself, even if you work for a company.

 

[Anonymous]

Because most of us are educated and self motivated, yet we are managed and work for companies that treat us with little respect.

In fact, the more intelligence you have, the more you will hate this job. That is why you see so many nits in this industry. These kiss assers are good in this job because they have no or little talent, and they know that, but are still able to get by, by their ass kissing.

Intelligent people move on. I guess I am not that smart yet, but I am starting to catch on to the game they call sales. See, its not just pharma sales, its all sales jobs that suck.

good day and good selling!

You are absolutely right........"the more intelligence you have, the more you will hate this job".........and still we get stuck with it because right now it is hard to find something that pays well out there and we have to pay the bills. Depressing! My suggestion......try from now to find something else before you don't even want to go out there in the morning. If I have to sell in the future it will be for my own business. Now I just have to figure out a good one! Easy......right?!

 

[Anonymous]

Its funny, all of you are sick and tired of pharma, and here i am in my late 30's trying to get in. I've spent the majority of my career working for small groups, unlimited upside with unlimited downside. I've been chasing the almighty dollar and have yet to catch it. I am aggressive and talented and feel as though I can work circles around most others, and yet I can't catch a break. So yes, I am ready to be a little bored, make some decent money with good perks and see where it takes me.

How many of you, beside the oil and gas saleman have worked in any other industry?

Pharma job it is not what it used to be at all. Big pharma does give you a decent salary and commission but make your life miserable with so many reports, emails, programs, lunches etc. Also they can cut your position overnight. When it comes to small pharma.....there are so many out there now that is ridiculous! They don't pay as well and they are all trying to sell "medical food" and make us go out there and talk about it as if it was the most recent scientific discovery when the shelves at Walmart are full of much cheaper similar products that with today's economy everybody prefers to buy. My advice.....don't get into this industry now....too late to try when it's going downhill!
Now they are even moving into "inside sales". You get to talk to the physician at a convenient time for them instead of showing up anytime of the day no matter how busy they are. I see it as a more profitable and friendly way of doing pharma. Good luck!

 

[Anonymous]

Pros: It's easy. Flexible. Hardly have to work.

Cons: Boring. No satisfaction. Feeling of worthlessness. Degrading.

Well said: I felt so stupid standing around waiting for signatures and being disrespected by 19 year old receptionists. Finally, having a manager who talks for 10 minutes about openers. It's insulting to my intelligence. That's why I got out.

 

[Anonymous]

Best thread!

 

[Anonymous]

I can only say to the pharma wannabe to run the other way. With the exception of contract work, the big companies are reorganizing every year and HORRIBLE. The stress is unbelievable and the reports are ridiculous. I typcially leave at 7 or 8 am and get home two days a week at 4 pm to end up doing 3 or 4 hours of busy work sometimes until 10 at night, and working Sundays as well on tests, trackers and garbage. The other three days I am on the road and lucky to be home at 8 pm at night - living out of my car and hotels. It is a terrible way to live when you consider that doctors and even nurses really do not find value in having a rep call on them. Most do not take samples and even fewer do lunches. No new product in recent history has really had a successful launch and all the big companies are hurting as their products fall of the patent cliff. If you spend even five years in Pharma, your career will be dead. You might as well have put that you have not worked in five years as that is the perception of every other company. I have friends in device and that is brutal too, and only for those who do not care to ever see their family again because the hours are even longer and the pressure to sell greater. This is a job for kids out of college. I looked again today for jobs and all of them want some technical degree (IT, accounting, coding) that I do not have. Now, I do not even have the energy or time to get more education. I hate my life. I hate this job and most days am just glad my life-insurance is paid up. It seems so sad to know that I do nothing of any value so late in life with no hope of ever getting out unless I'm in a bodybag.

 

[Anonymous]

I can only say to the pharma wannabe to run the other way. With the exception of contract work, the big companies are reorganizing every year and HORRIBLE. The stress is unbelievable and the reports are ridiculous. I typcially leave at 7 or 8 am and get home two days a week at 4 pm to end up doing 3 or 4 hours of busy work sometimes until 10 at night, and working Sundays as well on tests, trackers and garbage. The other three days I am on the road and lucky to be home at 8 pm at night - living out of my car and hotels. It is a terrible way to live when you consider that doctors and even nurses really do not find value in having a rep call on them. Most do not take samples and even fewer do lunches. No new product in recent history has really had a successful launch and all the big companies are hurting as their products fall of the patent cliff. If you spend even five years in Pharma, your career will be dead. You might as well have put that you have not worked in five years as that is the perception of every other company. I have friends in device and that is brutal too, and only for those who do not care to ever see their family again because the hours are even longer and the pressure to sell greater. This is a job for kids out of college. I looked again today for jobs and all of them want some technical degree (IT, accounting, coding) that I do not have. Now, I do not even have the energy or time to get more education. I hate my life. I hate this job and most days am just glad my life-insurance is paid up. It seems so sad to know that I do nothing of any value so late in life with no hope of ever getting out unless I'm in a bodybag.

Its tough for sure.

The entire economy after 911 has just tanked. That was a traumatic moment in the US, and the mood changed after that event.

My recommendation to people out of high school is to not go to college, and find a trade that they love.

If they must go to school, then find something you love to do, and don't pay a lot to get that degree.

Also, if you are going to go into sales, go into payroll or copier or food sales. Food sales is probably the best one. But, any of these will do.

When you are young and naive, you can easily sell these products if you work hard and are not afraid of rejection.

Once you put you 3-5 years in these business to business sales jobs, then you write your ticket to some very high end medical device companies, if that is the direction you want to take.

Most importantly, never panic when you are in a career jam. Instead, step back and remember that you have what it takes to make a good living. That might mean going back to school or switching jobs, but don't get into a fear mode.

That is really why pharma is so bad: the fear mentality in this industry is just too much. It is not worth it.

Like previous posters have mentioned (and its very true), smart people don't stay in this industry. And the most intelligent, never enter it.

Dam, I wish the Internet and all this information from good websites like this was available 15-20 years ago, because I know I would have made better decisions with this information about my career.

At least I see it now, and can make adjustments. To all you college kids, please read all of this carefully and don't get into this industy. And for the experienced reps, do your research and network, because its never too late to get out and get into an opportunity where you are treated with more respect and like a professional.

 

[Anonymous]

Its tough for sure.

The entire economy after 911 has just tanked. That was a traumatic moment in the US, and the mood changed after that event.

My recommendation to people out of high school is to not go to college, and find a trade that they love.

If they must go to school, then find something you love to do, and don't pay a lot to get that degree.

Also, if you are going to go into sales, go into payroll or copier or food sales. Food sales is probably the best one. But, any of these will do.

When you are young and naive, you can easily sell these products if you work hard and are not afraid of rejection.

Once you put you 3-5 years in these business to business sales jobs, then you write your ticket to some very high end medical device companies, if that is the direction you want to take.

Most importantly, never panic when you are in a career jam. Instead, step back and remember that you have what it takes to make a good living. That might mean going back to school or switching jobs, but don't get into a fear mode.

That is really why pharma is so bad: the fear mentality in this industry is just too much. It is not worth it.

Like previous posters have mentioned (and its very true), smart people don't stay in this industry. And the most intelligent, never enter it.

Dam, I wish the Internet and all this information from good websites like this was available 15-20 years ago, because I know I would have made better decisions with this information about my career.

At least I see it now, and can make adjustments. To all you college kids, please read all of this carefully and don't get into this industy. And for the experienced reps, do your research and network, because its never too late to get out and get into an opportunity where you are treated with more respect and like a professional.

Well reasoned post.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree too.

Not only in the industry not stable, but you are calling on the most arrogant and mind controlled population on the planet: practioners!

They actually think they are making a difference by prescribing medication.

I am so embarrased that I spent so much time in this industry, thinking that I was doing a good job, selling products that make a difference.

The joke was on me. I was just a parrot. No input needed in this job.

At least I got out.

You can too. Do it now. Don't be a wimp!

 

[Anonymous]

For me it was lack of respect. I lasted 10 years, in pharma. The job was actually fun for awhile. I played golf twice a week with people I liked. Went out to dinner at least once a week, and as long as my numbers were good...no problems. Things got real crummy when they took all the fun out of the job. All the new reps caved to office demands, and we became a walking joke! Some keys to happiness are: do not be a yes man or woman, dont volunteer for extra work, dont let your computer out of your hands, only have lunches delivered, if one of the staff complains; tell them not to eat. Once you take control, you will be happier and treated with more respect. I'm in finance now, pharma in hindsight was not so bad, but 10 years was enough for me.

 

[Anonymous]

To the OP-be proud of your intuition and gut feeling.

In my opinion, yep, just my opinion (11 years in pharma) the more sincere, intellectual, rational, introspective, and authentic you are the more you grow to loathe this job.

 

[Anonymous]

To the OP-be proud of your intuition and gut feeling.

In my opinion, yep, just my opinion (11 years in pharma) the more sincere, intellectual, rational, introspective, and authentic you are the more you grow to loathe this job.

so true...Pharma sales is a mindfuck for any conscious, intelligent human being...that is why it drives so many people absolutely nuts...

It is a ponzi scheme at the end of the day, existing only to enrich middle managers and top executives...

the carrot is always dangled in front of the rep's nose, but can never quite be reached...

the whole thing is a total scam...Glad I got out, with at least most of my sanity still in tact...

 

[Anonymous]

For me it was lack of respect. I lasted 10 years, in pharma. The job was actually fun for awhile. I played golf twice a week with people I liked. Went out to dinner at least once a week, and as long as my numbers were good...no problems. Things got real crummy when they took all the fun out of the job. All the new reps caved to office demands, and we became a walking joke! Some keys to happiness are: do not be a yes man or woman, dont volunteer for extra work, dont let your computer out of your hands, only have lunches delivered, if one of the staff complains; tell them not to eat. Once you take control, you will be happier and treated with more respect. I'm in finance now, pharma in hindsight was not so bad, but 10 years was enough for me.

great advice here.
you are so right about volunteering for extra work. I was always doing that, and yet when it came down to the restructuring, I got let go (despite good numbers).

Its just a demeaning job.

When you produce (and good reps do drive sales), they say it was managed care or good luck.

And when you don't produce, you are a bad rep.

You just can't win.

People that stay in it, are just holding on to the easy paycheck, but in reality, I find that about 10 percent of people in this industry truly enjoy it...

and that 10 percent are usually people that just got in.

This is the main reason whey new college graduates are valued for hiring, and experienced reps are not.

 

[Anonymous]

The reason so many people hate this job is because of the industry trying to reinvent the wheel. I was in a specialty division with my company and someone got a great idea and decided to put us into the PC division. What a CF, it is non stop running around like a "chicken with your head cut off." If you don't have a call every 30 or 40 minutes the company thinks you're goofing off. They require 15 calls per day and I can assure you they are typically signatures just to make the "numbers". It is so "non - productive", can't understand why after years and years this PC model is still being run up the flag pole. It is like a rat race all day to try and make the numbers and it is mind numbing. If I could leave to do specialty I would in a heartbeat. I can't see how much longer this joke can last.

 

[Anonymous]

The reason so many people hate this job is because of the industry trying to reinvent the wheel. I was in a specialty division with my company and someone got a great idea and decided to put us into the PC division. What a CF, it is non stop running around like a "chicken with your head cut off." If you don't have a call every 30 or 40 minutes the company thinks you're goofing off. They require 15 calls per day and I can assure you they are typically signatures just to make the "numbers". It is so "non - productive", can't understand why after years and years this PC model is still being run up the flag pole. It is like a rat race all day to try and make the numbers and it is mind numbing. If I could leave to do specialty I would in a heartbeat. I can't see how much longer this joke can last.

The difference between specialty and PC is about 1 percent.