Ok, here is some truth. If you read this rationally, you will agree:
In 2006, my DM was let go from Pfizer so was the RBD (he was actually fired GL from Ohio). The writing on the wall began. I didn't leave because I made six figures (so do you). I didn't leave because I didn't want to buy a personal car (neither do you), I didn't leave because the job required little brain power (you must agree), I didn't leave because I was with one of the most admired companies in the world (consider the time), I didn't leave because I was a winning rep, I was overwhelmed by a false sense of security-- that the best stayed, didn't go because I had a big ego, didn't leave because for the past 100 years Pfizer treated its employees well and I was playing the odds. However, The writing was on the wall.
In 2009, I was let go (as many others from MI). By this time one Rookie of the year trophy, one VPC trophy and a buy out letter for more than 80K. Recall, the peak of the layoff period. Stuck and scared (more embarrassed), I was only thankful my spouse, an engineer, was outside of the industry and could support us for a period of time off one income.
Why I didn't leave the industry:- See the first paragraph. Period. Yes, I found another pharma job, YES I make more money, Yes the benefits are the same. Yes, it was very competitive. Yes it took longer than I thought. Yes, for the first time my ego was as tall as a 2foot midget, but I still wanted the flexibility to be a little lazy for the same amount of money and effort. Plus the perks, who could give this up easy. Before my Pfizer employment, I spent several years working at IBM. Although Pfizer paid me more in benefits, my base salary was about the same. I have a master's degree. This would have been the perfect opportunity to go back to corporate America with my tail tucked between my legs, punching the 8-5 clock. I didn't want to. Why? Re-read this paragraph.
Stop believing Pfizer pays the best in the industry. They don't (although they use to). Stop believing they have the better benefits, they don't (they use to). Do believe that some hiring managers (don't blame the competing companies, only the hiring managers), won't hire Pfizer reps- Those managers are out there and will not touch Pfizer reps.... why? Because they themselves were cheated out of the Pfizer experience (launch days of Lipitor and Viagra). When you look for another job in the industry (I know you will), keep this in mind, if you think that the hiring manager is discrediting your Pfizer experience, come back with this: Whatever you think of Pfizer as a company, you have to admit that the products launched in the 1990's are the benchmark of financial success. The training of Pfizer reps are the most admired (remember nobody likes an overinflated ego). I am no better than the hiring class of 2003, meaning I landed extremely well in this industry and will ride out this brainless six figure job until the check bounces. You will too. This is the absolute truth from your former colleague. I wish you good luck, and if we ever meet again let's talk about the accuracy of this post.
Former- suburban Michigan Pratt (more than anyone else ever gave you)
In 2006, my DM was let go from Pfizer so was the RBD (he was actually fired GL from Ohio). The writing on the wall began. I didn't leave because I made six figures (so do you). I didn't leave because I didn't want to buy a personal car (neither do you), I didn't leave because the job required little brain power (you must agree), I didn't leave because I was with one of the most admired companies in the world (consider the time), I didn't leave because I was a winning rep, I was overwhelmed by a false sense of security-- that the best stayed, didn't go because I had a big ego, didn't leave because for the past 100 years Pfizer treated its employees well and I was playing the odds. However, The writing was on the wall.
In 2009, I was let go (as many others from MI). By this time one Rookie of the year trophy, one VPC trophy and a buy out letter for more than 80K. Recall, the peak of the layoff period. Stuck and scared (more embarrassed), I was only thankful my spouse, an engineer, was outside of the industry and could support us for a period of time off one income.
Why I didn't leave the industry:- See the first paragraph. Period. Yes, I found another pharma job, YES I make more money, Yes the benefits are the same. Yes, it was very competitive. Yes it took longer than I thought. Yes, for the first time my ego was as tall as a 2foot midget, but I still wanted the flexibility to be a little lazy for the same amount of money and effort. Plus the perks, who could give this up easy. Before my Pfizer employment, I spent several years working at IBM. Although Pfizer paid me more in benefits, my base salary was about the same. I have a master's degree. This would have been the perfect opportunity to go back to corporate America with my tail tucked between my legs, punching the 8-5 clock. I didn't want to. Why? Re-read this paragraph.
Stop believing Pfizer pays the best in the industry. They don't (although they use to). Stop believing they have the better benefits, they don't (they use to). Do believe that some hiring managers (don't blame the competing companies, only the hiring managers), won't hire Pfizer reps- Those managers are out there and will not touch Pfizer reps.... why? Because they themselves were cheated out of the Pfizer experience (launch days of Lipitor and Viagra). When you look for another job in the industry (I know you will), keep this in mind, if you think that the hiring manager is discrediting your Pfizer experience, come back with this: Whatever you think of Pfizer as a company, you have to admit that the products launched in the 1990's are the benchmark of financial success. The training of Pfizer reps are the most admired (remember nobody likes an overinflated ego). I am no better than the hiring class of 2003, meaning I landed extremely well in this industry and will ride out this brainless six figure job until the check bounces. You will too. This is the absolute truth from your former colleague. I wish you good luck, and if we ever meet again let's talk about the accuracy of this post.
Former- suburban Michigan Pratt (more than anyone else ever gave you)