I had the BALLS to leave pharma!

My transition story is in the making. Left over a month ago (after over 20 years) and am pursing other career opportunities (not sales). I will probably make less than I did in pharma, yet my pharma friends seem to be jealous that I had the balls to leave.

They make comments about how much they are making (I left a month ago, not 20 years ago) and how you can’t leave that kind of money. Meanwhile, they are all angry, depressed and having nervous breakdowns. I choose to save my sanity and leave but it seems mysery loves company. They are about to get dumped.

Be happy for people who take the initiative to have a more sane life. Too many haters in this industry.

 

Good for you...Yeah, I was amazed at how many people told me when I worked in pharma (23 years) that I could "never leave." At the age of 50, I up and left...I chose my sanity over the money...It is way harder to fake every day in a make-believe job (the pharma charade) than to actually get a real job or start your own small business...It was like gnawing off my own arm walking away from a buck and a half a year, but thank Gawd I got out...that is one friggin' crazy industry...bad career choice looking back on it...

 

Thank you for your story. How long did it take you to transition? What are you doing now? I will say my transition has good days and bad days, but I’m happier that I have been in a long time.

 

I have a sneaking suspicion that the OP will be hat in hand...trying to get back in on the pharma welfare program within 6-9 months. I hope I’m wrong but have seen it time and again.

 

The transition has many stages...At first there was shock and a bona fide PTSD diagnosis...I had drank the pharma Kool-Aid for so long, that it was at first hard to fathom that there weren't other jobs our there that would pay me 6 figures for essentially working part time. I bounced around a few bottom feeder sales jobs that would last 6 months here and there, before finally realizing that I hated sales...What people do in pharma is definitely not sales, although that is what the companies call it.

Then, I started downsizing, selling off everything ̛I didn't absolutely need, and cobbling together a living with tutoring, pet sitting, etc. Do I miss the money and the annual vacations abroad and fine restaurants? Sure I do!
But would I ever for one second consider going back (not that I would have a chance at getting hired at my age) to the toxic pharma industry?? No way...I would rather live in a van as a nomad...

 

I applaud you for doing what it takes after years of pharma phoniness. There does become a certain age ( north of 50 ) when it becomes difficult to stay in pharma...especially as a male. A longterm career truly is a deal with the devil of sorts...one becomes typecast and pretty much ruined for any other legit job.

 

OP here: I never say never, but I don’t think I could go back. I thought I was going to punch my boss.

 

I understand what you mean about bottom feeder sales jobs. There seems to be a lot of them! Looks like you are part of the “gig” economy now. I am also thinking of becoming part of the gig economy. No boss and you make your own hours. I have a friend (former pharma rep) that does the same jobs as you. She tried it get back into pharma for 2 years and nothing. She is much happier now.

 

Congrats on leaving! I left 5 years ago (at the age of 37) after 14 years in pharam. Left for another industry that (outside of heathcare) that paid a lower base salary with no car, but commission. Last year I made even what my pharma compensation was, but the 3 years before that I almost doubled what I was making in pharma (even when taking into account the free use of a vehicle). I hope I'm never in a situation where I have to go back to pharma. I met some great people that will be friends for life, but never want to go back.

 

Good for you...You were smart to get out in your '30s and for those of us in our 50s that stayed at the party too long, we are definitely paying a financial price...Basically, in a nutshell, no one will hire me anymore...I have to hustle in the "gig economy" just to have a little money coming in...As a wise poster said above, a long term pharma sales job is a deal with the devil...It was easy money for a long long time, but when it's over - it comes with a huge price...And unfortunately, there is no turning back time to undo the bad career decision.

Lord knows, I had my chances to get out...I have to own up to my own sloth and being way too comfortable snagging the easy money...Now, life is ultimately more sane, but certainly fraught with much more uncertainty and money worries...

 

I left Pharma after 23 years in the industry and I don't regret it one bit. I have been teaching now for 3 years and I absolutely love my job.

 

I have thought of teaching but am concerned that I won’t be able manage with the salary. How has it been? Did u downsize before you transition? I’m not able to downsize right now but looking to within a few years.

 

Ive been out for 10 yrs. My career has taken off in another direction. Less perks, but I continue to grow and stretch, earned another degree and certification on the way, moved up in management with respect and expectations of be being a grown up.

I was pushed out at 41 and took a year for me to land something new. I wrote a book during that year and practiced self-care. The mental toll the last 2-3 yrs was great. Overall the other 10-15 were amazing--but the shift in the early 2Ks horrible.

Would I go back? No. I lost a friend that aggressively tried tot recruit me. She just did not respect my stance that I was not willing to step down to a rep position, now I was in healthcare management with a strong trajectory. She was working contract and has since changed contracts. Later for that life.

Was it hard? Pharma made it easy by giving me the boot. I didn't have the courage to leave the golden hand cuffs. But, when the call came it, I knew it was my reprieve. I threw their crap in my car, tallied up my samples, called my hubby to meet me on the way to the storage unit, pulled up, saw the taxi, my manager and Regional VP waiting. We both got out of the car, he confronted them on their shenanigans, we completed the sample audit, they paid the taxi driver and I went home in our paid off car.

My advice-keep a car in the driveway that you OWN and never be afraid to love yourself more than the bondage of Pharma and the false allure of the golden carrot...it's rotten at the core.

 

Very well said...Always kept my own car as an actual and figurative escape route...Pharma is truly an
evil industry....Wish I would have not been seduced by it...

 

Everyone thinks it will never happen to them.....all it takes is one psycho manager to fell threatened by you, or for you to not kiss their ass enough. Is there any other industry that can inflict more psychological damage on a person? It’s truly pathetic.

 

I believe it. Although I did not leave because of my manager, I found him too intense at times. In my case, it was more the company and their micromanaging, cult like culture that made me want to leave.

 

How come you people always tout how great it is that you are gone and have moved onto great and greener pastures, but NEVER actually explain what you are doing, what industry/job or company you found that was so great? Nobody ever shares this and don't reply with crap answer..."because I want to keep it secret". There are no secrets....everything is eventually disclosed especially in this crazy digital/internet age! Don't mistake my question for bashing....I actually agree with everything on this post, but just find it so typical to run on about how great you now have it, but never explain what "that great" really is!
If your going to take the time to comment and share your story or situation, why not share where you ended up? Just curious and asking.