If you are under 50

this is the only attitude to have when working at Merck..F them before they F you...it's all a big scam and charade anyway...

and they will can you unceremoniously the minute you get too comfy and secure...

 

That’s been my mantra for 20 years. I’ve seen too many good people get screwed by Mama Merck. Pharma is in for a big fall, and the bigger they are.....

 

Too many variables to give advice. I’m 66, Medicare and SS are big factors. Have 2 ml in 401k. No debt. Enjoyed life while younger and Saw many nice places on Merck’s dime by winning trips, and neither of us are into travel. We live very comfortably with no wants. Spoil the hell out of our grandkids. Downsizing home, maybe 2 condos to snowbird it. Basic expenses, home, car, insurance, etc. run a little over 34K. Don’t see a need to have to dip into any savings until it’s mandatory at 70.

All depends on the lifestyle you want at retirement and at what age you pull the plug. . For some 500k is enough, for others 10 mil is needed.

 

dog

 

All the gloom and doom would disappear if you were smart enough to have a side business while working part time for Pfizer.
There’s always the dole....liquidate your money, give it to your kids and let the govt support you like all the rest of the freeloading parasites in this country.

 

Hey ya friggin turds it’s Macgruber here... You walk around like your shit dont stink. Well I've got news for you, your shit does stink (sniff sniff) It stinks like shit! This company is the tits..

 

Go back to West Virginia and brush your tooth...

 

The only thing more sickening than your simplistic and ignorant characterization of the will of the vast majority of this country is your belief that pushing over-priced drugs in a non-cost competitive and redundant industry is free market enterprise. Housekeeping staff at Motel 6 have more integrity.

 

Too many free loaders in US, “entitled” to everything because they live here.

 

Sell? Is that what you call it? You’re delusional. Pharma is doomed. Medicare for all or whatever hybrid scheme the politicians decide on will be the end of. Pharma. Once Medicaid starts to negotiate prices you can kiss your lazy ass good bye. The millions our lobbyists pay these shitbag politicians will mean nothing.
Enjoy it while you can. The end
Is near.

 

Good post.. Pharma has been on slow erosion mode for 20 years now... think back to 19 years, pharma could not hire fast enough...they'll still be reps. but once gov't starts negotiating pricing look out.. I'd recommend pharma to anyone under 30,, great training, good pay and benefits... but 2.5 years would be the maximum a youngster should stay in...,

 

Are there less men working and more women because they pay women less?

 

Go away maggot.

 

The answer must be yes. Can’t go away because I’m your boss.

 

I don’t work at Taco Bell.

 

I spent 33 years in various positions in Pharma sales and marketing. 30 of those years were with Merck at different levels in the field and at West Point. Like one of the posters mentioned the first 10-15 years was fun and upward mobility was certainly available if you chose to play the corporate game. Dire predictions were made years ago regarding the demise of pharmaceutical sales. The predictions were correct but the timing of the death of the job was premature. It has been a long, slow, painful death and it seems this will continue. The position has become one that offers very little gratification due to poor access, reduced respect from physicians, and inability to deliver meaningful information regarding our products due to Pharma guidelines. Healthcare professionals don't really need to see us as we are not allowed to pass along anything meaningful as we are restricted to indications, contraindications, AE's, and cost. There will be pharmaceutical reps in the future but the contraction of our numbers will continue and the QOL of the reps will continue to diminish. The job provided a pretty good income and I have been able to retire with a reasonable amount of money and financial security. I can't change the past but I do think that I would have been more fulfilled if I had made a career change after several years in the industry. Work hard, do your best given the environment you're working in but look after yourself as no one else will. Good luck.

 

"The position has become one that offers very little gratification due to poor access, reduced respect from physicians, and inability to deliver meaningful information regarding our products due to Pharma guidelines. Healthcare professionals don't really need to see us as we are not allowed to pass along anything meaningful as we are restricted to indications, contraindications, AE's, and cost."

That is the best breakdown of what has happened that I've ever seen. Kudos.