Step 3: Develop a Plan to Get Off the Pharm

According to our inaugural post there are 4 steps to "Get Off the Pharm".  First, you need to know why you want to get out of pharmaceutical sales.  Second, you need to assess what else you want to do (i.e. change careers, become an entrepreneur, become a stay-at-home parent, etc.).  Third, you need to develop a plan to achieve your goals.  Finally, you need to work your plan.  We have discussed Steps 1 & 2.  In this post, I would like to discuss Step 3.  In order to reach goals in life it is important to develop a plan.  As pharmaceutical sales reps we typically develop business plans on a quarterly basis, as our goals tend to change from quarter to quarter.  If your goal is to "Get Off the Pharm" this situation is no different; you must develop a plan.  Now, if you have completed Step 2 you have already set a goal by deciding what you want to do after pharma.  Your plan will most likely include steps such as, revising your resume, sending out resumes and applying for jobs online, networking, saving money, etc.  A timeline must also be part of  your plan.  You must decide when you would like to have this transition completed and what steps need to be completed by what dates in order to meet your final deadline.  For example: If you are looking for another job/career and you know you have a certain amount in savings that will last a certain amount of time your timeline may look something like this.  Month 1: Revise resume.  Months 2-9: Apply for jobs, interview, network.  Months 10-12: Review job offers, submit letter of resignation, transition.  Now, of course that is a very aggressive timeline for this current job market and not very specific, but it will suffice to serve as an example.  Your plan could also include working with recruiters/headhunters (but, remember that they work for the company, not YOU), career/life coaches, resume writers, and mentors.  You may also want to shadow someone in the field in which you would like to transition.  Get Off the Pharm is dedicated to helping you through this process in any way we can.  Please subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more resources, tips and tools to help you "Get Off the Pharm".