"Life is too short to be stuck in a job that is making you nuts."

MSM: Medical Sales Mentors

RD: Client who landed new role

MSM: You and I go way back – I think we met 12 years ago. But let’s tell your new success story. So you are working for a good company – but you get new executive leadership and overnight 30+ sales folks no longer have jobs.

RD: Yes. They gave us a nice severance – and set us up with an outplacement service. But I was also in a role I was not a good fit for. I’d never quite a job in less than a year – I pride myself on sticking things out – but I realized, it was time to walk away. My manager was great, very supportive; he told me, “I’d hire you in a moment if I had an opportunity”.

MSM: Then something amazing happened. . .

RD: Yes. Two days after that notice – I get a call from an old boss – who had no idea about my situation. He’s been promoted to a new specialty pharmacy role – he had a position to fill – a new job – working directly for my old boss! Working with someone who knows my work ethic. 

MSM: What was his response when you told him why you left your previous employer?

RD: He appreciated my candor. Honesty is great. I think too many people hide stuff and that gives the impression they may have been fired. The long and the short of it – I met for dinner with my new boss – I kind of interviewed him to assure it was a good fit – I want longevity – I wanted to stay long haul, so I did my homework.

MSM: The new company promotes what?

RD: Oncology drug products. So it’s interesting – I was previously working for a boss I really respected, but in a job that made me nuts. Now I’m working for my previous boss selling products I am excited about. But I did find something interesting when I went back to my old customers – you need to “earn” those old customers back – you can’t assume anything and you need to respect the person who replaced you in your old job. You literally have to earn your business back.

MSM: Does your new company have an employee referral program?

RD: Not sure.

MSM: Talk about the outplacement services you took.

RD: They were good – we all think we have a great resume and LinkedIn profile and networking skills. They were pretty honest with me, so it was a little bit hurtful. I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was. There was a lot I didn’t know – new tactics in job searching. But you need that sort of honesty.

MSM: That reminds me of that Ben Franklin quote: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”.

RD: Yes – that’s accurate.

MSM: Advice to job seekers?

RD: You have to have people out there knowing your situation. Be humble. Ask for help. Today it is about recommendations. Reach out to network. I did something very unusual – on my LinkedIn I put “Looking for new opportunities” – just to see what happens. I had 3-4 recruiters a week reaching out to me because of that. If someone comes with a low-ball offer, you hold your value, you haven’t lost anything. Every few months, check with your recruiters.

MSM: Any other advice?

RD: Know when it’s time to leave a job. You’re not a failure. You’re just not a good fit for the job – you’ve changed, understand who you are today and go find the job that complements who you are.

MSM: Hey I taught you that!

RD: Lol. Yes you did.

MSM: Thanks for being one of our trust agents.

RD: You’re welcome. Glad to help your new customers.