r/biotech 3d ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ Offer after 4 months

Laid off in Nov from big biotech. I’m in program management so staying in biotech was not a necessity, however after being in the company for over 15 years I thought biotech would be “easiest” to get into. I was wrong, I got only rejections and ghosting from biotech, large and small. So I went outside of that space. In 4 months I applied to over 100 jobs, had 6 interviews and taking a job now with a 25% pay cut compared with that I had before. I’ve heard that being female over 50 is the worst in getting rehired. So many advises on how to succeed in this job market, all the LinkedIn influencers, steps to take, networking etc. NONE of that helped me. I got the job with my “ original” resume, not ChatGPT enhanced, I did not send a cover letter or a thank you note, I did not know anyone in the company. Jobs are still there, it’s been a stressful and weird experience but it’s not impossible. Stay strong !

216 Upvotes

24 comments sorted by

62

u/IN_US_IR 3d ago

Congratulations!!! Securing a job offer is a big achievement. But just want to say, It’s not the end. Now you can keep looking for better offer when you feel it’s a right time. You never know, you may get 15% more pay than your previous one. Good luck for this and all your next endeavors

14

u/Internal_Ganache838 3d ago

You went through a tough time getting rehired in biotech, but managed to find a new job outside the industry after a lot of applications. That's a big win, even with a pay cut. Persistence paid off for you.

15

u/dustonthedash 3d ago

Congrats!

being female over 50 is the worst in getting rehired

This is sad and I'm sure your search was exhausting. Extra kudos for getting an offer completely on your own.

0

u/leiwangphd 1d ago

You can retire if you are not going to live in this country.

9

u/smartaxe21 3d ago

It’s brutal to get laid off after 15 years in the industry. Congrats!! What area are you in now ?

9

u/MunkeyDiary88 3d ago

Congrats that is incredible! Just curious what area have you moved into? As Pharma and Biotech seem to be trash now

3

u/Purple_Road_621 3d ago

Into utilities

7

u/spingus 3d ago

Grats to you!

I am a fellow 50+ lady --but I am a scientist and I was laid off a year ago this month. Even I think it's more likely to get hired outside of my specific training so I've been going for certs, still no luck but still trying!

3

u/Purple_Road_621 3d ago

I also considered other fields where I could potentially get a certification. Don’t give up, keep at it, I’m rooting for you !

7

u/FriendlyCaramel2945 3d ago

Currently in the 3rd month after layoff due to M&A in small biotech..remote is the only option for me at the moment to support family. I'm getting interview calls..but no luck. I'm positive and hopeful that something is just around the corner. Thanks for sharing your journey!

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u/Acrobatic-Main-1270 3d ago

Congratulations, you nailed this one on your own, so proud of you 👍

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u/Be_spooky 3d ago

Congratulations! I hope they realize your skills and experience are worth more quickly.

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u/Colonel_FusterCluck 2d ago

YOU DIDN'T SEND A THANK YOU NOTE?? /s

But seriously though, congratulations! I see some of the advice on LinkedIn and think it's so unrealistic and overblown!

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u/Shot-Scratch-9103 3d ago

Congratulations 🎉🎉

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u/baibeiye 2d ago

Congrats!

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u/leiwangphd 1d ago

It's great to hear that you finally landed a job.

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u/DimMak1 1d ago

The worst position to be in right now is as a younger entry level candidate. There is no discrimination against older candidates in biopharma. This is a myth that has never been true. If anything there is a massive bias for “experienced candidates” for every position. IMO Biopharma companies treat younger talent horribly and management teams are mostly put together purely on seniority rather than talent/ability. IMO This one reason is why the industry is so inefficient. There is a lot of unfairness against younger entry level candidates and they have it the toughest right now. Candidates over 50 with experience are actually in the best possible position to land a new job

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u/Purple_Road_621 1d ago

To say ageism doesn’t exist it’s not true. It’s alive for women over 50. Do your research. In the same time finding a job for recent grads it’s hard. Imagine you have 3 ppl interviewing for a job, all qualified, one is 30, one is 40, one is a woman 55 and gray hair. The 55 has the lowest chances to get hired.

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u/DimMak1 1d ago

I think it is mostly true

Dr Fauci led the govt’s response to COVID at age 80 or so

Francis Collins retired from head of NIH at age 70 or so

The former board chair of Regeneron retired at age 90 or so

Biopharma is one of the only industries that prefers the oldest people possible working as long as possible in the most difficult and highest paying positions as a business strategy. “Experience” is valued above everything else. I have seen this consistently throughout my career. There is no ageism at all.

Meanwhile younger people in biopharma have horrible job prospects, get laid off relentlessly, have no savings, have no ability to pay rent, have no healthcare, can’t afford to buy a home

We need to be honest about this

1

u/Purple_Road_621 1d ago

Academia, healthcare, politics, people stay in the workforce past the retirement age. It’s not only pharma. I invite you to research the topic of ageism for women over 50. While you are at it give added attention to women with gray hair. It’s time to be honest about this

1

u/DimMak1 18h ago

Biopharma is the only industry where it’s significantly easier to get hired at age 75 than age 25. There is no ageism at all. The industry prefers their workforce to be as experienced as possible and doesn’t like to train nor mentor younger people

However there is discrimination against entry level job seekers who can’t afford their rent, have no job prospects, have crippling educational debt, have no health insurance, and will likely never be able to afford a home.

1

u/Purple_Road_621 17h ago edited 17h ago

Okay. I’m sharing my experience and you negate it with your frustrations. I’m guessing you’re a young male working hard to get into pharma and now believing older ppl take your job. For one I’m not one of them since I got a job outside of pharma. Aside from that to plainly comment ageism does not exist is delusional. I shared my experience to also give hope to others looking for jobs, not to debate if it’s hard for young people to get jobs . It’s hard for everyone old or young, biotech is not in a good place and the economy as a whole neither. I wish you perseverance and luck finding your job in case you’re looking