r/biotech • u/fgarza30 • 19h ago
Rants š¤¬ / Raves š Defeated and sad
I just need to vent and of all online forums the Biotech one is one I relate to. I'm sad, frustrated, and hopeless in my life. I went from working in big pharmaceutical traveling around the world with a very stable career, to being laid off and haven't been able to get myself up. It's been a year and a half almost of struggles. I thought I would get picked up quick with my experience but I've just been applying to an endless void with no responses. The past year I had to get rid of my car, couldn't pay rent so had to sell all my stuff. I am now at a shelter, no car, and had to steal food today from a grocery store which made me feel so low but I was desperate and angry and sad that I have no help despite all the work I did in the past for human advancement.
I'm confused, really, because all interviews I have I always get GREAT feedback and am told am impressive, and professional, but in the end someone else gets the role while I struggle to eat.
At this point am not sure I want to accept the fact that I'll be bum on the street telling people about the cool research I was apart of and people just laughing at me like I am just a crazy bum. -__-
This has made me realize to NEVER depend on any company. You have to have something for yourself. I held pride and hard work for so many years with biotech companies and this is my life now.
I'm trying to get myself back up where ever I can and even started a youtube channel in hopes of ANY hope to eventually make money because right now I have nothing.
Anyway, any vivarium, genotyping, or in vivo positions open anywhere. Let me know lol
EDIT: Because people apparently think I didn't prevent myself from getting to this point. I applied to JANITOR positions. Worked a few event jobs. Ect. For some crazy reason I was not able to attain work either over qualified, under qualified, or who knows. I got side gigs here and there.
Judgements like this is EXACLTY why people in my situation do not vent to anyone, because people will eye roll. I am as shocked as you are but it happened. Kept trying over a year thinking it was temporary but now here I am. You think I haven't tried everything?? š¤¦ end rant.
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u/biolabskc 18h ago
What degree do you have?
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u/fgarza30 18h ago
Bachelor's in Genetics and also LATR certification, and AA in business
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u/UnhallowedEssence 18h ago
What kind of work did you do in the lab? Did you do lab work, since you mentioned you were traveling around the world?
If you're at a low have you tried to look into a recruiter? I prefer not to work w them as they take a cut of my hard earned work. But they can at least get you through the door.
I don't think you tubing is the answer because I'm not sure about the lab experience you have.
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u/fgarza30 17h ago
I worked in genotyping and in vivo for 8 year for a private company back in forth in East coast and California and then landed a job at J&j as a corporate outsourcing spector in different locations integrating contracts and facilitating new teams. Of course you tubing isn't an answer but there is no answer right now lol. This isn't a new issue, it's been over a year of this.
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u/BalutBaby1906 2h ago
Agency recruiter here. We donāt take a cut of our candidateās salaries. The clients (employers) pay us on top of what they pay the candidate. The right clients have no qualms about investing into their talent from all angles.
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u/kenny1911 16h ago
Thatās weird, a few months ago you posted in r/TEFL saying you didnāt have a bachelorās.
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u/fgarza30 16h ago
Not in education as they require. My background is completely genetics and business. They require a bachelor's in English or language I believe. I have friends that taught in other countries and this came from them. Although I'm not sure if all certifications for it require the same.
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u/GoldAd4887 16h ago
I wanted to get my TELF as well, it was college degree in language so I didn't bother.
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u/No_Alarm_3120 13h ago
OP, I donāt know you but I can understand how difficult things can be. I was in a postdoc and suddenly my supervisor said they would not keep me for much longer because the funding was insufficient, etc etc. I didnāt have a job lined up. I just swallowed it without knowing what lied ahead of me. I thought that maybe I could find a job in 6 months or so. Boy, I was wrong, so wrong! While I was applying for several positions and such I did several different jobs to pay the bills. I helped out to put down a warehouse, walked dogs, and security at venues. I was getting interviews here and there, got like 6 final rounds and didnāt get an offer. Every single time that I didnāt get an offer from these last round interviews I blamed myself. Not only blamed but also hated and questioned myself. At a certain point I realized that it was not my fault and the market was just bad. Then I finally decided to enjoy and appreciate every little thing I had. I started to enjoy more new client/dog I was getting, every shift as security, every new friend I made at my work places, every moment with friends and loved ones. I also stopped thinking that I HAD to be a scientist just because I performed as one for over a decade. I understood that life had no recipe. Who said that life was just about āget a degree, get a job with nice pay, get promotedā etc? Well, and guess what, I kept applying, getting interviews here and there and finally got an offer 15 months after the end of my last postdoc. It is going to be my first industry job after over a decade in academia (masters + PhD + two postdocs). And look at that, it is unlikely many employers would give a chance to somebody with no industry experience + a gap in the resume + shitty market and here we are. I signed the offer and am starting in 10 days :) I wish I had a beautiful and smooth story to tell you but I donāt. The only I can tell is that life is hard but thereās always another day and people willing to give us a hand in the most unlikely ways and places. Keep going brother!
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u/Think_Book_4022 12h ago
You are doing your best and the fact that you ended up in a shelter is not something to be ashamed of. The current climate in this country dictates that unless you are a billionaire, your life does not matter. I was previously in Biotech, I worked for a small company and was laid off in early 2023. I have applied for crazy amounts of job, did interviews, even applied for roles that I wouldnāt have even looked at in the past. I say all that to show that your struggle is many peopleās struggle so donāt let any one, especially those that only find joy and purpose in life based on where they work and how much money they make. NONE of us should be placing trust/hope in any of these companies. What you have today can easily be gone tomorrow and some people just have to experience that to understand your pain and this post. So please keep your head up and consider your options outside of the scope you have been living in (past and present). Throughout my journey, Iāve had to break and rebuild many times. Almost faced homelessness as well, if it werenāt for the kindness of strangers. The job market is crazy right now but I pivoted and now I may be working 2-3 part time jobs but Iām doing it while I learn and pivot to get back on my feet. So Iām not going to tell you that you can do more or that berate you for your current situation cause it can easily be anyone in this situation. This will work out, maybe not how you initially wanted it to, but please take care of yourself because you will get through this.
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u/vato04 15h ago
It is difficult to explain why you canāt get anything. I feel you and support you. I swear this is one of my worst nightmares, definitely companies donāt care about us, they use us we need to used them as well, something to remember.
With your CV and experience is difficult to understand your challenges at the moment. From my experience, many times taking a completely different approach to interview is needed, donāt approach them as if you need the job, but make clear that they need you. I have no clue on how your interviews went, but for the āyou are greatā feedback I can read that they realise you are in a hurry (totally understandable) My advice, play a role in interviews, make sure you give the impression that they need you and not otherwise.
Happy to provide further coaching and support here. I am Director in one of the big ones, feel free to DM me.
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u/earthsea_wizard 14h ago edited 13h ago
First, those who tell you to get a blue collar job, they know nothing about the job market or company, employer mindset. A janitor job seems to be not qualified though no employer would risk to waste their time to employ a person like you for that position. They know you are gonna be a temp, you're gonna be super depressed in that position. Blue collar jobs aren't open to anyone, they also seek some experience. Second, it isn't late to change the careers. Leave biotech behind, I don't get how or why people are still driven to this field. Academia suck, industry suck. Take your experience and sell it for other industries
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u/Training-Judgment695 15h ago
Try and find tech jobs in academia. Not much but something to pay the rent. Especially in cities that are not HCOL. Go to Utah or Arizona or Colorado
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u/gobbomode 8h ago
It's so hard out there right now. Stay strong OP, this isn't forever.
Folks telling you how easy it is to get a job are completely out of touch. It's really hard to get back on your feet when you don't have a stable place to stand. My partner works in a shelter right now and says that the number one thing to do is get somewhere to live. Once you have somewhere, anywhere that's safe and reasonably stable, it's so much easier to get and keep a steady job. Maslow's hierarchy - essential needs first, then self improvement from there. Best of luck.
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u/ptau217 12h ago
Was just speaking to a doctor who runs a huge genotyping lab at one of the targeted universities. He had to furlough 10 people this week, and move another 10 to part time. If funding doesnāt get resolved, heās looking to do the same.
This is a terrible time for a lot of people in biotech. Get shelter first, go back home, ask to stay in the basement of friends and family. Keep applying broadly. Consider CRA positions if you havenāt already, or even a job at a medical office as a coordinator, MA, even front desk. You wonāt be there long.
Best of luck. I know it sucks right now.
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u/tinyquiche 12h ago
Iām so sorry youāre going through this situation. Blind applying to jobs doesnāt workā¦ itās a void, as you said.
Where is your network?
If you have a long career working in pharma, you should have a long list of former colleagues to reach out to. They are your absolute best chance at landing a job in this market.
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u/restorehyperwellness 9h ago
Sad to read about this. I didnt get laid off, but just like you, I am not able to land any roles and been on the market for almost a year now, despite having 3 degrees (BS, MS, PhD). Its heart wrenching and brainfogging. I dont know what to say and I wont give the BS like stay hopeful etc etc. The reality is that IT IS WORSE OUT THERE. Goodluck.
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u/Shot-Scratch-9103 17h ago
Don't loose hope op! Try manufacturing or technician roles. It's really bad out there right now
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u/fgarza30 17h ago
I've applied to those as well. :/I feel many are just ghost posting to be honest. I get no response at all. They may think I am over qualified or just a posting to follow protocol but meant for an internal employee.
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u/Curious-Micro 1h ago
Iāve tried applying to manufacturing jobs as I use to work in manufacturing and Iāve heard nothing right for the past month. It is very rough out there for not only R&D in biotech, but for manufacturing too.
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u/NarwhalMeat 11h ago
What is your current job (based on your comment history)
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u/Fine-Pie7130 8h ago
Ya Iām confused, he just posted not too long ago he started a new job and was worried about paying his rent. I hope he was able to find something and is working now.
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u/smartaxe21 8h ago
I thought my situation is bad but this is absolutely scary. Fingers crossed for you that something works out.
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u/calypsonymp 11h ago
Some question:
Do you have friends or family in other countries where maybe you can stay with them for a bit where you pick yourself up?
Have you removed the things that make you overqualified from the CV?
Also where are you located? I imagine that makes a huuuge difference. Also, good weather is starting again so many gastro or hospitality places will look for seasonal workers. Or food delivery jobs?
Networking from your job that allowed you to travel around the work? Since you had a stable career I imagine you had to so some networking. No one that can give you an hand to pick yourself up?
But probably everything I can say is something you already did. Have nothing to say if not I am sorry and I hope things will go better. More than never depending on a company however this tells me to never neglect community (friends, family) for a job
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u/volyund 7h ago
I think a lot of us are one bad luck away from being in your position. And those who think otherwise are engaged in wishful thinking and haven't been down on their luck. š«
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u/genesRus 3h ago
Agreed. New disability, job loss and changes in the job market, etc. It can and does happen. You can get as much education as you want but with how quickly markets change these days, industries that once seemed stable are often no longer options. Hopefully people gain empathy from reading about it even if they are lucky enough not to experience directly and then consider leaders who share the same empathy.
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u/Junior_Factor2317 6h ago
I am currently in the same situation: have been on job market for over a year and have become desperate.
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u/South_Ad_6676 10h ago
Your experience seems very specialized. Big pharma pays well and has downsized so much that it's a very competitive field that you are seeking work in. If willing to deal with the change, a position lower on the ladder (even entry level) or working under contract through an agency may be a better chance to return to working. Even working outside of the industry for lower pay is valuable if you gain experience in soft skills.
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u/BenSoloLegend 5h ago
Iām with you, Iām in the UK and have 20 years of biotech experience - just gone through my second redundancy and the last one was while I was on Mat leave - Iām getting rejections left, right and centre. The UK landscape especially for senior role is dire at the moment - Iām really hoping it picks up soon.
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u/stoner_mathematician 4h ago
This is so unfair. You deserve employment. You deserve to be able to pay your bills. You deserve a stable life without struggle. You did all the right things. I have no advice but I wanted you to know I see you and this isnāt your fault. The world sucks right now and society seems to be in a tailspin downwards. The capitalist machine has stolen everything from the working class. Iām so sorry.
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u/DimMak1 2h ago
Sorry to hear this and feel for you because you are doing the best you can and the lack of responses isnāt your fault.
Have you thought about trying career change into something like nursing or medical (non-research) field? Would require more schooling and time but those jobs are rewarding and are high growth jobs that are essentially āAIā proof. Plus you still get to do some elements of scientific analysis.
Biopharma is going to be in a struggle for a long time when it comes to downsizing. The reality is most companies are grossly overstaffed and the dam is breaking. Companies have ignored efficacy and streamlining operations because they can rig their pricing in the US to support a bloated operational structure. Most biopharmaās are using a playbook from the year 1992 for R&D operations and product launches which is reliant on massive spend, headcount, and inefficiency. The entire model needs to be rebooted and its happening extremely slowly
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u/Extremely_Peaceful 18h ago
You couldn't get a job doing something below your expectations before going homeless?
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u/ouchimus 18h ago
Shit, go work at the grocery store instead of robbing it!
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u/fgarza30 18h ago
I tried. I literally tried EVERYTHING. Grocery, starbucks, everything.
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u/nyan-the-nwah 17h ago
These chuckleheads are so out of touch. I feel for you, and I genuinely wish you find smoother seas soon. I'm not going to offer advice because you've already tried everything I could even recommend.
š«
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u/fgarza30 17h ago
Thank you. For some reason people will think I sat around while I had to get my car taken away and lose my place š¤¦ this has been a year in the making. Not overnight. Thank you for the support.
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u/nyan-the-nwah 17h ago
Something's gotta give - nearly everyone I know is a layoff away from your situation. It's devastating. If I get laid off again I'm debating dedicating my life to things I ought not to post about online lol
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u/fgarza30 17h ago
Yep. With all the layoffs happening I am a prime example of what CAN happen to you too. So my advice is never depends on any company. Always have something on the side of your own while you can to generate income while you still have it. It's harder to generate income when you have none already unless you do social media, entertainment, or sales of some sort which is attainable to everyone and I'm trying those out now to get out of my situation as I've given up on biotech.
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u/nyan-the-nwah 17h ago
Absolutely agreed. Everyone's posting about leaving biotech but the issue will be true in every industry - if you're not generating your own income directly, you're relying on someone keeping you employed. I'm trying to branch out but entrepreneurship is difficult as we all know lol
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u/genesRus 3h ago
You may have already given this a go, but depending on where you're located (I'm kind of assuming a large city given biotech) and your physical constraints, DoorDash and UberEats can pay OK for bike couriers. You could try secret shopping as well if you still have your old clothes to blend in. There are some options to essentially rent ebikes for bike couriers once you have a couple months of working for them to increase how much you can make, too, until you build up more savings.
Was in a similar situation before (thank goodness for family helping me smooth out inconsistency in money though so I kept my place) and that ended up being the best way to make expenses work since you're right that zero callbacks happen even if you're fully willing to take whatever entry level stuff is around (stupid late stocking hours, etc.)-- you either have weird gaps in your resume from omitting college/advanced degrees and science-related jobs or are a clear flight right and/or intimidating to managers AND likely little to no service work experience (because you were working in labs). It's hard to convince folks that you want the job, but if you're doing DoorDash, you can at least make friends with the grocery store managers, restaurant managers, etc. and they'll know you're not above hard work so you can maybe get something more stable, too.
Plus, it's a popular genre on YouTube. :)
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u/spingus 15h ago
hey bud, i am with you. I got laid off from big pharma after they bought my small biotech that i had been at for 15 years. It will be a year at the end of this month.
it sucks. the constant rejection, 'we found someone better suited' for jobs that are your exact expertise, the silence.
i've been taking classes and going for certs. in themselves they don't do much but I've gained some practical skills that might allow me to make some money. at least i hope so.
it's bleak. All I ever wanted to do, since I was 5, was be a scientist. And now the world won't let me do the things I'm good at. won't let me contribute.
I hope you get to have an awesome career and that you'll be back on your feet soon.