Hey everyone, I’m a long-time CRA (almost a decade in clinical research), but I’m at a crossroads. I’ve got an opportunity to move into a pharmaceutical sales role. Pay could be similar (not guaranteed), but the upside is much higher, and the burnout factor might be lower compared to CRA life.
My concern is that I might be taking a step back in terms of career progression since I’ve built so much depth in clinical research. But I’m really drawn to the potential for growth (and less burnout!). I know sales can also have layoffs, but so does clinical research.
I’m curious, for those of you who were in clinical research and made a switch—would you do it again? What factors swayed you one way or another? Any advice would be so appreciated! Thanks in advance.