Really not surprised by the layoffs, Merck has been going downhill for a while now. Something like this was to be expected.
Instead of helping their reps, Merck has been looking for ways to undermined us, I guess so we would quit ourselves? The objectives set out for us are mildly put unrealistic and expense reporting is a bureaucratic nightmare. Management is only looking out for themselves, and they'll throw you under the buss the first chance they get if it'll benefit them. Not to mention that pay and benefits have only gone downhill in the past several years.
It's really sad, because I used to love working here. I guess nothing lasts forever. The way things are going here, I am considering starting a new job hunt sooner rather than later.