you have to figure what is that you're interested in:
- programming statistics in R
- programming statistics
- statistics
- programming
If your answer is 2-4, then it shouldn't matter which language you use. if you already know R and don't want to learn SAS, then get certified in SAS. this will increase your chances of getting employed at places where they require SAS. once employed, you'll learn SAS and use it, and it wouldn't bother you at all.
Only if your answer is 1., you're in a tough spot regardless of the industry. I frankly don't understand personal attachments to particular languages and tools, especially for a young guy in the beginning of a career. it makes a sense for 60 year old dude who simply doesn't want to spend his precious time on learning something new when he can simply ride on what he already learned during his long life. learn SAS, Stata, Gauss, Python... you have plenty of time ahead.