TonyDollaz

Account Executive

Valued Contributor

Advice Needed

Currently in a senior sales role at my company, but just not seeing the upside or future outlook anymore. Dilemma is this, took a promotion about a year ago which came with a base of $140K & OTE $200K. Prior to promotion base was $110K & I cleared over $240K. This year was rough & I made $200K. Who wants to get promoted & make less??

I just got a cost of living bump to my base so now I'm at $160K base & $220K OTE..

Here's my dilemma.. been interviewing with a smaller company about to launch a game-changing product. Had final interview and am expecting offer by end of week. Recruiting agency told me the base range is $100K-$110K FIRM with OTE being $200K-$210K.

My heart is no longer with current role, but would I be an absolute fool to walk away from $160K base to go to one that is at best $110K.

To put it in perspective current company is not performing so hot. I've learned that I am not a fan of this huge base with limited commission potential.

For example, I have a close friend at potential new company who just got a $95K commission check. Granted he is killing it, but this is certainly not possible in my current role and I strongly dislike that.

Thoughts?!

What would you do

Attached poll

Current company $160K base, low commish New company $100-110K base, high commish potential

*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.

💰 Compensation

🤝 Interviewing/Offer

24

40 comments

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braintank

Politicker

12

Enterprise Account Executive

I'd never leave for a company that hasn't launched product yet

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

4

Account Executive

So to provide clarity a soft launch already took place and from all my research and even calling accounts as a secret shopper the clients can’t wait to get their hands on it

Sunbunny31

Politicker

6

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

It sounds like your mind is already made up. :)

ReadTheScript

Politicker

0

Sales Manager

OTE doesn't mean anything if they haven't proven they can close the deals.

coletrain

Politicker

9

Account Executive

IMO keep the guaranteed bag, high commish potential generally doesn't pan out that way

CuriousFox

WR Officer

5

🦊

Do what's best for you and your family.

Coastal_crusher

Politicker

4

Sales Director

I’d personally stay for the guaranteed bag, but if switching roles won’t impact you financially and will also make you happier, go for it

RedLightning

Politicker

3

Mid-Market AE

You seem like you're looking for people to justify the fact that you really want to make a move.

The downside of moving here is that it will take you time to learn the company,product, build a pipeline, etc. There are a lot of moving parts/variables.

It sounds like you're bored in the current role.

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

bingo

RedLightning

Politicker

3

Mid-Market AE

There's upside too, but keep in mind that OTE is a fluffy number and that you're likely leaving money on the table.

weigh the impact of the income differences vs. working for an org you want to work with

Pachacuti

Politicker

3

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

I have never been a fan of OTE, however if the opportunity to make much commission isn't there, that's a problem.
New products/companies are difficult to pitch. Very high risk/high reward scenario. Sounds like you have enough of a cushion though you could weather the famine till sales start or you figure out the new company isn't working for you.
I clicked current company and I'd stand by it.

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

1

Account Executive

Appreciate your insight! Sticking to it as well!

FinanceEngineer

Politicker

2

Sr Director, sales and partnerships

As long as you get a guarantee for the first year, you are golden. Get something with at least 6 months ramp.

Justatitle

Big Shot

1

Account Executive

seems like the current org is about 6 months away from layoffs and bad news if things aren't going great. new org seems to be exploding and all that so really it is up to you if you are comfortable enough to take the risk.

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

1

Account Executive

Current org just did a round of layoffs about a month ago. Did not impact sales, but still did not leave a great taste in my mouth.

Justatitle

Big Shot

0

Account Executive

won't take long to impact sales and then it's almost a who's next mentality

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

1

Account Executive

Exactly. Basically just see it as the current company has reached its peak whereas new company is exploding and continuing to show signs of staying on that trajectory. I know the bases are significantly different, but the OTE’s are damn near the same

Justatitle

Big Shot

1

Account Executive

If you have a friend on the inside verifying as well I think the path is laid out for you pretty clearly.

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

1

Account Executive

Also failed to mention friend on inside came from my current org!

Justatitle

Big Shot

1

Account Executive

I mean, if I were you I would leave.

braintank

Politicker

3

Enterprise Account Executive

I thought they were about to launch?

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

1

Account Executive

Already have a product line that’s doing very well. Adding a new product

Mobi85

Politicker

1

Regional Sales Manager

I would say for you to stay with the current company but understanding that things aren't going well and that they already did a 1st round of layoffs that means that very possibly a 2nd round is coming. If the new company has a product/service offering that you can really stand behind that hopefully means you can take that excitement into your demos and close some business quickly.

Diablo

Politicker

1

Sr. AE

I would stick to my current role but again all depends on you.

TennisandSales

Politicker

1

Head Of Sales

Shit….i mean a down year making $200k could beat a KILLED year and only among $180k you know?

I might stick it out as long as you can…

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

2

Account Executive

Idk man. Both OTE are basically the same, just dished out differently. New company performing significantly better with a better outlook & current company just went through a round of layoffs, nothing new coming out & really no plan to ensure last year doesn’t repeat itself

heatmiser

Good Citizen

1

Key Account Manager

What’s your long term goal? Money? Stability? Promotional opportunities? Worklife balance? Only you can weigh out what is most important. I am going through something similar and the question at the end of the day is what I am looking for can my current employer provide that to me today or within the next year or so. If not the can I get that somewhere else.

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

1

Account Executive

This is valid. After much discussion with my wife and mentors, I am going to pursue the new role. Both short and long term make more sense. I am going to bet on myself. A wise one once told me as long as your head, heart and gut align you’re making the right choice. Thanks all for your insight!

heatmiser

Good Citizen

1

Key Account Manager

Fantastic. Glad you were able to work through it. Best of luck in your new role.

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

Thank you! & best of luck to you in similar situation!

countingmyinterest

Politicker

1

Account Executive

I've switched jobs for high commish promised – it's faux-TE as Ryan from Repvue says. Stay where you are.
Everyone's got a price.

ccm424

Valued Contributor

1

Head Of Sales @HumanticAI

Depends on the company and product. I lean toward a higher commish but if the company has not reached product market fit than it may be to risky

bodacious_dad_bod

Praised Answer

1

Account Executive

There is absolutely no way to tell how the market ultimately will receive a product. Hyper growth startups are notoriously fickle and very much prone to layoffs with any shift in the wind.

The risk does not justify the reward when you’re taking such a substantial cut in pay.

There will always be other amazing technologies that come along. Trust me. This is just another shiny new toy that’ll eventually lose its luster.

If it’s possible, try to take a vacation to decompress and collect your thoughts. Use it to reenergize your purpose.

Good luck.

RckChlkG33k

Big Shot

1

AE (Account Executive)

I think it depends on a couple of factors.

1. Who’s depending on your income? It it’s just you, you afford a bit more risk/reward.

2. Promises of high commission are great, but all that’s real is your base until something closes. If you can realistically live comfortably on the $110k, then you might as well move and negotiate a fat raise based on preset criteria at a year. Get it in writing.

I’m a sole bread winner for a family of five, so my decision may be different than yours. Also-Do you really believe in this product? Do you like the company outlook, or just the idea of leaving your current company?

Because if it’s about leaving, it seems like you should hold out for something that’s a bit closer to your current OTE.

TonyDollaz

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

The OTE's are the same. The base is just different. I put my notice in today and am taking the risk! All stories are not the same, but I have a mentor who I confide in deeply who was in a similar situation and went to a commission only role and made MORE than he ever had in his life. How will I know if I don't try. Gotta risk it to get the biscuit, folks.

ilovemondays

Executive

0

Senior Account Executive

neither. higher base, higher OTE or get out

morenitomarcus

Opinionated

0

Business Development Manager

Keep your current role because as you already know the OTE is not guaranteed

MTW

Opinionated

0

Sales Director

$300K OTE at a 50/50 split isn’t uncommon. Id stay and be open to a move where you can get similar based and a better performing company

JMSwiggidy

Politicker

0

Enterprise Account Executive

Yeah no product is extremely risky. I’d stay where you’re at.

GideonW

Executive

0

Client Engagement Manager

Between the two I’d stick with where you’re at and wait for another opportunity. Sounds like there’s a good possibility you end up around the same OTE, only difference being more of it is commission at the new role. Meaning it’s taxed at higher rates in most states, and you’ll probably make less money YoY unless you blow past your quota. But given your lower commission potential I’d certainly keep looking.

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