Am I mentally ill? or Is sales in large corp just illusionary?

Q:   Is sales in large corp is just illusionary version of entrepreneurship?


Context:

1.) I worked in startups for the thrill and learning across multiple roles. Earned some money, and alot of courage & self-esteem.

2.) I then co-founded a software startup that failed - Lost the money but still learned hell lot about unpredictable world and dangerously courageous to navigate it.

3.) Got myself back into corporate workforce in large corp - to earn the top dollars back and stablize the family with kids but the people I am surrounded with are crushing my soul, I am losing the courage and declining self confidence.

Realization:

Large corps have so much money and resources wasted on useless things that one can make sufficient money by exploiting their habit of spending big money irrationally. The worse is that their end customers (who are also large corps) are equally willing to spend stupid money with them due to lack of courage in their leaderships. But working in environments like this is soul sucking - I am Individual Contributor hitting about 100% quota for last 2 years, so earning back the $$$ I needed but losing the self-esteem and feel like shit - surrounded by too many managers and colleagues who don't inspire the fire in me.


Problem:

Is this a normal processes of taming the wild for becoming a good but lifeless corporate citizen? or Have I lost my mind?

How do you cope with this?






🙏 Mental Wellness
💰 Compensation
✌️ Growing Pains
8
Pachacuti
Politicker
5
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Different mentalities thrive in different environments. I usually see large corp people trying to make it is small companies or start ups and failing miserably.

You are obviously more entrepreneurial in spirit and more of a “doer” which is not a good trait to have in a large corp.

You definitely need a side hustle to inspire you.
KB_FarmerType
Opinionated
2
Strategic Sales
looks like you read me very well! This comment of yours might just be a turning point for this side of the keyboard. 

👍
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
Why/how are your coworkers impacting your self esteem?

If you thrive in entrepreneurial environments then AM at a large corporate probably isn't for you. Why not find something more fulfilling?
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
Sales in a large corporation is illusionary, soul sucking, dry, and rigid.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
5
🦊
Sweetie this is sales in general.
ABCvs
Valued Contributor
1
VP of Growth
Look at your bank account and pick up a hobby that you enjoy or find a different career.

I love sales at all level so I thrive on this shit. If you don’t, figure out if losing your soul is worth the OTE.
KB_FarmerType
Opinionated
1
Strategic Sales
Ha Ha - I did try to make it a ritual - In the morning , I would look at the money bank account and tell myself - Which flavour of sh*t sandwitch are you ready for today? to get myself ready. 

But reflecting upon it - Money hasn't solved all my problem and looks like it won't (I am mid 40s ) - Is it more acting like a pain killer for the pain of cancer but not treating the cause.  On other hand, the courage and self-esteem bank account (if you call it that) is depleting faster than the money bank account is growing. 

Am I just delaying it all with a pain killer? while I should be treating the cancer? 

I feel like an idiot because no one told me ever to look beyond the Money Bank Account. 

Thanks for your input and helping me express myself. 
 
jefe
Arsonist
1
🍁
Some solid advice on here, just wanted to show a bit of support !
NotCreativeEnough
Big Shot
0
Professional Day Ruiner
some people just aren't cut out for the corporate world. Nothing wrong with continuing to live that startup life as long as you don't mind the lack of job security. 
KB_FarmerType
Opinionated
0
Strategic Sales
You are right - but what do you think is the mold for corporate world? What makes traits make good corp citizen?
Did my startup stint infect me with an illness that I can no longer fit in large corp? Or is it that common meaning of “work” has drastically changed in smaller vs big orgs and has been normalised like the way fresh water fish and salt water fish don’t know type of their waters and can’t survive if changed to otherside ?
Boutdamtime
Politicker
0
Client Executive
I am a deep thinker like how I perceive you to be from this post and I feel you. The way I look at sales is this: I’m doing this so I can retire early. Like really early. Like 45-55 if possible. That’s what gets me through it.
KB_FarmerType
Opinionated
1
Strategic Sales
It so feels good that you relate and feel me. Otherwise these days just one layer below everyday thought can be treated as overthinking as an excuse for not wasting time to think.

Thanks for dropping the comment.

About retiring early - what does retirement looks like for you? “Not working at all?” Or “ not working for purely money?”
Boutdamtime
Politicker
0
Client Executive
Not working for anyone else and living my life however I want to with no overlords.
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