Big Commission Check or Leave for New Job

I have been at the same company for about 6 years and done well each year. I sell direct to the federal government. Due to some internal issues around product and lack of pay (started from the bottom), I have started interviewing and am at the final round of interviews with a new company (Federal IT sales)...but I am torn.


I am set to blow it out this year and looking at close to 80k in commission (with more to come). I know the product well, have a good patch, and get along really well with the entire team, my manager, legal, revrec, and even ... marketing.


The new role would still be selling to federal but a new type of agency and stepping into the unknown. However, it would be a significant pay raise and apparently a really good territory (we're talking my current OTE would be my new base salary).


Any advice from you savages on here would be appreciated. Help.

🎈 Mentorship
💰 Compensation
🧠 Advice
8
TheNegotiator
Arsonist
2
VP of Sales
Dude, honestly.  If the move FEELS right, don't look back.

I mean, in terms of financial sensibility, don't take a 10k raise to leave 80k on the table.  But if the 80k isn't like 100% guaranteed, set in stone, no questions asked, and the raise is significant enough + future growth seems to be there, don't look back.

Movement, in general is something that triggers tremendous growth in people.  It must, you have to adapt and grow, learn from the ground level.  It keeps us sharp and dangerous, which is the single most important thing you have.  I'm literally leaving 90k on the table, over a handshake deal that's pretty much done and dusted, right now.  It'll close in the coming weeks and I'll be gone by then, to a job that's notably more challenging than where I am now.

It bothers me, but no regrets.  This is the right decision.  Logic says otherwise, but I know in my gut it is.  Do what's right for you, and good luck either way.
paulygeez
Fire Starter
0
Account Executive
Ah yes, the negotiator...

Thanks - this is really good advice. It would likely be a raise in base of around 40-50k. This would 100% put me out of my comfort zone and force me to grow into a new position.

This is also the only company I have ever worked in sales at so a new gig would be a good learning experience.
CaneWolf
Politicker
2
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Well, they owe you commission for the stuff you closed regardless.

And um, that sounds like a lot of money. Seems like you want to leave. Leave.
paulygeez
Fire Starter
1
Account Executive
I think the unwritten part of the question is really the comfort level of doing something new vs something safe.
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
2
Digital Business Associate
You have to make it simple and just make a decision. The more you read into this and debate yourself, the harder it's going to be. So - What is more important to you - the $$ you will get here VS the job change, better area, AND new $$ you will get there.
Problem solved
paulygeez
Fire Starter
0
Account Executive
Yeah very true. Gotta look at big picture and I feel like I might be operating with blinders on right now
Adored
Executive
1
Sales Director
So much of this depends on why you’re looking at moving. If your motives are purely financial, then before the end of your year, will you make up for that 80K lost in commission in the other job? Either with your new salary or with some kind of golden handshake. If yes, move. If no, reconsider the timing of the switch or negotiate something with your current employer if they’re at all reasonable.
paulygeez
Fire Starter
1
Account Executive
It's financial but also around product. It's frustrating being drastically underpaid for your role compared to the market (something I've brought up and got a 5% raise - still well under market value).

One of our best SE's quit due to bugs that weren't being fixed, lack of future investment in product and listening to the sales org around what is needed (like a cloud option), niche product now vs wider applicability at the new gig.

I think I am just having a hard time letting go of that sweet, sweet commish. But you're right. New OTE will certainly make up the 80k. Base is likely going to make up around a bit more than half of that 80k.
Adored
Executive
0
Sales Director
Dunno about the job market you’re in exactly but it’s also not unheard of to state to your new employer that by leaving before year end you will be forgoing your bonus and that is a big obstacle for you. If they’re into you and feeling generous they may try to compensate you. Worth shooting the shot.
paulygeez
Fire Starter
1
Account Executive
That’s definitely the angle I am going to take and see if there is any flexibility or equity, etc.
cw95
Politicker
1
Sales Development Lead
If the new role fits, and you can see a challenge ahead, go for it. Nothing to lose amigo. 
ThomasRCallahanIII
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
In the same boat. Something my dad told me is “It’s not what you’re leaving behind but what you’re moving towards.”
paulygeez
Fire Starter
1
Account Executive
Good advice. Easy to forget that at times
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
I’m a money in hand kind of Guy. I always go for the certain money. 
eman
Politicker
1
Account Executive
It all depends, make the new company pay you a signing bonus covering the majority of that commission
paulygeez
Fire Starter
0
Account Executive
I got the job and took the offer. Thanks for the input!
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