FeelItInMyPlums

Sales Account Executive

Valued Contributor

Career Regression - has anyone done it?

As I write this, I'm about to turn 40, and while the end isn't totally in sight, I'm more than halfway there. Got my first BDR gig while in school, and got promoted to my first AE gig within 9 months of graduating (2007 - want to talk about a tough job market? Eat shit 2025).

My last few gigs have been Enterprise sales roles, and I'm currently a partner/channel sales "leader" at my org. After 3 layoff rounds in the past 18 months, my life as the cockroach that can't die continues. (And yes I'm looking, but not trying to hop just to land in another shit show). But I do see many people posting on linked in that they've been out of work for a longggg time. However - they're still seeking leadership roles, extremely high comp type roles (and many don't have a strong enough story IMO to truly be a desirable candidate for those roles).

So 2 questions I guess. Why the hell won't they just take a sales job and get back to selling? And has anyone out there ever taken a role for a ton less compensation than they were making previously (either for quality of life reasons, or for being out of work for a long period?). And if so, is it tough to stay motivated?

🙏 Mental Wellness

🚀 Career Goals

21

17 comments

Sort by:

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

17

☕️

I went from VP to IC in 2023. Took a $40k base cut and reduced stress by at least 60%.

Today I’m making the same as what I did as a VP and I’m far less stressed out.

Sometimes a step back opens up two steps forward.

LegacySales

Politicker

2

Account Executive

It's funny how when that does happen, it does not "feel" like you are doing great and it's REMARKABLY demoralizing when you are signing the offer letter.

Good for you @poweredbycaffeine and very wise advice

jefe

Arsonist

12

🍁

Short answer?

Pride.

I'm pretty sure they say that cometh before a fall. In this case, it would just be an even further fall.

Listen to PBC @poweredbycaffeine

Pachacuti

Politicker

10

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Pride. Thats a big reason. Theres also the mentality from the hiring manager that if you’re overqualified, you’ll leave early.

Revenue_Rambo

Politicker

10

Bad MFer

It’s totally an ego issue.

Big titles = Big Stress

If you can make the money you need and be happy doing the job then take it. Unfortunately too many associate being happy with being in power.

FeelItInMyPlums

Politicker

6

Sales Account Executive

Welp my boss just quit Monday. I don't need to be the new boss, but the other options they have aren't ideal :D.

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

7

ERP Sales

I can see some employers not wanting to hire the overqualified candidate since they know, its not a long term fit for them

unclespacejam

Politicker

4

ur dad’s brother

I think it just depends on the candidate. Easily I think this can be explained to a potential hiring manager “yeah man just wanna get back in the saddle, I’ve missed getting to actually sell, that’s where my heart really is. Did the mgmt thing for a long enough time to uncover that”

Shows humility, self awareness and a strong understanding of what you really want from life. All good characteristics of a great seller

braintank

Politicker

7

Enterprise Account Executive

I went from VP back to IC in 2015. Been an enterprise AE ever since. No regrets!

Gasty

Notable Contributor

5

War Room Community Manager

Often people forget that they'll always be an IC in sales. Ego comes in, then no one wants to step down.

At the end, it all comes down to whatever helps you sleep at night. A position, money, power, career/industry switch or something else. Just need to figure out what's important to you.

Best of luck!!

medhardwaredr

Politicker

3

Director of Sales NA

I have not but your health is all that matters and sometimes that includes the mental health so if it’s what’s best for you at this time go for it! You can always change roles when you (and the market) are ready.

KingofGIF

Politicker

2

AE

I took a 22K base cut during covid and went up soon after I earned my stripes at that new role. I am now being approached for a higher comp job that will require double the effort and triple the traveling that I am doing. Cal Newport goes into detail his books describing this trap of accepting more in exchange of lifestyle chsnges that bite back. Many of those older VPs unhired I suspect designed lives around such high spend that are afraid to downgrade and maybe even mentally unable

Filth

Tycoon

2

Live Filthy or Die Clean

I took the step back 2 times and it was exactly what I needed to go further and make MORE money so yeah titles are worthless in our game.

QWhiz

Tycoon

2

Founding AE / ex-SDR

It's mostly ego. My ex-boss (then VP-sales) was laid off 6 months back. Yesterday, I saw her LinkedIn update with a new job role as an Enterprise AE. I'm yet to talk to her, but when/if I do - she'll tell me that she missed being a salesperson again. The reality would be very different though - I'm sure she didn't get a VP sales job - especially after being laid off from her first VP sales role.

Sunbunny31

Arsonist

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Sounds like sometimes taking that step back isn’t really a step back in anything but title.

Overitall

0

Enterprise Account Executive

After 20 years of selling in SaaS / tech, I'm looking at roles that pay $30K less than what I've made in YEARS. I'm not even that high up the chain anywhere, I've never wanted a Director or Management role. I'm also leaving a huge opportunity on the table if I leave... (I'd say it's at about 60% probability to close, at least $90k as my takeaway)... But sometimes, none of that matters. I'm just FRIED from twenty years in this industry... Watching companies make the same mistakes over and over, the same bullshit expectations. This would be a pretty significant career regression for me; not to mention all of the unknowns of how the market is going to look in the next 1 - 2 years. But sometimes, it just doesn't matter. I'm tired of being miserable. $30K less for 70% less responsibility, less stress, and more free time... Sounds pretty darn good to me, right now.

ChosenMilemarker

Executive

0

Habit Coach

Yes and yes. ...
It is harder not earning the same income, but I also refuse to have the same screen time. It is amazing the value I get out of each day and I am thankful.
But it honestly takes a whole different mindset on motivation. It is a daily / hourly struggle sometimes.

Bravado is a community of trusted sales professionals endorsed by their customers.

Products

The War Room Jobs Tech Sales U

For employers

Hire sales talent Executive search

Company

About Us How It Works Blog Bug Bounty

Contact

© 2025 Bravado Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy Legal and Privacy Center Trust Center Sales Jobs