How do I know when it's time to go somewhere else?

How do I know when it's time to start looking around or hunting for another job?


Here's the deal - I like my company a lot, and I like the product. I'm well versed in the space, I've been here for 3 years, been promoted a couple times already, and I love my manager.


The problem is with quota attainment. Times are tough, and not a ton of deals are being closed. This is across all AEs, not just myself. And in terms of both AEs and SDRs, achieving quota for the month (and quarter) is more of a rare occurrence, and nobody is ever consistent with achieving it.


Obviously this impacts my pay and commission. But, like I said, I like the role, company, team, and management. It's also a great place for my professional development in the long-term I think (learning how to sell in a tougher environment, learning to power through ups and downs, etc.). Of course, I can't help but look at the grass is always greener situation with a place with the majority of the team hitting targets.


I'm newish to the AE role, so I'm thinking of waiting until I've been an AE for one year (maybe a year and a half to reflect being ramped for one year) and then re-assessing the situation.


But, off the top of your head, what are your thoughts for those of you who have been around for awhile and maybe have seen or lived this before?

💰 Compensation
🧠 Advice
🎯 Career Development
8
UrAssIsSaaS
Arsonist
5
SaaS Eater
I have lived and sold through the highs and the lows (and am currently in a low) in the 6 years Ive  been with this company. I think its been really valuable for my development and ability to lead having not won all the time.

That being said, all situations are different and I always had confidence that our business had upside and I would be able to succeed as an IC and manager as long as I handled my shit. Not all situations are like that so if I were in your shoes I would evaluate a few things:

1) Is there product market fit? Are people missing because they cant sell or because the product sucks and the fit isnt there

2) How do you value experience vs compensation. Right now you are learning how to sell in a super tough environment but you aren't making any money, so what matters more to you?

3) Is your management/belief in the company enough to make up for the income you leave on the table.

It cant hurt to start looking and having convos, but the grass isnt always greener. 
RealPatrickBateman
Politicker
4
🔪Amateur Butcher🔪
THIS 💯. 

There is no better teacher than adversity. Getting punched in the mouth and getting back up is the best thing you can do, not just in a work setting but in life. Get knocked down 9 times, stand up 10. 
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
4
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
UrAssIsKnowledge more like 
UrAssIsSaaS
Arsonist
3
SaaS Eater
UrAssNeedsACoors is more ilke it
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
1
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Butt chugging does absorb the alcohol faster
UrAssIsSaaS
Arsonist
1
SaaS Eater
You make a great point.
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
2
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Though my outbound may not contain them, when it comes to alcoholism, then I'm in my element 
UrAssIsSaaS
Arsonist
2
SaaS Eater
Its critical we all know our strengths and weaknesses. 
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
2
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Coors bless.
newsalesguy14
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Wow, thank you for this response. These questions are excellent. My immediate thoughts:

1) There most definitely is a product market fit. And it is a competitive market

2) I don't necessarily know off the top of my head. I see pros and cons to each. Money is tempting though. But this will require some pondering

3) I think so - but could also be because right now it is the status quo. I'm used to this income level since I've been here awhile. But yes I do have a pretty good belief in the company
youKNOW
Politicker
4
Sales Manager
First question is, why aren't people hitting quota? Is it the product, pricing? 

My overall opinion is that the grass isn't always greener. When I was in the mortgage biz in 2007-2008 I left a place I loved because we were having trouble getting deals done (or at least I was). I ended up leaving for a place that turned out to be a complete disaster, and then ultimately completely left the business altogether. 
newsalesguy14
Politicker
0
Account Executive
This is a really good question for me to ask myself, thank you. I want to say it's because we're in a competitive market with everybody securing multi-year deals. 

We are on the pricier side, but we are one of the better solutions. The problem is people having so many different options to look at, with cheaper ones available, and also a lot of prospects locked in contracts can make filling the pipe difficult.

But - I'm sure this is also the same for many markets and spaces, so not sure if this excuse cuts it
Hoopnip
Politicker
0
Commercial AE
Similar story here…. I think we missed a 12 year gold rush .
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
You know when you wake up each day filled with dread.
newsalesguy14
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Haha - not dread. Just wishing for an easier target and more money
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
Good question.. what you want - more pay or same role (rank it).

Your inner instinct will tell you when you need to move. 
LordBusiness
Politicker
2
Chief Revenue Officer
If no one is hitting, time to fly as there is something significant impacting the business vs. your competitive set. No point in continuing to ice skate up hill cause you “like your manager”
goose
Politicker
2
Sales Executive
The grass is always greener where you water it.
cw95
Politicker
1
Sales Development Lead
I'd take a look around and when you come across something which you would really want to do - then it's time to move! (if unsure)
newsalesguy14
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Love it. I haven't taken a call or looked around at all since I started here 3 years ago. Can't hurt to dabble around a little bit. Thanks!
cw95
Politicker
1
Sales Development Lead
good luck!
10

Anyone else miss tradeshows????

Question
24
Tradeshows were good for sales (net new and advancing deals in pipe)
66% Absolutely valuable for sales
34% Was just for marketing to have something to do
59 people voted
5

Anyone else want to tell their boss to F off but are waiting for a long overdue promotion?

Question
7
8

Anyone else in outside/field sales struggle finding time to take a shit between appointments?

Question
10