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Dyno.mp4

SDR

Contributor
Fire Starter
Good Citizen

How to I get out of sales as an SDR?

Little background here, been in sales for 4 years. 2 of those I was selling diamonds then when Covid hit I switched over to tech sales and started my courageous journey as an SDR. 

2 years and 3 companies later (layoffs at startups) I've started to realize that I don't even want to grind for an AE role or SDR manager and it feels like that's the only career path.

Are there any other options? I'm tired of the quota carrying aspect and would much rather find a job where I spend time either teaching or troubleshooting but I'm not sure what other career options exist that my skills would transfer.

Any recommendations for a burntout SDR??
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22 comments

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BourbonKing
Valued Contributor
6
VP of Sales
Solutions expert (different companies have different titles)? A role that works with sales, does the technical demo, is still client facing, but doesn't carry the quota. My company has this role and most of the folks in those roles are former AE's who got burned out on the quota-carrying sales life.
SaasSlingin
Politicker
0
Sr AE
Typically need some technical/engineering background for this no?

On another note I how much they’re paid compared to sales.
nemix
Politicker
1
SDR
Yes and no depends on the company. The more technical the more you're getting paid though.
Similar to AE's just higher base a lot of people swap to SE for a better w/l balance.
CRAG112
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
A lot of these roles start out around 80k to 100k, and these roles can commonly see 30% of their base as an additional OTE.

Right now I have also seen SE roles at companies that are looking for 3 years of exp or less, and offering 130K to 170K start.

The money is there.
The bullshit sales pipeline environment is not.
You are relied upon and needed.
Diablo
Politicker
4
Sr. AE
Does your company have a success or support team? Might want to evaluate if that can be your place.
Pachacuti
Politicker
3
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Advice - apply for AE roles.
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Become a teacher or go work in support...
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
You don't want to have a quota and "would much rather find a job where I spend time either teaching or troubleshooting". Yet you downvote me for suggesting two in demand jobs that fit your description?
Dyno.mp4
Contributor
1
SDR
Because there was no thought behind your answer. Yes, become a teacher. Teacher of what? Yes, do support. Support for what? And why did you put “…” at the end? Because you thought I hadn’t already considered that?

Your comment didn’t have the tone or quality of helpfulness. So yes, downvoted.
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
What do *you* want to teach or troubleshoot?

You're asking salespeople to decide your career with very little background.
Dyno.mp4
Contributor
0
SDR
I thought salespeople were good at asking clarifying questions
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
I asked the question -- but only you can answer.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Check out customer success or account manager. You may still carry a quota, but it’s largely renewal and you have a lot of interaction with your prospects, so you can benefit their experience with your company.
Maximas
Tycoon
1
Senior Sales Executive
Good Point!
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Training and development?
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
2
Sales Rep
When someone talks about what they do and you think "that seems cool", I would look into roles in that area and seeing if that is worth pursuing
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
0
Bravado's Resident Asshole
Why don’t you make the switch to client success?
BlueJays2591
Politicker
0
Federal Business Dev Director
AM, CSM or sales enablement. Enablement gets you into teaching
activity
Politicker
0
VP, Business Development
Product management? Marketing?
CKamapguy
Fire Starter
0
Sales Director
How old are you? Location? Education? Salary needs?

I spent ten years as a paramedic and went back to school, got a geography degree and became a cartographer and spatial analyst for 8 years and then made the move into sales.

I actually don’t like sales and pressure and quota and I’m not motivated by commissions. I like helping people, I like people. I’m trying to figure out my next moves.

based on your info I think you are young so you can reinvent yourself easily.
WhoDey
Opinionated
0
VP of Sales
Sounds like you answered your own question: you want a job either teaching or troubleshooting. Lots of jobs doing both. Go for it!
CRAG112
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
You could start exploring paths such as implementation, CSM (which is still sales), or a pre-sales role. Based on what you wrote, CSM or likely implementation would likely be a good fit.

All of these roles will require some technical knowledge, but because you have the sales experience, you will need to be able to talk these technical things with others.

Have you researched any specific job roles that you are interested in, and started noting down what specific skill sets you need?

I'd be happy to give an example of what I did if you want?

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