Dyno.mp4

SDR

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

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

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

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

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

Sr. AE

Does your company have a success or support team? Might want to evaluate if that can be your place.

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Advice - apply for AE roles.

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Become a teacher or go work in support...

braintank

Politicker

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

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

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

SDR

I thought salespeople were good at asking clarifying questions

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

I asked the question -- but only you can answer.

Sunbunny31

Arsonist

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

Senior Sales Executive

Good Point!

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Training and development?

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

ERP Sales

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

boredAnti

Tycoon

That One Guy

Why don’t you make the switch to client success?

BlueJays2591

Politicker

Federal Business Dev Director

AM, CSM or sales enablement. Enablement gets you into teaching

activity

Politicker

VP, Business Development

Product management? Marketing?

CKamapguy

Fire Starter

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

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

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?