I took the wrong job, now what?

Early last year I lost my job, I looked for just about 6 months before I was hired on as an AE for an HCM company. At first things started out well however the more I was there the more I realized that this isn't the product that I want to sell long-term and the sales team as a whole isn't doing well.


From what I can tell, it seems that 30% of reps are actually hitting quota for my division and other divisions seem to be in a similar position. While I have brought in more revenue that most people in my training cohort and I've frankly outlasted a few, I'm a part of the 70% below, I can see the writing on the wall and a PIP (yes, paid interview period) is likely coming shortly.


I will continue to grind and have a few interviews scheduled for the next couple weeks however I want to ensure I'm doing what I can to stay afloat. That being said, I want to ensure I'm successful moving forward whatever happens. Besides letting myself get oversold because I needed something, what else should I not do in the future?

๐Ÿ™ Mental Wellness
๐Ÿš€ Career Goals
โœŒ๏ธ Growing Pains
10
Pachacuti
Politicker
6
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
I did that a few years ago - took what I thought was a great job and it quickly turned into a nightmare.

Paid job search. I put in the required time in the job but treated the whole thing like a paid job search.
coletrain
Politicker
4
Account Executive
Yeah, pretty much what happened here and sorry that happened to you too. I get why we can't fully see behind the curtain before taking something however I can't beat myself up over that right now.
100% with you on the paid job search approach. I'll do my work and genuinely could have a great May however time is of the essence here.
Pachacuti
Politicker
3
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
good luck on it!
jefe
Arsonist
6
๐Ÿ
You're stuck in the mines, sorry friend!!

But actually - it sucks when this happens. I've been through it.

What @Pachacuti said is true, and it sounds like you're mostly doing it.

Vet new opportunities thoroughly - ask the hard questions, talk to current and former reps, leverage AI to understand where they stand in the market and their PMF, TAM etc.

RepVue has some solid guidance on some the questions you should ask, as does the War Room - just use the search bar.

For now, keep your head down and work hard to see if you can succeed (or at the very least put up some decent numbers), document everything (especially ranking against fellow newbies so you can paint a solid picture) and look for something new.
coletrain
Politicker
4
Account Executive
Yeah, I appreciate that and it's frustrating that it's this common. Keeping my head down however also keeping my ears open and my resume out there.
oldcloser
Arsonist
4
๐Ÿ’€
Are minors even allowed in here, bro?
jefe
Arsonist
5
๐Ÿ
Well played, OC
Pachacuti
Politicker
4
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Kids can't mine anymore yet Minecraft is the #1 game for kids.... kids want to return to the mines!
jefe
Arsonist
4
๐Ÿ
Pach gets it!!
Heisenbum
Big Shot
6
Senior Account Executive
Literally just went through this and now have a new job I start in 10 days. I wish I didnt fall for the bs of the one I left my 4 year job for but places were really cool about it while I was interviewing. Do it early and they believe you, wait 6 months and itll look like you arent doing well.
oldcloser
Arsonist
4
๐Ÿ’€
Way underrated comment right here. Figure it out early and you can tell the truth.
coletrain
Politicker
4
Account Executive
Yeah, next time I need to be a bit more skeptical even when in a new job before it's too late. Well, it's a true lesson for sure now so at least there's that silver lining.
Revenue_Rambo
Politicker
4
Bad MFer
Just remember even a bad job is better than no job right now. Start your search, let us know how we can help. Above all focus on staying positive.
Sunbunny31
Arsonist
4
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Amen. Do not beat yourself up because you needed to collect a check. You did what you had to do.
coletrain
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Thank you, still something I'm working on and thankfully was able to replenish my savings to where they were before losing the previous job, at least there's that. Truly wanted to make it work however sometimes that's just how it goes.
Sunbunny31
Arsonist
1
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Yeah - you did what seemed right at the time, and replenishing your savings is no small feat. Honestly, it's better than being unemployed the whole time.
coletrain
Politicker
4
Account Executive
Right there with you on bad job > no job. Thankfully I do have a few irons in the fire to keep things going and ready to amp that up should things go completely sideways.
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
Finger crossed that your next role is the right fit. Keep doing what you going + keep your search on.
Justatitle
Tycoon
2
Account Executive
unfortunately there's no way to really see through the smoke, especially when under duress until you are actually in the role
17

Picked the wrong job. What would you do?

Question
14
16

I quit my job 11 months ago to start my own business, and have totally sucked. Now looking to get back into the job market, any advice?

Question
21
20
Members only

Was this the wrong move to get a job?

Advice
22
Interpret this exec speak:
31% This was a misstep. Never go over their heads.
35% This was a shrewd move. CCO is butthurt and has an ego. Employer red flag
31% Both a misstep, and this exec team is too sensitive
4% Other - explain in the comments
95 people voted