Ferrisbeboolin profile picture
Ferrisbeboolin profile picture

Ferrisbeboolin

Inside Sales Representative

Opinionated
Fire Starter
Good Citizen
+1

Management vs the Field vs Specialist Route

hey savages,

your favorite noob is back. know this is probably premature to think about right now but I'm thinking long term of what path I should go down after my first year.

my plan was always to hopefully reach enterprise level by 30 and than head over to management sense it seems like a more layoff resistant position and more long term options at director or CRO level positions.

but looking at salaries on here it seems like managers are making around the same amount  so is this accurate or would I make more in the field and it would be better to go to management later? (looking to save up for a mortgage the next 5-7 years so most short term gain probably matters the most right now)

also my company has a specialist route you can go down after your first year (cyber, data center, etc.) does anyone know the long term career for people in these positions?
🚀 Career Goals
💰 Compensation
😎 Sales Skills
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17 comments

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Pachacuti
Politicker
13
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
I remember being like you. I had a timeline and a plan. Then real life kicked in. I also realized that the climb upward didn’t solve or make easier all my problems.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
6
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Yeah, real life always intervenes.

It's good to have goals, but it's best to be flexible!
Fenderbaum
Politicker
4
Retired Choirboy🪕
.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
🦊
99 problems to be exact
ThatNewAE
Big Shot
1
Account Executive - Mid enterprise
Me too! I had a neat and cut-cut timeline. I'm currently in my mid-life crisis. Just makes me wonder, if the mid-life crisis came in so soon, how long am I even living for?
Sunbunny31
Politicker
7
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Here's the thing: nothing is layoff resistant. Underperforming middle managers are often the first to go. I'd say looking at these roles as being immune to economic forces is inaccurate.

If you have an interest in management, then pursue it for that reason. Not everyone is good at it, but those who are really can make an impact. If it's something you want to do, watch the managers around you to see who is really doing a great job, and who isn't, to get an overview of what the role is like and should be like. If you've done this for a while and still want to be in management, talk to the managers you respect, see if you can get advice or mentorship, and learn all you can.

If you end up deciding that you don't want to manage people or roll up to a VP or director, that's fine too. Many of us are lifetime ICs doing just fine. Make sure that any base you earn is enough for banks to be able to approve a mortgage, and you'll be in good shape.

I've been a specialist before a couple of times at my previous company. In my case, it was simply a title that meant I focused on one solution as part of an overall sale led by an EAE where I had specific knowledge that would support their sales cycle. If it's similar at your company, it's a fine role, but limiting. You may not be part of every deal, and you're usually not running it. The role at your company may be different, however. And who's to say if you'll still be at that company in 5-7-10 years? Something better may have come up.
jefe
Arsonist
2
🍁
@Sunbunny31is wise. Listen to the wise bunny, @Ferrisbeboolin
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
4
Sales Rep
I have heard from lots of people don’t get into management for the money or any reason outside of your like coaching. Since hours worked will go up, stress will, and if you are a top performer you will most likely be making less
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
3
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Depends. I find that CRO/VP sales are faster into the crosshairs than the Enterprise guys. However, the names account or enterprise guys make the most.
punishedlad
Tycoon
2
Business Development Team Lead
I prefer being out in the field. Our current structure has managers working in the field as well. There really isn't anyone who's purely in a traditional "manager" role. Makes me think I might be interested in it if they approach me about transitioning into that role in the future.
activity
Politicker
1
VP, Business Development
Have a career plan but realize that your career is going to take a bunch of twists and turns you never accounted for. Go with the flow and continue to make adjustments on the fly. You never know where you'll end up.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Totally agree. My job didn't exist when I was getting out of college. If I'd have had a plan, it wouldn't be what I'm actually doing today!
WhoDey
Opinionated
1
VP of Sales
You don't go into management because of the money. Top sellers will always make more than their managers. You should only consider management if you have the skillset and desire to lead others, and don't mind putting your financial future into the hands of others (the performance of your team).
UserNotFound
Politicker
1
Account Executive
I thought I wanted to be in management, then I learned that the top rep at any company should be out-earning their direct manager. I’m consistently the top performer, so I’ll consistently pass on more work for less money. Not to mention the need for diplomacy- that ain’t ya girl, I really struggle when people do their job poorly.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
just smash your goals and you'll get where you want in notime
BlueJays2591
Politicker
0
Federal Business Dev Director
Top performing reps will usually make more than their managers. But management is a great path if that's what you want to do
kelvin26
Fire Starter
0
administrative manager
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