Maybe it's burnout, maybe its Maybelline

Disclaimer that I copied this from a reddit post I made, because I didn't want to type it twice - but would appreciate any advice you have to give..


I've spent the last 3 years in Enterprise hardware sales. Datacenter infrastructure - Compute, Storage, Network, Licensing. This was my first sales gig and I've learned SO much. From the theory behind selling to how to drive a sale and create urgency.


Recently I've been noticing that I'm not a big fan of the way we're managed. They claim autonomy but micromanage based on some horrible KPIs. That said I do have A LOT of autonomy.., Add to that, that I feel like Hardware is (maybe not) dying, or at least coming to a crawl, I think it might be time to move? My base is pretty low for the Seattle Metro area (40-45) but my commission is uncapped. so there is POTENTIAL to earn a LOT. I've seen them cut a $130k commission check for a month. but i get maybe one meaningful interaction for every ~200 calls.


I don't necessarily want to step backward into an SDR role because I own the whole cycle as it stand, but I feel at the very least I would be better spent putting my time in something with a livable base that I can save on and start to build a career... I'm having a hard time even picking up the phone as of late because I know the answer is no. Any advice appreciate

✌️ Growing Pains
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14
LordBusiness
Politicker
9
Chief Revenue Officer
The market is REALLY hot right now, go out there an explore.  I am sure a lot of the skills you've learned in Hardware can be applied to SaaS selling. Start your search with "man, I've always wanted to sell X" and start targeting some of those websites for job openings.  My wife calls me "Mr. 5 years" because right about that time I usually start thinking like you are in the post above.  Sometimes, its just about identifying and taking on a new challenge that becomes the motivation we need to take on the grind.  Good luck - keep us posted on where you take things! 
1nbatopshotfan
Politicker
3
Sales
Adding on to this, there is absolute no harm in interviewing and looking around. Cast your net! 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
🦊
The best time to look is now. It's time for a raise!
goose
Politicker
3
Sales Executive
Don't go backwards.  Go forward.  Lots of tech to sell (even in the cloud and managed services space).  Your knowledge and learned skills will definitely translate.

Always be networking...
jefe
Arsonist
3
🍁
Don't settle for SDR, it might take a bit longer to find a non-hardware full cycle role but it sounds like you have experience and a record of success.

Get it
Incognito
WR Officer
2
Master of Disaster
It does no harm to see what's out there. I will always stop to listen to an offer, no matter how happy I am in my current position. All the soft skills you currently possess will absolutely transfer over to any sales role. It did for me - and I couldn't have chosen a new industry that is more different from my old one.

Push up those soft skills and metrics on your resume in a way that is easily understood by the new target industry and you should have a ton of opportunity. As everyone is saying, the market is hot right now. 
buckets1
Politicker
2
AE
Others have said similar — but PLEASE for the love of god don’t let some recruiter convince you you need to take a step back and become an SDR. Move on, take a little longer with the search, and find a company that will give you an AE gig. If it’s an AE gig with SDR support even better. I’ve seen peers be successful transferring from completely unrelated industries like events and industrials to SaaS AE. Hardware should be no problem with how hot the market is. Companies saying you need SaaS experience to be a SaaS AE is complete BS. *ends rant :)*
CaneWolf
Politicker
2
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
You could go get $130k as a base in the right role in that marketing. You’re way underpaid.
Diablo
Politicker
1
Sr. AE
Why are you even thinking of becoming an SDR. Look ahead, move ahead simple.

You'r are the best person to judge what you want to do and in industry you want to work but right now there are a lot of companies hiring with good base salary + Comm (UnCapped)
FamilyTruckster
Politicker
1
Exec Director, Major Accounts
Bingo. Uncapped commission is great if there is real opportunity. 1 for 200 doesn’t sound like it. Find an AE role with better base. They’re out there in droves.
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
1
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Definitely sounds like it's time to put a finger out and see what you can find. 

Always good to keep in touch with your market value. 
cw95
Politicker
0
Sales Development Lead
Go look amigo!
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