aiko profile picture
aiko profile picture

aiko

Sr. Account Executive

Politicker
Executive
Valued Contributor
+7

My company is trying to keep me

I did not mean to blind side them but I decided to move on from my start up for a few reasons.


  1. Commission is not consistent. I’ll have a tremendous quarter followed by a quarter I’m struggling to make 25%
  2. After being promoted 3 times, I think it’s time for me to find a true mid-market role. The MM role at my start up is nothing compared to a company with 600+ employees.
  3. Company is going full remote and I want to go back in to the office.


My start up hasn’t given me a $$$ to keep me, but I think it’s time to move on? Should I stay loyal and stick it out for 6 more months or should I follow my gut?

🤘 Personal Growth
🧠 Advice
38

72 comments

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poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
24
☕️
Counteroffers are poison—move on!
funcoupons
WR Officer
9
👑
100% agreed.

You seem to have valid reasons for wanting to move on. Follow your gut.

Loyalty is for friendships and relationships, not business. If your employer is no longer meeting your needs, don't ever feel bad for moving on.
GDO
Politicker
4
BDM
Yes, there is no loyalty in the corporate world. Altough, try not to burn any bridges. 
funcoupons
WR Officer
4
👑
I advocate for always keeping it professional and classy. Don't give your former employer a bad taste in their mouth about how you left...within reason. Some companies are ridiculous and expect you to treat your job like an immediate family member - those situations are toxic and you need to get out ASAP...who cares how they feel because they're going to hate you for leaving no matter what. 

But most companies are reasonable and as long as you give appropriate notice and don't act like a douche for your last few weeks of work they'll be fine with you moving on.
Incognito
WR Officer
4
Master of Disaster
One of the firms who is looking to poach me just hired me a lawyer to give me advice on how to leave. They’re providing this without any promises on my part that I will accept their offer. It’s not in house council, either, but a 3rd party. 

Not sure if it’s standard in every industry but I asked in the beginning of negotiations for help on resigning. 

*edited to add that my employment contract has a 2 year non compete and a 60 day notice clause
funcoupons
WR Officer
5
👑
Damn, they must really want you! Haha. Not that I'm surprised. <3 

I'll be curious to find out how that works...I've heard of non competes and other clauses not having much weight in a court.
Incognito
WR Officer
4
Master of Disaster
They’re already in lawsuits with my current employer over poaching so 🤷‍♀️

they do have weight - I’m more concerned about the 60 day notice. Even though it’s a work at will state, they can make you “sit out” for 60 days (they still gotta pay your salary tho). 

I’ll make a post about what the lawyer says later today when I meet him. Should be a good topic for people to reference. 
funcoupons
WR Officer
4
👑
If they make you "sit out" but still have to pay you doesn't that mean that you could start your new job and do work for them while still being paid by your old employer? 

Do make a post, I'm curious!
Incognito
WR Officer
3
Master of Disaster
Need to use my license to write business. Can’t use license I think
aiko
Politicker
2
Sr. Account Executive
What this is crazy! You must be worth it. For the non compete clause, are you going to a competitor? 

Incognito
WR Officer
3
Master of Disaster
Of course. It’s mid market insurance. We are all selling the same (well, similar) things. 
Theloanemperor
Opinionated
1
Loan Officer
well said. 
Theloanemperor
Opinionated
3
Loan Officer
you can't legally prevent someone from earning a living which is why those clauses typically shake out to be meaningless.
Theloanemperor
Opinionated
1
Loan Officer
I'm in the mortgage business and i promise you that these clauses are utterly worthless. can't legally prevent someone from earning a living. It's your book of business.
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
I'm in sales automation tools and I'm not tired of it, but I know it would be a huge slap in the face to them if I did move to another similar company ahhh. 
jefe
Arsonist
2
🍁
@Theloanemperor Was looking for this. Noncompetes tend to be unenforceable. 
Theloanemperor
Opinionated
1
Loan Officer
typically in those environments where you require a license to do business, like a real estate license, you can't hang the license at two places at the same time. However, most of companies have transition teams that will take your deals and pay you on them when they close when you come over in the form of a bonus. I do mortgages and it happens all the time when moving companies.
Theloanemperor
Opinionated
1
Loan Officer
Almost always, almost. :)
Incognito
WR Officer
1
Master of Disaster
It is not this way in insurance. At least mid market commercial, anyway 
Incognito
WR Officer
1
Master of Disaster
I promise that almost all major insurance brokerages absolutely sue the shit out of each other over this. 

there are work arounds, for sure, but there is legal precedent to substantiate these contractual obligations 
Incognito
WR Officer
1
Master of Disaster
@jefe - how? 
jefe
Arsonist
0
🍁
@Incognito I can't speak to anything requiring a license, as I'm sure the regulatory body can have their own rules and regulations surrounding how that's used, but generally you can't have verbiage in a contract that encumbers the signatory from earning a living. Noncompetes are usually VERY broad, and many of them can read, for instance, that if you sell software you can't work for another software company for 24 months or whatever.

Most people just get scared of these things, but when it comes down to it they can't be legally enforced.

I'm in Canada, but similar laws exist in places like the US, and I'm sure the UK etc.
SquadUp
Valued Contributor
4
Strategic Account Executive
100% agree. You're in a business partnership. The company you work for had a need, contracted your services to meet the need and expected you to deliver certain results based on that. You should have expectations of them in return. If either party isn't meeting expectations and the partnership becomes out of balance, it should be addressed. If nothing changes, find a new business partner / employer who's able and willing to meet your expectations. Accepting a counteroffer sets you up to have to meet unrealistic expectations, tells your employer it's okay for them to undervalue you, and a number of other negative consequences. @poweredbycaffeine is right. Avoid counteroffers like the plague. 
goose
Politicker
3
Sales Executive
+1 to this
SignThis_SalesGirl
Good Citizen
0
Director of Business Development
Absolutely agreed! Even if they do counter offer, unless you're getting significant shares or becoming a part owner, it'll just cause resentment and eventually the environment will turn toxic.Maybe in the 50's but right now loyalty is a pipe dream. Look after yourself and move on but be aware the next company is probably going to have some other issues too. If money is what motivates you, which sounds like it is, then follow the rainbow to find your pot of gold my lovely leprechaun. move on! 
SalesRecruiter
Opinionated
8
Recruiting Director
Never accept a counter. It will feel good for a few months but you will be right back to looking when you come down from the high. Follow your gut 100%!
aiko
Politicker
3
Sr. Account Executive
SO RIGHT. My ex manager said the same thing. He was let go from the company 6 months ago though so I thought his opinion was biased 🙁
Money
Executive
6
Head of Sales
Equity grants are the carrot-and-stick incentive for start-ups. By nature, they can't offer the best comp plans, growth opportunities, or benefits packages as seasoned organizations. The allure of a cash windfall via exit or IPO/SPAC is usually the best card in their deck. If that doesn't trump your 3 reasons, probably start looking elsewhere.
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
I also want ESPP and that doesn't exist at a start up 

ventox35
Politicker
1
Sales Leader
this is where i'm at right now. "what if" the company exits and I could've had a nice share of that success. but also, is that really what's important? good answer
Justatitle
Big Shot
4
Account Executive
Follow your gut, it's rare that it is wrong and I wish someone told me early on to follow my gut feeling more 
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
This is good advice for every situation 
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
It has never let me down
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
🦊
Nope. They already know you're halfway out the door. Move on up.
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
I wish they did not counter offer, its making me feel really bad about leaving now
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
🦊
Nothing for you to feel bad about. You have to take care of and look out for yourself. They are a business and do not have your best interest in mind.

Not trying to he harsh, but it's reality. 
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
@CuriousFox I see that you've a well seasoned sales rep. When you left any of your companies, did you burn the relationship with them?
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
No I was always professional. Gave 2 weeks notices, held my head high, and never looked back. Moving on to better opportunities is not burning bridges. 
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
Thank you 😃
HappyGilmore
Politicker
2
Account Executive
Trust your gut, better to take a leap and move on.
aiko
Politicker
2
Sr. Account Executive
My gut hasn't been wrong so far, but thats also the optimism in me. 
Nairobi
Politicker
2
AE
Always follow your gut.
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
💛
Theloanemperor
Opinionated
2
Loan Officer
Definitely move on. You seem to have been extremely loyal and will be leaving the company better than you found it, having brought in good business and worked your tail off you deserve to move on.
aiko
Politicker
2
Sr. Account Executive
Yes I did leave it better than I found it. I survived 4 lay offs! I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity, but now I need to learn from a more established company. 
TheRealPezDog
Notable Contributor
2
Account Manager
Definitely follow your gut.  That's why their called "startups" and not "finishups"  Because unless they are absolutely blowing up chances are you're not going to finish your career there.  GO GET EM! 
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
LOVE THIS!! 
Rallier
Politicker
2
SDR Manager and Consultant
I don't think that's unreasonable at all to want to move on. follow your gut
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
Thank you :) 
aiko
Politicker
2
Sr. Account Executive
Thank you all for your contributions! I am going to tell my leadership my ultimate decision and it is to move on! Thanks for the feedback & motivation 😊!
rvb
Good Citizen
2
Sales Consultant
I once got great advice that I'm still using today. When deciding to join or stay at a company, check these 3 areas:

- Product: do you (still) believe in the vision of the product you're selling? 
- Culture: is this company (still) the right cultural fit for you today? 
- Leader/mentorship: are you (still) learning from the best? Is there (still) a true mentor that can bring you to the next level/role within the company?

Bottom line: if 1 is missing = orange flag; if 2 or more are missing: red flag. 

Hope it helps!
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
I love this, thank you for sharing! 
ventox35
Politicker
1
Sales Leader
super helpful. love this easy scorecard
TheDeplorable
Politicker
1
AE
Follow your gut instinct 
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
💚
SalesSage
Valued Contributor
1
National Account Manager
Even if you stayed your reasons for leaving haven't changed which would mean you would face this all again.  You want to leave to grow and if you can't grow there then you have your answer. 
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
Well, they think I can still grow. Offering a path to leadership and making me a team lead. Is that worth staying for if I can start at a new company and go for that path?
KendallRoy
Politicker
1
AM
Sounds like you're a top performer. Top performers shouldn't be making 25%. Go where you can hit 100%+ consistently. Desperation is unattractive, especially from an employer. 
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
I love this comment very much. I have to stay in this mindset! 
sales7
Politicker
1
Commercial Product Enablement
move on...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaSs9z8e6YI

Telehealth_2the_Moon
Notable Contributor
1
Director of Business Development
Follow your gut, but don't let it cloud your decision making. If you've got a decent gig at a company that likes you then you can take your time and find the right landing spot for your next role.
GrindingSales
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Experiences happened, growth achieved, memories made....keep the growth flowing by moving on!
Kinonez
Celebrated Contributor
1
War Room Enthusiast
Always do what’s best for you, companies will fire you in a blink of an eye if you make enough mistakes, and guess what? We are all human we all make them. 

stick to your heart and do what’s best for you, if it’s time to move on do it! If there is room for growth stay. 

only you know what’s best for you!
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
If you know it's time to leave, it is time to leave. I've never regretted leaving a job. I've regretted where I ended up instead but never once have I been like "man, wish I stayed there."
aiko
Politicker
1
Sr. Account Executive
I always anticipate that feeling when I leave a company, but its a break up, and there will be pros and cons 
ventox35
Politicker
1
Sales Leader
same boat dude. "we will do whatever it takes to keep you! except pay you your worth to the company! we greatly value you! except we really don't!" 
CraigArator
Good Citizen
1
Enteprise Account Executive
I would say Move On... The company does not seem to be in Hypersclae mode, If you cant commandeer (Be the CEO/Founder), find the right Boat. SAAS is a winner take most marketplace. If you are stuck at a fledgling start and competition is winning- move on and fast.
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
Never accept a counter.
Clashingsoulsspell
Politicker
1
ISR
Absolutely agreed! Even if they do counter offer, unless you're getting significant shares or becoming a part owner, it'll just cause resentment and eventually the environment will turn toxic.Maybe in the 50's but right now loyalty is a pipe dream.
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
Counteroffers are poison—move on!
Mr.Floaty
Politicker
0
BDR
So glad you had fun!
Cyberjarre
Politicker
0
BDR
I just showed up…

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