People jumping ship

I'm at a SaaS start-up, and it seems that we can't hold onto salespeople. We have had a decent amount of people leave this quarter for a smaller team (around a dozen people on the team at peak). I have been here the longest (2 years), and no one else has even hit 6 months. From what I can tell, I am the only one who has already hit quota and there is no one close (people are jumping ship by 9 months in, others a quarter). Is this a huge red flag and should I be looking to get out?

☁️ Software Tech
🧢 Sales Management
19
funcoupons
WR Officer
14
👑
Doesn't sound totally out of the ordinary for a startup. Startups usually come with lower than market average compensation packages, higher than usual workloads, and team dynamics that are definitely not for everyone. Then there's also the subject of sales having higher employee turnover in general compared to other professions. We're money motivated so most of us don't feel a whole ton of loyalty or see benefit to remaining with an employer when there's better money to be earned elsewhere. It's also a super hot hiring market for talent right now.

If you're happy in your role, on target to exceed quota, and earning what you want to be earning I don't see an immediate need to jump ship. Keep an eye out for better opportunities always is what I live by, but you don't need to do what everyone else is doing just for the sake of it.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
1
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Thanks for the heads up. I figured as much, and just feel the stress coming off in the "Leadership Meetings."
funcoupons
WR Officer
5
👑
If you're confident in your leadership team, just keep your head down, do your job properly, and know that you'll be due for some rewards once they stop the bleeding. As a senior employee you'll have some good leverage on your end when it comes to negotiating for more responsibility if you want it, a pay increase, or whatever else you're after.
DungeonsNDemos
Big Shot
5
Rolling 20's all day
You're gonna leverage your seniority for a solid raise right??
They're bleeding and you've stuck around while money flows elsewhere.
Obviously I don't know your whole situation, but I would argue for a solid raise if you do have the opportunity of going elsewhere that would pay better. 
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
2
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
I have been thinking about a raise, a title bump, and possibly some more options. I Will circle back once I start negotiating the 2022 comp plan.
CaneWolf
Politicker
3
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Are you making money? Sounds like it. Then keep doing what you're doing.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
Exactly. Folks jump all of the time. If it ain't bothering you then keep looking forward. 
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
You are the best person to weigh the situation as you know what's actually happening in the company (including insider news)..

SaaS has a lot of attrition especially start-ups and it's not abnormal. I would look at what topline has to say whether it's growing, stagnant etc and what plans they have for coming years and how they plan to accomplish?
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
I'd only be concerned if I was the one not making quota.  Sounds like you're well positioned.  Try not to let the departures of others concern you right now.  The recommendation to keep your head down and do your best job is a good one.  

There are almost always rumors flying around companies that can be unsettling.   In sales, the ones to pay attention to involve comp and quota.   If the checks are clearing and you're successful, I'd carry on for now, and try not to sweat it.   There's a huge amount of churn in sales positions right now, and as been pointed out, startup environments are not for everyone.
Cornholio
Opinionated
1
Account Executive
Not sure if you’ve done this yet- but you should hit up some of the reps that left and get their thoughts if there are a few you’re cool with. Just make sure they’re not picking up on something you may be blind to since you’ve been there for a while.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
0
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Yeah, I have been in touch. It's mostly been that the product has flaws (start-up) and was having difficulties getting the product sold. But solid advice.
Fenderbaum
Politicker
1
Retired Choirboy🪕
Keep on moving forward.  Always be on the lookout for yourself, but keep your eye on the bigger picture in future rewards via loyalty and experience.
payton_pritchard
Executive
0
RSM
"Chaos is a ladder" Sounds like things are still going relatively well for you, leverage what's happening for better pay/territory/title/responsibility etc. and if you need to spend some time looking for backup options to be safe
NoSuperhero
Politicker
0
BDR LEAD
I just went through this, not a start-up but we were in a growing stage last year nearing 300 peeps, now down to 90something, at 120 I started looking because job security is also a priority and well landed a better paying job now as an SDR. Money talks, bullshit walks  
GDO
Politicker
0
BDM
Seems to be a bit of a red flag. But also. It uncommon with startups. Just talk to the people and ask why they left. If it’s something structural you make the decision if it’s worth leaving for
Jbeans
Opinionated
0
Director of Sales
This isn’t just true of startups right now. We’ve seen a huge turnover in not only our company but our customers. A lot of peoples lives fundamentally changed during the pandemic and it caused a lot of people to reconsider their current employment. From what I’ve seen it’s gone from a typical 20% turnover to 30+%. Don’t let others moves shake your footing if you’ve got a good thing going on there and you’re happy. 😊 I know that’s easier said then done, but I agree with a lot of the comments here that you are now a senior loyal performing employee- good companies recognize and reward that!! 
cw95
Politicker
0
Sales Development Lead
Wouldn’t see it as a red flag, I’d see it as a bad fit. However I would consider your own options as there might be something there that has gone over your head as you’ve been there a while!
30
Members only

Company was sold now everyone jumping ship

Discussion
31
13

Fellow reps, would you stay or jump ship?

Advice
26
10

Ship - When to stay, when to jump?

Question
16
Should I stay or should I go?
18% Keep Row Row Rowing in that little boat!
37% Jump off that mf'er like it's on fire!
24% Talk to your boss about it!
21% Happy wife = happy life!
84 people voted