SDR to SDR transition (doing well, but slow movement)

I've seen a lot of people mention it's usually best to make it to AE before switching companies... I'm still unsure if I should stick around as an SDR at my current gig. Looking for some advice.

In the 2nd (more senior) SDR role at my company, but promotions only happen twice/year. Next cycle (Q2'23), I'll have been in this role for 1y (1y9m at company total).

I'm doing relatively well (hit quota last quarter), but there are ~8 SDRs competing for anywhere b/t 2-4 spots (unknown), and not getting promoted means waiting another 6 months. My thinking: if I stick around, I'll have made it too far to jump ship... if I make a move now, there won't be a huge difference in timing to an AE position.

What would you do in this scenario?
🧠 Advice
🎯 Career Development
👨‍🌾 SDR
9
TennisandSales
Politicker
5
Head Of Sales
I would push to stay at the current gig and see if you can get promoted. If you don’t then i would look for other roles and see if you can snag an AE role at another company.

Then you can use the whole “i was suppose to be promoted at my current gig” story
Berkeley
Good Citizen
2
SDR
Yeah I’m leaning towards sticking around to avoid pressing the reset button. Just tough when 75%+ of the team is hitting quota… super competitive.
BDEenergy
Fire Starter
1
Enterprise Sales Development Representative
what is that story you talk about? Wouldn't that reflect that you were not promoted for certain reasons and be a red flag for the interviewing company?
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
With hiring freezes and economic uncertainty, you can spin this anyway you like.
Berkeley
Good Citizen
1
SDR
This could be valid - something like “macroeconomy slowed upward mobility”
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
Stay put for now
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
2
Sales Rep
If you are getting promoted in q2 I would stay there before leaving. That can be in 4 months so I would stick it out
Berkeley
Good Citizen
1
SDR
Not certain, but I’ll do as best as I can. Appreciate the input
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
0
Sales Rep
Have hyphae transparent convo with your manager. What do you need to do to get promoted. What is their hesitation on the previous cycle
Berkeley
Good Citizen
1
SDR
Hesitancy was too little time spent in the role/not showing consistency hitting quota (which they define as 2+ quarters).
carbonara
Executive
2
Account Executive
1y and 9mo is not long for some companies, especially larger ones.

Do you feel well compensated? A contributor? Safety on your team?

If you’re doing well and have the right story and champions to tell your story for promotion, stick it out.

If not, let’s see how it goes in Q2.
Berkeley
Good Citizen
0
SDR
Feel decently compensated, $65k base/$95k OTE. Not the best product market fit given my territory (large companies), so don’t feel like my contributions are that meaningful.

Safety is hard to say - probably not getting fired anytime soon, but there seems to be some politics and I’d describe some aspects as inequitable (not going to blame the situation though). Going to be a grind but will keep my head down heading into the next promotion cycle.
jefe
Arsonist
1
🍁
Keep pushing and stick around, separate yourself from the pack and get promoted.
WhoDey
Opinionated
1
VP of Sales
I'd stay put and leverage all the brand equity you've built over the last 2 years.
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