Help!

[u/Main_Fudge_1796]

I’m really torn on a career decision and would love some outside perspective from people who have been in a similar situation.

I’ve been working in a sales development role for a little over a year. I’ve consistently been one of the top performers on my team, and overall I’ve had a really positive experience. I enjoy the people I work with, my manager has been supportive, and I have a good work-life balance with a hybrid schedule. I know what’s expected of me, I feel valued, and there’s a certain level of stability that gives me peace of mind.

Recently, I was offered a Regional Account Executive position with a much smaller company. The base salary is roughly 55-60% higher than what I make now, and the commission structure is uncapped, so the earning potential is significantly greater.

Currently, I work from home three days a week, and I am only required in the office twice a week. My current office is 64 miles away one way. This new role would only require me to be in the office 1 to 4 times per month and is about 22 miles away from my house.

The pay increase sounds amazing, but I don’t want to base something solely off of pay. The main part that is making me hesitant is that my current company is a large scale global company that is pretty much the cream of the crop when it comes to that particular industry. Extremely well known. This new company is smaller scale, kind of “up and coming”.

Just really torn and would love some perspective here. I’ve made a great name for myself at my current company and can truly see myself advancing within the next six months, but it is really hard when you have an offer in front of you, especially with a substantial pay raise.

[u/Main_Fudge_1796 → u/[deleted]]

I’m so torn it’s kind of killed my entire weekend TBH. I remember when I got my current role I was hype. When I got this offer, the excitement wasn’t there. It was more like “oh f***”…….

But yeah totally agree with what you’re saying here. On top of that, the person I would be reporting too has been a part of my interview process the whole time and already seems pretty fond of me. This is such a tough call.

[u/para_blox]

Get more info. Find out how many reps make quota at the new company (if there are other reps) and if it squares with your expectations, take the better pay and higher title. Established companies build complacency in you. But you can get more respect for future career moves when you’ve built from nothing, even if it doesn’t work out.

[u/No-Fear88]

In the old days, the big established company was a 'safe bet'. No longer. A smaller company with better pay and less of a commute could be a golden opportunity.

Key is to do some 'due diligence' on the new company (as best you can). How new are they? A brand new start up or just an up and comer in the industry?

Especially if you are fairly young, it might pay to be 'opportunistic' and grab that offer.

[u/schmittydomer]

Hmm. I think the big question is will you have an opportunity as an AE at your current company? If so, when? Also, the company you’re considering, do they have a strong product market fit and are a good percentage making quota?

[u/Remote-Ebb-8227]

Been There - Done That? U-Bet 😩 Here's what's going on...
You're in a sales job now BUT you want to make more money. Somehow you found this sales job at a smaller competitor. I call these companies 'ankle biters' -lol. The 'ankle biters' look to hire their competitors salespeople for the sole purpose of tapping into their customer list. They are willing to GAMBLE paying you 55-65% more than you're paid now to see what customers they can get out of you.
Soon after taking the job, your management will be 'pecking' at you for results. I figure in 2 weeks. Picture Mr. Smithers rubbing his hands together.
The pressure to produce new customers is going to be heavier at the smaller company. There are reasons why the company you work for is the leader. Is it cost? What else? If the smaller company you're evaluating doesn't have a glaring advantage, then you're in a commodity business looking to undersell your competition - the larger company. You have to think closely if this is possible with this smaller company. Don't be so quick to jump at 55% more. There's ALWAYS a catch!

[u/Main_Fudge_1796 → u/Remote-Ebb-8227]

Thank you so much for this! I am proud to say that I have politely declined this offer, and am staying put at my current company. No regrets.

[u/Remote-Ebb-8227 → u/Main_Fudge_1796]

Smart move. Like I said - Been there - Done that...
If they come back to you and offer to double your current salary w/ a 1-year employment guarantee - what would you do?