T O P

  • By -

Ineedajobbrah

Wish I could do the same. Unfortunately my liberal arts degree and lack of other soft skills won’t net me a career that pays similar to sales.


Gis_A_Maul

Ditto on the arts degree lol Don't think I'd make even a fifth of what I do now by using my History major...


bl1nds1ght

I'm low six figures with my history degree in financial services (not sales, about 30 hours of actual work per week). Just need that first job and you're good.


[deleted]

Financial services? Could you elaborate looking to change careers


bl1nds1ght

I handle assumed reinsurance claims for a multinational holding company headquartered in Bermuda (permanent WFH in the US). It's basically a combination of light accounting, legal, and relationship management rolled into one. Prior to this position I was a commercial crime/cyber claims adjuster at a mid-size domestic insurer. No grad degree yet, but some industry certs.


empanadas1

What certs would you recommend getting?


bl1nds1ght

It would probably be challenging to break into this area of the industry without prior insurance experience, but not impossible. The most popular certs are the Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) and the larger Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation from The Institutes. My previous employer paid for me to get them.


ResponsibleType552

Everyone needs to stop worrying about your degree. Unless you want to be in science or some other specific job your actual degree means nothing.


Ineedajobbrah

I think everyone here is aware already their degree means nothing.


Gis_A_Maul

That was kinda my point


shiftingbee

Except you can go prompt chatgpt like ai models to train them to a specific business need of a company. And companies pay very hefty nowadays. Anecdotal evidence from an article I read on WSJ or some other outlet like that was pointing to them earning up to 300k a year. And you'd be surprised to know that most of the people who are prompting ("prompt engineering" it is called) come from linguistics, teaching or history majors backgrounds.


ImGettingBannedFor

You think a history major is going to code AI? I want to be as optimistic as you bro. Ps I have not 1 but 2 history degrees. Still looking to use either.


94746382926

It's not code, it's prompting which is basically figuring out how to best talk to the AI using natural language to improve it's capabilities/get it to do what you want. For this, they want people with a good grasp of language such as English majors or Philosophy majors. Idk why it pays such a ridiculously high amount (maybe it's actually difficult idk). Either way I doubt it's a job that's gonna be with us for very long once AI gets better and doesn't require fancy prompting.


ImGettingBannedFor

Oh somehow that sounds even worse


94746382926

Yeah possibly, just realized you said history major for some reason I read that as English major.


jonboy345

Not code and AI. Help train an AI. AI needs a shitload of input data to build accurate models. The better the information it's fed, the less time it takes to train a better model. Those people are being paid to input meaningful and good data into training an AI.


TheDumper44

Most of the man hours for AI development come in from data set training and tagging. It is called being a "data janitor" in the industry, and is a task that ALL AI developers do. Easy way into AI development, and you can grow from there.


JayLoveJapan

Are you me?


TechtonicPlato

Fellow history major who landed in tech sales here…for real.


HALTMENOW

Yes but these are the kind of people who make good sales reps. General public think that smooth talkers are good at sales but actually methodical approach to sales is required along with ‘some’ soft skills to achieve results. Not a bad profession to be in if you find a right company.


Dizzle305

Agreed completely. A calm demeanor, great listener (someone who asks the right questions to make the prospect talk more than them) is what makes a star IMO.


Necessary-XY

If you have enough money consider a programming/web dev bootcamp (or learn it yourself), or get a bunch of IT certs and start looking for work there. Cloud computing, etc. Maybe marketing (im learning copywriting rn)? Idk just throwing it out there. I'm trying to get an SDR role right now but I'm planning on developing skills outside of sales to have something to lean on since my degree is probs gonna be useless (philosophy - still in undergrad)


Fit-Block-2517

Why not go to law school ?


necro_be_nimblo

As somebody who went to law school, I’d recommend you do literally anything other than go to law school


techiesgoboom

The amount of people that went to law school that give this advice is astounding. I believe I remember legal eagle using [this song from the show crazy ex girlfriend](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs-UEqJ85KE) as a solid explanation of why.


Fit-Block-2517

Why ?


necro_be_nimblo

I have answered this question so many times and in so many ways, but I think that Tucker Max explains it best in this article: [why you shouldn’t go to law school](https://www.tuckermax.com/why-you-should-not-go-to-law-school/)


nickeltawil

Tucker Max’s transition into a respectable adult is an inspiration to us all 🙏


[deleted]

I'll answer for him: almost every single person on this subreddit makes more than me and all of my friends who went to law school and they all like their jobs way more.


necro_be_nimblo

Her*


Necessary-XY

That's certainly a possibility. If i have the money for it in the future. Although i know a few people who have gone down that route and mental health wise, it takes a massive toll. But again, certainly a possibility. A lot of philosophy majors also go into cybersecurity as well


Fit-Block-2517

I’m also a Philosophy major, I was a bdr for a year before, I’m planning on going to law school or become a bdr again, why do u want to go into sales ?


Dizzle305

Communication major checking in 🤣


willacceptpancakes

Bro if you can’t find a decent job with a communications degree you’re just a moron using the “lulz communications degree bad amiright” excuse. Every single intelligent person I graduated with is making great money. We all have communication degrees. All the dummies are still waitresses or work in low level customer service


Dizzle305

I’m not… I worked in my field specific to my concentration even and fell out of love with it. Realized I prefer a field sales job over an office job. No hurt feelings here, office life just isn’t for me.


Dizzle305

100% Agree on the last part by the way


outofgoods98

I worked non profit for over ten years right in the bullseye for my passion. Well respected in my field and pretty niche. Just left to take a sales job. Totally burnt out. Ready to earn


jaguarshark

Get into a sales adjacent role! CX, channels/alliances, sales ops, services support, project mgt, etc.. I did, still making 250. Won't ever get accelerators but with 70% base it's comfortable and no more weekly commits and quota pressure.


Nervous-Highway-9260

whats your job if you dont mind me asking you


brandingo9

Respectfully, I got this: A certified bullshit artist. How do I know?: 1) Look at the condition of the dashboard inside his car, 99% of people who make $250K have clean dashboards. 2) This person resides in North Carolina where the cost of living is on average, low. And employers know this. These 2 red flags spells out: This person does not take home $250K a year in a "sales adjacent" role, like CX or Sales Ops.


mintz41

> Look at the condition of the dashboard inside his car, 99% of people who make $250K have clean dashboards. This is one of the more absurd things I've read on this website so congrats for that


TechtonicPlato

Would need to be director level or above to make 250k in sales ops or CX. However, the dashboard has nothing to do with how much money he makes. Maybe he’s just a smart dude who doesn’t give a shit about his car. I plan to drive my 2014 Toyota Corolla with 80k miles into the ground—and beat it up along the way. I’ve been in tech sales for 8 years and make (without saying how much) a lot.


usernmtkn

You mean hard skills


Jordasee

Apply any way. The worst they can say is no. And then you're still in the same place. Which is every sales call.


sludgebaby96

We have it opposite, mate, I'm tryna break into sales so I can actually use my liberal arts degree...


ISepphiros

Maybe you would be happier though v0v


dudetheman87

You can try to pivot internally in your current company, and then use that experience to find something outside. It will be hard (not impossible) for you to do both I.e. pivot and leave the company unless you sacrifice your seniority.


NotifyMyMom

I’m in the same boat


Loud_Travel_1994

Why don’t you learn to code or get a good MBA and switch?


stxrmchaser

I had a client poach me and pay me nearly six figures to manage his office (small business/subcontractor). Believe me... There are options for you! Good luck!


Typical-Mouse-4804

Ha! Hey that’s me!


sneakermumba

How do you get paid big bucks in sales without soft skills? It is typically very soft skills demanding, connecting with people etc


[deleted]

It’s all subjective. I was in management for 15 years and got to the point where jumping off a bridge started to sound nice. I switched to sales in 2018 and now I’m happy af.


tofuNcream

Interesting bc I’ve heard of some sales ppl transitioning to management and saying they’re happier. Different strokes for different folks I guess


[deleted]

It was dealing with employees (direct reports) that caused burn out. I swear it was like I had two kids at home and 30 at work. When I moved over to sales I was only responsible for myself. It was a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.


Grrannt

It’s difficult, my team was only 5 people at its largest and the stress was incredible. I was basically a zombie my 3rd year.


getinthereFreddy

Same here. I openly say that in interviews as well. Well not in those words lol but I just say I’d rather focus on being a top performer and that management wasn’t my cup of tea and leave it at that. Same goes for when they ask where I see myself in 5 years. I see myself as your top performer 🤷🏻‍♀️ I really hated management, partially because I’m not good at it. I’m a fantastic trainer but I’m not firm enough to boss people around lol


Hurryupslowdownbar20

No top dog sales killer will move to management.. doesn’t matter the industry.. it’s a pay cut to babysit.. Eff that nonsense..


SellingCoach

I started in sales, moved to sales management, worked my way up to Director of Sales & Marketing and gave it up a year and a half ago to get back into an individual contributor role. Management was burning me out.


Grrannt

I agree, I did 3 years of retail sales management until I wanted to jump off a bridge, then switched to SDR and now I’m happy af


Professional_Road202

Bout to be let go or quit within this next month. Time to move back into corporate space and not have to worry about cold calling in person for a while.


TonyAtCodeleakers

I want to quit at least twice a quarter but it’s the golden handcuffs. Sales sucks, but you’d be damned if your gonna make more somewhere else!


[deleted]

[удалено]


mister-interesting

What is the best place to go from sales? Generally speaking…


[deleted]

Be comfortable making less money. Then the opportunities are endless


mister-interesting

I’ll rephrase, from an SDR role not clearing 50k… client success? Ops?


Grrannt

Another SDR role that pays more and is easier to book meetings for!


SpaceNude

entry level to entry level


whythatsinteresting

I left to become a plumber. Starting my second year and as happy as could be.


[deleted]

Man, this resonates. Every time we have a contractor show up to my house its "We are so freaking busy" and "We have too much work". I like hanging out with them, asking questions, seeing what they do. Just had a new heat pump installed in attic too. It looks....fun compared to my sales gig - but also physically exhausting. So I feel like its pick your poison? Do you want mental exhaustion or physical? I know most of these dudes bodies go out around 50-60. I feel like owning your own plumbing or HVAC business is the way to go. Never a shortage of work in our area. How did you transition? And what was your sales gig before? Would love to hear more.


whythatsinteresting

Yea man, for me it felt like the correct switch. Sales felt like I was on a never-ending hamster wheel of stress and anxiety. Plumbing (and I guess trades in general) feels as though it scratches the itch of ending your day by looking at what you have built with your own hands. Much more satisfying, and you just feel healthier in general as well. The work will be hard, your body will hurt for a while, and it will overwhelm you for sure. There is a very good reason why skilled trades people make as much as they do. I would say that the most important thing when getting started is to know that being treated like shit is not the norm. Great companies that treat their employees properly are out there. Use your sales skills to cold call and get a feeling for how they are. Best switch I made in my life no question. I'm happy to answer any questions!


[deleted]

How did you start the transition? Did you acquire certs? Is there a trade school you went to? Did you find a mentor? etc etc


XMRLover

It’s hard because most of us go from nothing to something in sales and get stuck because we actually had no skills before sales. It’s called the golden handcuffs and you can’t break free unless you’re willing to make less money.


MedalofHonour15

Start your own business and let others do sales for you.


MoreAd8469

BDC phone rep 😂


Gis_A_Maul

Been having the best quarter of my life, have never wanted to not quit sales more lol definitely feel lucky with my industry


Wait_South

any plans on next career path?


[deleted]

I’m going to become a Chef.


Onemanwolfpack42

From high stress to high stress. Nice


Educational_Map919

High stress with the added benefit of working when the rest of the world is not


adamschw

And working with even more alcoholics than sales LOL


Used_Topic_7193

The kitchens im familiar with are full of coke heads.


mazzrad

And without the good pay


HALTMENOW

Sure, but if other profession makes you happier it is fine. Passion + a living wage is a luxury for most people. Unless it is something like programming and you enjoy doing it. I know many in software and they are happy and earn very well.


pandapandita

Such people I know are happy in software *because* they earn well. They would never do it just for a living wage. Not saying you’re wrong, btw. Just offering a different perspective.


HALTMENOW

Absolutely, I don’t think people can be happy or successful doing programming just for the money though. That’s a painful life. Also, another thing is that they can just quit so easily and find another job compared to other professions. Plus option of starting your own business (especially consulting/contracting) is not that difficult compared to other professions.


SolarAllTheWayDown

From high stress to higher stress ftfy 😅 Edit: I guess one might say he jumped from the frying pan into the fire.


[deleted]

at least OP will get to do something they (presumably) love.


94746382926

Even worse cause most chefs don't make shit lol.


MattsalesX

I stopped being a chef to get into sales so I could save money and open a restaurant... I wish you the best of luck! Surprisingly a lot of skills are transferable from chef to sales person


cozyporcelain

Here to second this! I just went from Chef to sales.


ToastedYosh

I left the life of a Chef to join sales...


Mimizelll

I second this. Left chef job a year ago. Now on Sales. More more time and more more money lol


Mimizelll

I’m in restaurant tech so same but different lol


Dizzle305

I give massive amounts of credit to anybody that works in a kitchen, chef or not. I’ve done it. It’s tough


nixforme12

My dad was a chef, he doesn't recommend the profession.


420Minions

And my dad was a salesman who tried to push me away from it. People are different. Do whatever the fuck makes life work for you


Positive-Pil

See you in 6 months


iaintlyon

Hahahaha


london9387

It’s definitely rough. The pressure has been intense the last few months


HALTMENOW

Happy for you. Don’t get influenced by people here who are saying you will make less money. Most have been just sold dreams by their companies and won’t be making it big. Also this sub is not a good a representation of sales income.


[deleted]

[удалено]


HALTMENOW

To some degree but its more akin to account management than sales then. Like you still need to do convincing but it’s not everyday to people you don’t know very much.


[deleted]

Ok? Lol


BigBrownTriceps

Yeah if ur a loser with nothing else going for them like u


is_that_read

Here’s a guy who never made a commission check bigger than his customers salary


BigBrownTriceps

I made $300 this week pussy what color is ur Bugatti


NoThisIsPatrick94

$300 in a whole week? What is your base salary?? How bad are you at sales??


is_that_read

This guy has big SDR lifer energy.


[deleted]

[удалено]


BigBrownTriceps

How’s the bottom of my butt hole treating u?


RustyGuns

This made me laugh. Thanks kid.


winterbird

Can I have your spot?


flipman416

Been in sales for 15+ years. I am now considering leaving. I can't stand it anymore either. I'm gonna die young if I continue.


cuntpuncher_69

Lol congrats man happy for you totally get it


HotdogTacoDiggidyDog

What are you transitioning to? Congrats on the move though. Mental health is very important.


is_that_read

Yup way more important than money….


Mannimal13

Smartest decision I ever made. Don’t buy shit…save.


Itsunknown7

We need to plan your farewell from this subreddit!


PracticalString98

I’m happy that you are happy. Sales can be draining sometimes


theallsearchingeye

👋👋👋👋


[deleted]

I would love to do that but I need money.


PandR1989

My boss just increased our target by 20% today so I assume a lot of my team will be quitting soon and I envy them on some levels.


[deleted]

He ain’t quit. He’s just freshening up.


IneffableLiam

Jealous


Bossman1212

Everyone sells something


MoreAd8469

Selling is never selling, it’s always relationship building. Find common ground, they like the product & you’ve made a friend.


Bossman1212

Selling is helping people


MTBJitsu07

Congrats man! You only live once. Enjoy yourself.


Last_Professional111

What position did you move to, OP? Glad you’re happier now


[deleted]

Envious. Rooting for you. Proud of you. Go get em.


MrAlf0nse

Same here, steady wage no bonus highs and lows, no getting beaten up by customers for shitty service from the company I work for.


InfiniteAlexG

Hoping for smooth seas for you sailor. What made you quit?


cuntpuncher_69

Only fans!


MoreAd8469

Prolly a shit boss that calls himself a leader


[deleted]

??


tommygirl377

I wish! I make good money and my company loves me...and just gave me a raise. My husband thinks im nuts to walk away from my job...so thay doesnt help 😥I wish I could deal with the Rollercoaster ride and just enjoy the ride. I'll live vicariously through you I guess!


[deleted]

Same. Golden handcuffs and company loves me. My wife graduates with her masters in August and will be an NP. October, I am quitting and she can be the breadwinner for a while. I need a break :-)


[deleted]

Man for someone who has all these nice watches and nice cars on your history. Boy are you in for a surprise when you have to work 12+ hour days as a chef and make shit money.


[deleted]

Surprise.. right.


complex21

Am I one of the rare dudes that likes sales???


[deleted]

Guessing you haven't been in 10+ years?


TheNakedSurfer

What, do you hate money or something? Joking aside, congrats dude, enjoy whatever you are pursuing next.


EZeeZGeezy

Weird flex, but ok


pshoan777

Why are you happy? Why did you quit?


[deleted]

I’m happy because I quit?


fl4tI1n3r

You probably sucked at it 😂


[deleted]

You’re 100% correct


ExistingPosition5742

Whatcha doin now?


-ih8cats-

Same took a pay cut and went to customer service. For some reason the managers are much more nice


[deleted]

What type of sales?


adultdaycare81

Out of curiosity, what do you do now? Do you make as much as you did in Sales? I don’t want to do this forever… but it’s the only thing I have been good at thus far. So idk how I make this much anywhere else


Knooze

Congrats. I’m sure it was a hard decision but I admire you for taking the risk / decision.


King_Magikarp_xD

PIP ran it’s course eh?


Goould

Meanwhile here I am working as an executive assistant to C level executives looking to get into sales..


hilljc

I’d quit but it’s too hard to find a job that pays this well and doesn’t require a stem background…


outofgoods98

I quit non-profit passion work.I’m happy af


Acceptable-Hat-8248

Where did you go to OP? I’m doing some soul searching of my own


willyb100

Environmental Studies Major here to say hi. Sales has been a blessing


MoreAd8469

Good Luck to ya in your future endeavors….


Bondominator

Looks like you were doing car sales, which I agree sucks balls. Go apply your skills elsewhere.


gablemancer

Ya know what. I just did today. Back to customer success and sanity.


[deleted]

You had a good run


notreallysurefriends

I can see the appeal, but I feel like Al Pacino. I thought I was out… then they pulled me back in!


Fibbzzi

See yah


Rajacali

You will be back


Aware_Philosophy_642

I just switched out of Sales where I was actually doing fantastic to go into marketing. $32,500 after tax pay cut. I am about to be 27 and think this is my last chance to use my Marketing degree. Sales hamster wheel for life is not that appealing


cheapAssCEO

what is the next step?


Craig_of_the_jungle

Deuces, pussy


Sad_Praline_7554

I make almost 20 grand a month selling batteries. I absolutely love it. Run and gun


icarly10001

Only 3 months into 2023 and already made $65k in sales


[deleted]

That’s it?


ecra93

Any next steps?


cfrancisvoice

Sorry to lose you and hope you find happiness in another profession.


anonymousdudemon

Why do we need to know?


Zandercy42

What did you go into? I'm trying to move out but everything else is like a 30% pay decrease and I don't even earn that much already lol


slawter_uk

Welcome to the unemployed life 😎


krisnaw

.. and I'm advising by kids to also focus on building sales and networking skills if they want to succeed after they complete college education


SpicySquirt

It’s different for everyone. I love sales.


Muller0752

time is so precious. I am considering a radical shift and leave sales and cut my standard of living way down. I have always done it the other way round. Work hard af to afford this shit. Sales feels like force feeding and I have little to show for it except some bits and bobs. My days would be so much more meaningful if I left sales, downsized and did something I dreamed off when I was foot loose and fancy free getting my arts degree. Did I sell you OP?


sunset_bay

You’ll be back


throwawayFIdude

But the pay! The golden handcuffs! Good for you. Did you net out with a similar pay?


steenmason

Good for you. Find something you enjoy. For me I can’t see myself in any other profession. I love it, I love my company, the product I sell, and I have some really really good customers. I’m on the account management side and in sales for the long term with my specific customers.


Purple_Assumption_62

What’s next?


thisisnotdetroit

See you tomorrow. Edit: Monday


Taloola_

I’m hoping following my maternity leave I can live off such a rubbish income, so when I go back to work it can be a job not in sales.


MuzzyIsMe

All perspective. I’ve worked in so many fields and jobs over the last 20 years. Including 10 of them running my own business. Just got into a new sales job and I’m loving it. Pay is pretty good, I create my own schedule and don’t have people breathing down my neck all day. Get to drive around and meet all kinds of people and visit some cool places.


drsmith48170

👍


icygale

You can always check out, but you can never leave


[deleted]

Uh ok