I actually considered moving from technical support to sales in the same company, thinking of the earning to give approach. I imagined I would develop skills that can transfer to other industries, and gradually lead to marketing, or UX for product landing pages, product management… (these might not be better paid, depending on the product, most definitely not better paid).
The personal fit bit stopped me. I am a problem solver and prefer projects (even if short term). I can’t read people’s moods well and being a good salesperson would take me too long and too much effort. For “naturally” persuasive people, I think ths is perfect (keeping in mind the temptations and trying to stay away from selling harmful products). I can think of very good options in machinery, logistics solutions, transportation, agriculture. Not only software.
For industries with a handful of well known competitors, there’s another way to keep your salary high even if you don’t hit the targets always. Your ex-employee won’t like you moving to another provider and explaining potential buyers the weaknesses of their products, which you know very well. I see this at work, we have ex-sales reps from competitors. Before you smell that they might fire you, or change your position to a less lucrative one, you can point to the possibility of quitting and this changes the power dynamics.
Another plus for this option is that it can easily be remote, and include loads of travelling to conferences, fairs and events. Plus there’s no need for a degree. It’s a very low risk career change or career path. Plenty of companies offer sales jobs and many train you very well. I can’t be sure but I don’t think AI will wipe out salespeople. When it comes to money, you want someone to blame and point with your finger when a sales promise wasn’t fulfilled. Especially with expensive services and products, personal trust is crucial. You can’t afford failing in the first impressions.
It’s true that it rarely comes as a prestigious career but we can always change the game rules. Recently, I read and listened to ferry operators who felt super accomplished for bringing staples to the island where otherwise how would people live and buy groceries? And the truck driver feeling that her job was super important because all the people who go to the shop and can find the goddies that wouldn’t be there otherwise. (Yes some of those goodies are probably causing teeth to rot and obesity but you have the veggies and grains as well).
And if one day you can retire and be a full time EA, sales skills are perfect for finding donors, lobbying… !
Thank you for this analysis!
I actually considered moving from technical support to sales in the same company, thinking of the earning to give approach. I imagined I would develop skills that can transfer to other industries, and gradually lead to marketing, or UX for product landing pages, product management… (these might not be better paid, depending on the product, most definitely not better paid).
The personal fit bit stopped me. I am a problem solver and prefer projects (even if short term). I can’t read people’s moods well and being a good salesperson would take me too long and too much effort. For “naturally” persuasive people, I think ths is perfect (keeping in mind the temptations and trying to stay away from selling harmful products). I can think of very good options in machinery, logistics solutions, transportation, agriculture. Not only software.
For industries with a handful of well known competitors, there’s another way to keep your salary high even if you don’t hit the targets always. Your ex-employee won’t like you moving to another provider and explaining potential buyers the weaknesses of their products, which you know very well. I see this at work, we have ex-sales reps from competitors. Before you smell that they might fire you, or change your position to a less lucrative one, you can point to the possibility of quitting and this changes the power dynamics.
Another plus for this option is that it can easily be remote, and include loads of travelling to conferences, fairs and events. Plus there’s no need for a degree. It’s a very low risk career change or career path. Plenty of companies offer sales jobs and many train you very well. I can’t be sure but I don’t think AI will wipe out salespeople. When it comes to money, you want someone to blame and point with your finger when a sales promise wasn’t fulfilled. Especially with expensive services and products, personal trust is crucial. You can’t afford failing in the first impressions.
It’s true that it rarely comes as a prestigious career but we can always change the game rules. Recently, I read and listened to ferry operators who felt super accomplished for bringing staples to the island where otherwise how would people live and buy groceries? And the truck driver feeling that her job was super important because all the people who go to the shop and can find the goddies that wouldn’t be there otherwise. (Yes some of those goodies are probably causing teeth to rot and obesity but you have the veggies and grains as well).
And if one day you can retire and be a full time EA, sales skills are perfect for finding donors, lobbying… !
Thanks Patrick!