I posted recently about the importance of LinkedIn and keeping my network up to date, especially after being laid off last week.

9 Comments

1. Tami L CannizzaroSeptember 11,2024 at 5:00PM UTC

   Sounds like you feel more strongly about the 2nd one, if they could come to your terms (or at least closer). So why not ask? Worst they can do is say no, or perhaps they will counter with something that gets closer to what you would like. IF you are truly interested in the position, start off by saying how interested you are joining the team, reiterate you are ready to jump in and make a contribution. Ideally, you were looking for a position with a salary that aligned more closely with your current role; would they be open to something like.... and then explain what you are looking for. I'm assuming you are interested in these offers and you are not jumping at the first ones you've received or because you've been highly recommended. Or is this more of an emergency situation and you need to pick one of these jobs now? Either way, I encourage you to consider all aspects of the position, the company, etc. because it's easy to gloss over some of this when we've been laid off and are looking for work.

2. AnonymousSeptember 11,2024 at 5:13PM UTC

   I've done the draw plus commission, and the answer depends on how likely you are to make enough commission to exceed the draw. It takes even longer to get ahead when falling behind because you have to pay the "back" draw before any new commissions (so the draw can and will multiply). An important question is how the commission is calculated. Is it based on gross or net? Most commission jobs I have had were based on "profit," not "revenue," If this is the case, ask what the commission is on the ten most likely objects you are positioned to sell. When I was in a computer store, I once sold a $1,600 TV and was paid more commission on the $20 screen cleaner than the TV because the store was based the commission on profit. When I sold cars, I made a higher commission on an $8,000 used car than a $60,000 new car, again because it was based on profit. Many stores don't tell you this, but they make very little money on the big-ticket items and push the "add-ons" to fill the profit gap. If you don't like their answer, you can try to negotiate the terms you want with the first company.

3. AnonymousSeptember 12,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

   Congrats, you are very fortunate. After my layoff I have been interviewing for 6 months and nothing yet. The applicant pool to job ratio is terrible at the moment.

4. AnonymousSeptember 13,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

   I am in the same predicament. I was laid off in February and still looking.

5. AnonymousSeptember 13,2024 at 12:33PM UTC

   This has also been my experience as well. My network doesn't have much to offer either.

6. AnonymousSeptember 13,2024 at 12:49PM UTC

   Congrats on the offers! Despite an amazing network and being highly respected in my industry it took me 5 months to get a job after being laid off. I would say this is pretty amazing and not walk away from either situation. The job market is insanely tough and more qualified people are getting laid off by the minute.

   Since the second job is a boutique firm - how well are they doing? Can they weather the storm of this economy? Why are they offering you anything? Is the position open because someone left due to management etc? I’d make sure to do your research and ask lots of questions. If it seems like a good opportunity then great!

   The first job sounds like an easy transition. Don’t think of either one as being your next forever job. It’s way easier to get a new job while you have one than stressing about bills and looking for a job. So if the first job is easy and secure and covers your bills, then take it while you keep your options open ! Majority of companies will not be offering what you think they should. My industry was paying about $10k less than what I was making due to budgets for the same exact role. I moved into a new position entirely and took some big hits in benefits and bonus. However there are other perks - entirely remote, very low stress, work life balance, and some flexibility in schedule. Always consider the whole picture of what you’re getting and not just the money.

7. GirlBossanova934974September 13,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

   It's nearly impossible to draw any conclusions about job number 2 with what you have provided. Is this established company? What territory are they giving you? Are these established accounts? What kind of brand awareness does the marketplace have of the company? How much marketing is being provided to help you to build up the pipeline? MARKETING is key here. Do they have some sort of lead gen platform that you will be using? CRM systems? Without that, job number one is the obvious choice.

8. AnonymousSeptember 15,2024 at 1:20PM UTC

   Ask for more money, more than what you expect and let them negotiate down. Use the two offers against each other and go big or go home. Now’s the time to get what you’re worth. Don’t sell yourself short.

9. AnonymousSeptember 17,2024 at 5:12PM UTC

   Hi Everyone- thank you for all the valuable feedback. I was vague for certain reasons — I work in a small industry and don’t want to run the risk (albeit small) that someone I know may read my posts.

   I am well aware of how tough this market is and understand completely how frustrating it can be. I went through sheer hell before landing my last job before being let go.

   The second job is where my heart is and they offered me something I couldn't refuse.

   It’s my second day and so far it’s what they said it would be. I’m being treated like a professional with leads being given to me so I can hit the ground running. Also, it’s a solid base instead of a draw.

   In no way am I taking this for granted and still live on planet earth, meaning I’m well aware of how fortuitous this was but if it wasn’t for being on LI, it would not have happened. And that is a true story.

   This business does fluctuate and they keep it small, meaning very few ppl on the sales floor. There is literally 4 of us - another thing that is unheard of.

   I’ve learned to stay active on LI, even if it’s just sharing a post or liking one.

   It does happen but not all the time, but in my case it did work and I hope that my experience helps others.

   Best of luck to everyone!