DISCUSSIONS

I am trying to remain calm and not let anxiety take over, but it’s hard right now.

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Anonymous

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I am trying to remain calm and not let anxiety take over, but it’s hard right now. My new position (as of 5 weeks ago and I’m under 3 months probationary period) is not taking off like I need it to. I’m in sales and book in-person appointments for my boss, however my direct manager does as well. It would be much easier if I booked the appointments. I’ve been trying to figure out their methodology. The only thing I can think of is they want me to work on rebuttals more, which is fair but she takes the leads with people who say they want an appt. I get the crumbs- people who didn’t say they want an appointment and need convincing. It’s all do-able but I’ve only been on the phones for 4 weeks (first week was being trained in their system). My base salary is tiny. I need to make more commission and meet quota, but not sure how that will happen when my manager books appointments too. I’m falling behind on bills. My landlord is THANKFULLY working with me. I don’t want to just quit because I don’t have a cushion and this is a tough job market, as we all know. I’m in my 50’s and struggling, like so many others but my job (where I clock 50-55 hour weeks) shouldn’t be this hard. I don’t understand how they expect me to make quota when my manager is taking the best leads and booking appointments for him. As I wrote above, maybe it’s because they feel like I need more training (which is fair at this point), but I don’t understand the pressure when I am new. Also, one last thing, my main boss (owner and founder of this company) limits his schedule to 3 days a week which also limits how many appts I can book. I’ve been told he’ll make exceptions and come into the office on other days depending on the potential client. He’s a very successful financial planner, but not everyone qualifies to meet him and/or wants to because they have an FA…that’s where rebuttals come in. It all just feels weird. If this is not a match, I would rather be let go so I can get unemployment. I’m in CA fwiw. I don’t know if anyone here can relate. I don’t want to complain about having a job, but I also question how they think this will work. I noticed a high turnover rate for this role when I started, which is clearly a red flag. They also reconstructed the company before they hired me. It’s small, we are only 5 people in the office. I can say that I am doing my best, but wow about the pressure and feeling like I am not getting enough opportunity.

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  1. Dr. Patty Gross

    The only commission-only job I had was selling cars, so the best advice I can give you is to start looking for something that doesn't rely on commission to make your bills. The market you are in is for those who are passionate and aggressive in sales, and they quickly weed out the others.

    I took the job selling cars, and the draw barely paid my rent. I was able to sell enough most months to get by, and then in a few months, I sold well. It took me several months to get into the swing of things, but passionate and aggressive selling isn't my thing, so I was happy that a career job came along (literally fell into my lap).

  2. Anonymous

    Yes. I’ve heard about selling cars. That is a real grind. I’ve been in similar positions as well selling gold. It’s a hustle and very difficult with the up and down months.

    Re: a career job that fell into your lap…that happened to me 1.5 years ago and then they let me go six months after being hired. It’s been a real struggle ever since.

    I am just trying to figure this out.

  3. Wanda

    This is golden - "but passionate and aggressive selling isn't my thing, so I was happy that a career job came along (literally fell into my lap)."

  4. Anonymous

    I'm retired from financial services. I started in small agencies and worked my way up to Home Office positions for large insurance carriers in sales and marketing. You may want to look at WFH positions with these carriers. They offer many customer services, new business, licensing jobs that are hourly/salaried.

  5. Anonymous

    Thank you.

    This does have a base, but it’s not enough to live on.

    I am just upset at how they outlined my position yet don’t see how or why it’s unrealistic, especially with my manager also booking appointments.

    Doing customer service is fine, but it would also be not enough to live on., which is why I am in sales and have been for a long time. I used to be an IRA processor, which was actually a very good position until they let me go. I would like to get back into that. It pays well and I enjoyed it, however it’s hard to get back in.

    I don’t know…I’ll figure this out, but I do appreciate your input.

  6. Anonymous

    I suggest you jump ship for a position with a salary or hourly pay. My previous experience with a Toxic work company that thrives off genuine, dedicated, self-motivated individuals. I worked for two months daily after work making calls and obtaining sales and new business for the company and not once did I earn a dollar as I was coming short by one or two sales and never qualified for the $500 weekly pay or any bonuses for actual sales made. Save your efforts for opportunities deserving of you. Don’t stress, real opportunities await your talent.

  7. Anonymous

    Well, this does have a base but it’s not liveable. It’s had to just jump ship when I don’t have a cushion. Uber and Lyft don’t pay the bills. As I wrote, I would rather be let go so I can file for unemployment.

    I hear what you are saying about toxic work environment and all the rest. I’ve done sales before , but this company really feels like they have unrealistic expectations for me and the stress is very real.

    I get your point, however, about finding something else.

  8. Anonymous

    Commission based work is tough. Perhaps sit down with the main boss and work out a plan WITH them to fix this. Let them know you have concerns about hitting your quota and paying bills and that you want to do great work for them. If they are unwilling to work with you towards a solution then you should look around and let prospective new employers know that your current role does not support your being able to do the work and grow as you had hoped.

  9. Anonymous

    Yes, it is tough. I also feel like they could give me better leads because this aligns with what I’ve done in the recent past, however as I wrote in my post I understand if they are wanting to work on rebuttals or craft my presentation better. We have almost daily meetings training me and once a week review reports.

    I actually had a good day today, so am feeling a bit better but this is a ride.

    Income will definitely be brought up sometime soon. Not sure I can approach them right now because I am still in training so giving this a go.

    I really don’t want to be out there looking again, although I could turn to my network.

    if I had more saved, some of this stress would be less, but I also question things at times.

    I just have to ride this out a bit more. The base is tiny, but also amazing benefits. I think I’ll have this more figured out in a month. Also, if I don’t make my numbers they will fire me. There is quota, after all.

    I do think they are working with me not against me, but I do question, as I’ve mentioned, their methods when it comes to opportunity for me.

    i really don’t think it’s anyone can tell me what to do, but I really appreciate the feedback everyone has given me. This is also a vent post of sorts. lol

  10. Anonymous

    I disagree with the idea of letting prospective new employers know the downsides of one's current job. Sharing one's goals to grow, discussing positive aspects of the new roles, and so on could be a stronger approach.

  11. Communication Coach

    Option between putting up with the status quo and quitting - how about telling your manager you like your job and need a mix of requests and rebuttals - if your manager is a good manager there may be some adjustments to the leads you get - if the manager is not willing to work with you - then look for something else - and you may want to take a part-time job for the moment to keep your head above water

  12. Anonymous

    The one question that you'll need to ask yourself is, "do you like what you're doing?" If not, it really won't matter what you do to make this job more manageable, you'll still be struggling and frustrated. I agree 100% with what you said in your post that "your job shouldn't be this hard." If you're really doing something that utilizes your natural abilities, skills and talents, it won't seem so arduous. Yes, you'd have the hard times. But they wouldn't deflate you. In fact, they'd make you more determined to stick it out. Have that honest conversation with yourself to see if it's even worth hanging in with this company and your position at this point. Life is way too short to waste another minute doing something that isn't suited for you or you for it. Just my opinion. Best wishes.

  13. Anonymous

    you've been elected to "try to pick up the crumbs". There is no other way to describe this set up. Step back and see it for what it is. This is why you have a tiny base pay. They don't expect alot, they aren't investing alot either in your role. Do NOT take this personally. it's not your age or sex; it's this small company's method to pick up scraps of business and pay whoever does this job poorly. Do your best, but look for something else. Sounds horrible. I'm so very sorry. sell stuff on Facebook or whatever to get some $$$...you deserve better.

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