I love this group, and thank you for letting me share this.

Anonymous

October 1,2022 at 9:43PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

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I love this group, and thank you for letting me share this. I have been with a company now for about 1.5 years. I have been shuffled from one pilot team (shortly after starting there) to another immediately when that pilot failed.

I am flattered that I have been chosen, but I struggle to make it work and have been put on 2 coaching plans now to go into a PIP.

I am in sales/business development. The issue is that this new"territory team pilot" is like no other I have ever worked on in my career. It is (at least to me) not an accurate model of a territory. Leads have been given 2 to 4 weeks into the quarter. You do not own your domain, only a tiny fraction of it. I have had to give up all leads that you were working on before and constantly struggle to build a solid pipeline.

Most of these leads are of small value, and the quota is relatively high (in fact, higher than most of the rest of the floor). High-value leads are far and few between.

I am feeling inadequate and, quite frankly, very discouraged. I have gotten my resume sharpened and have applied for new positions. I have never been let go from a job in my whole career. I suffer from anxiety and have been recently diagnosed with a mood disorder. And, seriously, I am fine and can handle challenges. I am taking care of myself. But, this situation is truly affecting my mental well-being and health.

I asked for a transfer to another department/role that is much more structured and that I feel I could thrive in. I was declined that as I am "underperforming".

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I told the company a few months back that I was having issues with anxiety and that the constant upheaval on this team is not making it any better. Nothing was really done, other than to have me speak to HR. I succeeded and surpassed the first Coaching Plan. It is the 2nd that I missed the mark on revenue, all KPIs were met.

I don't want to "play" the mental health card, but this is an issue. They do not seem to want to acknowledge that most of their workforce in BDM are seeking other positions. I am not the only one feeling dissatisfied.

Thank you!

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AnonymousOctober 1,2022 at 11:05PM UTC
I also suffered from mental illness because of my last job. Well, it's not actually the job but the line manager that I had in that job. I had to take psych meds for my depression and anxiety. Anyway, what I wanna tell you is that your mental health is the most important. Leave the company as soon as you can as for what I can see, they don't value their employees' mental health. Goodluck to you and I hope you get well soon.
AnonymousOctober 2,2022 at 1:34AM UTC
Thank you so much. I am not ashamed of my mental illness. This company is supposed to be supporting all sorts of Diversity and Inclusion. But does not seem to understand or want to understand the ramifications it has on one's health. I was told that there is no accommodation in this role. I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better and put your health above your job.
Arizona NativeOctober 1,2022 at 11:26PM UTC
I have worked in BusDev for years. It sounds like you are in a company with issues. Pipeline building should not be difficult. I am not clear on the “pilot” part, but I think moving on is a good idea.
AnonymousOctober 2,2022 at 1:31AM UTC
Thank you so much.
The "pilot" part is a new program they are trying to incorporate across the floor. Sorry, I should have been clearer on that. I agree as well, it should never be this hard to build a pipeline. We just got new leads on Friday for the 4th Quarter. What is sad is that I am allowing this to undermine my confidence. I really appreciate your kind words. This too shall pass.
Jackie RukaOctober 2,2022 at 3:19AM UTC
I am sorry you are experiencing this, it certainly sounds like you are doing the best you can and I can only imagine how you are feeling.
I have been in a similar job scenario in the past, and it sounds as if the comp plan is not working well for many which then becomes a toxic work situation. The managers sound as if they have no leverage in making change and the leads sound like trash. Plus whatever pilot they are putting people through, how are they setting you or anyone else up for success?
IMO, no job is worth your mental health . You deserve way better.
So many companies need sales, business development and customer service and you have transferable skills, get out out there and move on.
If you can get a day or two of PTO time to get resumes out, connect with a few recruiters, contact a temp company and compartmentalize your new job efforts from your current job.
Lastly, spend 80% of your time on the top 20% of your top leads.
If you need more advice join my Pivot group on here .
AnonymousOctober 2,2022 at 6:18PM UTC
Thank you so much, Jackie. I would love to join your Pivot Group. I just had my resume sharpened up, and it looks great, as well as updating my Linkedin page. I have been applying for jobs.
The issue with some of my colleagues in this Territory pilot is that they have been close to quota or to quota but are selling outside of their territory. Which I was told I could not. So, playing by the rules has cost me.
Even if I get through this PIP, I do not want to stay with this company.
What is a struggle for me at this point is that I am questioning everything that I am doing. Am I not good enough, or do I measure up to my colleagues? It is wreaking havoc on my confidence. I have been fully open to constructive criticism and have followed and adapted. We all can learn and are never too wise not to be open to learning.
Thank you! I look forward to joining your group!
Jackie RukaOctober 2,2022 at 6:37PM UTC
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Just know that.
It just sounds like it’s not a great fit and you are a person with integrity so understandable.
I have learned that sometimes an obstacle is a lesson to stick to your values and take control of your career. This companies values are not aligned. Simple as that.
Lisa MaherOctober 28,2022 at 2:16PM UTC
Good Friday morning, everyone! I wanted to say just how much your words and advice, as well as your solidarity, helped me through this chapter in my career. I have since moved on to a new job with a UK-based company at twice the base pay and am looking forward to my future with them. It is difficult when you are in the midst of a situation not to be able to discern if it was your shortcomings, not a good fit, or simply toxic. My perspective is 20/20, and I am thankful for my time with them. Everything has a story and a purpose in our lives. Not every fit is a good fit.