There are more reasons as to why a job in sales is bad idea than there are to the profession being a good idea. I love sales myself – researching, cold calling, meetings, sealing the deal etc. i like some parts more than others. So, why do most believe that a sales job is a bad idea or that it is unstable.

According to a study by Bridge Group, the average turnover rate for salespeople in the software industry was 34% in 2018.

THE CONS:

You are dependant on the product, operations and customer service teams doing a good job

You sometimes need to swallow your values

Its difficult to find a sales team that aren’t highly competitive and toxic

Usually it is high turnover, unstable employment

KPI’s, you are just a monetary number figure

High pressure, high stress

Tons of rejection, probably more rejection than any other profession.

Repeatitive, call call call, meeting, meeting… meeting

Other departments think your job is not “real work”

Highest highs and the lowest lows

Income volatility

Negative stereotypes about sales people

Recieving death threats, angry customers, you will be their first, most expendible point of call

You will likely have to skip around different companies for a long time to find a great culture

That feeling when you aren’t making your numbers and your blaming everyone and everything else except yourself

Working all hours to catch customers. Being available when they need you.

Hey, hey… Cheer up, it’s not all doom and gloom is it? There are some positives such as flexible work hours, autonomy and earning potential.

A survey by HubSpot found that 44% of respondents had a negative view of salespeople, and only 3% had a very positive view. It’s not for everyone, so before you make Sales your career choice, think carefully!