Want to Leave Your Sales Job? Ask Yourself These 7 Questions First
Sales is a high turnover profession. There are some people who get in and quickly get out, others who like to switch jobs frequently, and those who stick it out for a while but eventually move onto better opportunities. It’s not unheard of to see sales reps with multiple employers under their belt within a two year period.
But sometimes, people leave their sales jobs hastily and don’t take the time to think things through. Before leaving a company, there are some things every single salesperson should stop and ask themselves. If you’re considering moving on from your current role, ask yourself these seven questions before you leave your sales job:
(You should also try a sales automation CRM, which will help increase your sales)
1. Am I trying my best?
It might be worthwhile to give your best where you’re currently working before moving on. In sales, you can’t really reap the full benefits of a position unless you’re performing at your highest levels. This means that if you’re not, then you might not be in the best position to judge whether or not it’s worth staying. To put it simply, before quitting, make sure you’ve given it all you’ve got.
2. Is it the job or the profession?
This is an important question to ask yourself before you leave your sales job. Is it that you’re not happy at your current job, or is it sales in general that’s not a good fit for you? If it’s the former, then moving on is probably a good idea. However, if it’s the latter then you’re probably going to feel the same way at another company. It might take a few months for the novelty of working somewhere new to wear off, but eventually you’ll end up feeling the same as you did before if you’re not committed to working in sales.
3. Is there any upward mobility?
You need to ask this question about where you’re currently working as well as where you’re considering going. Perhaps your goal is to get into management and your current employer is the best place to make it happen. Or you’re looking to make a move into another division or department, and you can only do that with another employer. In either case, ask yourself whether there is room to grow, before you go leave your sales job.
4. Am I just in a slump?
Sales can have its ups and downs. This is why it’s important to understand whether your current performance or unhappiness is a result of a temporary or a longer-term trend. Even the best salespeople get into sales slumps, so don’t assume that if you’re struggling that it’ll never end. Be realistic about where you are, and try not to magnify the situation in your own mind when making your decision on whether or not to leave your sales job.
5. How will this benefit me long-term?
When deciding whether or not to leave a position, you should take a step back and look at the big picture. Sure, leaving might make you feel better temporarily, but does it help you and your career in the long-term? Try to picture where you were a few years ago, and then where you’re hoping to be a few years from now. Does leaving your job help you get closer to that goal, or further away from it?
6. Where is the industry headed?
This is a question that many of us don’t ask enough, but you should try to get an understanding of where the trends are in your industry. Is it a product or service that is likely to be automated or eliminated a few years from now? Or is it a cutting-edge industry that is almost sure to experience growth over the next few years and decades?
7. Do I have a plan?
You need to think ahead if you’re considering leaving your job. Do you have another position lined up? Will you have health benefits for yourself and your family if you quit? How long can you survive without any income? Will you be giving up any upcoming bonuses or other income that you’re entitled to? Sit down and think everything through, and make sure you understand the position that you might be putting yourself in. It will help if you can make your decision with eyes wide open.
