I remember it all so vividly.
Account balance: $8.61
My gas light had just come on which meant I had about 30 miles to empty.
The office was 27 miles away from the apartment (where I lived in an actual walk-in closet, just big enough for me to stand next to my twin bed if the door was shut.)
Atop my 3 built-in drawers were 2 boxes of cereal & 3 granola bars.
I remember doing the mental gymnastics…
“Okay, so… if I get gas, I can probably make it to and from work 2 more times. I get paid Friday, it’s Tuesday. I could call in sick one day - I have the PTO. That works. If skip breakfast, have the granola bars for lunch, and do cereal for dinner, I’m good til payday.”
I was making $17 an hour living in one of the most expensive cities in the US, a full-time worker, a full-time student, and completely exhausted.
This was 2017.
I was 21.
How was I supposed to make it?
How is anyone?
I remember how my family would talk about “salespeople”.
Like it was this dirty word.
It was the throwaway career.
But, you know what software sales gave me?
The ability to double my income almost overnight. (Not to mention the ability to earn MORE based on performance).
Freedom from credit card debt.
A lesson in time management.
The ability to transfer enthusiasm.
An opportunity to help others solve complex problems.
The confidence to command my own destiny.
The SDR role was the key to the kingdom.
I wouldn’t be in the job I am in now without that experience.
Sales saved my life.
Helped me pull myself out of financial hell and gave me room to breathe.
It changed the course of my entire career.
Don’t you DARE imply it’s a “backup plan” or a “throwaway” job.
I am really proud of my background in Sales.
Put some respect on that title.
Account balance: $8.61
My gas light had just come on which meant I had about 30 miles to empty.
The office was 27 miles away from the apartment (where I lived in an actual walk-in closet, just big enough for me to stand next to my twin bed if the door was shut.)
Atop my 3 built-in drawers were 2 boxes of cereal & 3 granola bars.
I remember doing the mental gymnastics…
“Okay, so… if I get gas, I can probably make it to and from work 2 more times. I get paid Friday, it’s Tuesday. I could call in sick one day - I have the PTO. That works. If skip breakfast, have the granola bars for lunch, and do cereal for dinner, I’m good til payday.”
I was making $17 an hour living in one of the most expensive cities in the US, a full-time worker, a full-time student, and completely exhausted.
This was 2017.
I was 21.
How was I supposed to make it?
How is anyone?
I remember how my family would talk about “salespeople”.
Like it was this dirty word.
It was the throwaway career.
But, you know what software sales gave me?
The ability to double my income almost overnight. (Not to mention the ability to earn MORE based on performance).
Freedom from credit card debt.
A lesson in time management.
The ability to transfer enthusiasm.
An opportunity to help others solve complex problems.
The confidence to command my own destiny.
The SDR role was the key to the kingdom.
I wouldn’t be in the job I am in now without that experience.
Sales saved my life.
Helped me pull myself out of financial hell and gave me room to breathe.
It changed the course of my entire career.
Don’t you DARE imply it’s a “backup plan” or a “throwaway” job.
I am really proud of my background in Sales.
Put some respect on that title.
