Frustrated at new job...lateral move dilemma...are they all the same?

I desperately need your help....

I left my last sales position of 5 years because I hit the glass ceiling and was sick of being micro managed. In my new position however, there is zero micro managing but at the same time there is no leadership, direction, and very limited training on the product I am supposed to 'go out and sell' (which I have).

If we do not sell anything in a week we are all sworn at on a teleconference and reps are belittled in front of the group. I've had to approach my boss to find out where I stand, what his expectations are etc, and so far he feels I am on track, and will be "his best rep". (but I hate that I have to go to him, shouldn’t there be a protocol for this?) As far as 'training' I am literally given a manual to read and then "just go out and sell".

I have asked my boss constantly for more training and after my 3 months of being there, it is finally set up for a couple of months out. Also, almost everyone is "too busy" to help because they’ve been in the same position as me, (zero training with high expectations), this combined with lack of communication has led to "reactive" rather than "proactive" customer support.

Lastly, all the other sales reps have tried to be nice by "warning me" of all the crap I am supposed to expect in this position; they are all quite negative.


On top of all this, I feel like an idiot because I realize now that I made a lateral move. My original goal was to move to a company where I would be able to grow, get better pay etc, but I've ended up in pretty much the same scenario as before.

From what I've described, considering the pay at $50kbase, and the fact that all I have is a high school diploma, should I stick it out? (am I limited by my education? Part of me thinks I'm not since I was able to land this job but...) Or are there other opportunities for a talented sales rep like myself? If I do leave, how do I explain that 3 month job on my resume?

I feel I can do better, but on the other hand I worry/wonder that perhaps I am being too picky and that all sales positions will have the same issues that I've described here....which means I would need to re-evaluate my entire career plan.

Reply by Peter Fisher

What a dilemma you have. I'd like to make some suggestions, but I don't know enough about you. Is this product you have to 'just go out and sell' in your normal product range? Is it big ticket or low value? What is your market place B2B or B2C?

Evidently you know what management style suits you best and before another move, which by the way is no problem explaining, you need to assess your own values and then measure any new opportunity against them.

If sales is what you do and I imagine you are good at it or you would have changed a lot sooner, then you will find there are opportunities with supportive and responsive employers who will give you the training you need and help you to succeed.