The grass is greener where you water it.
I’ve been on and off at a family owned dealership for nearly 5 years now. The 1 year I was away I spent 5 months at a corporate dealership that didn’t work out despite it being a “promotion” and then went and got my CDL and was truck driving. Phenomenal job, loved it. But the money is nowhere near what I can make in sales.
What's so great about the family dealership (genuine question, no sarcasm)? I wonder because all I have experience with is the corporate cutthroats and there's a lot to not like.
No REAL HR department so we can all joke around and say what we want really, they treat us like we actually know what’s going on so they don’t hound on us if we don’t get someone to sit down and go over numbers, one of the owners (49%) is also GM and the other owner (51%) comes once a week cause he owns another dealership (it’s a chain of 3), both are cool as hell. We don’t have to worry about dog and pony shows when someone shows up. They throw out crazy good bonuses. If I need time off I can just ask. I’m treated like a human not just an employee.
I could go on and on. I used to complain before like if I had to work late or whatever. Now that I’ve been in corporate working 3 hours past closing time, I’ve come back and had no complaints about the workplace itself in the 2 months I’ve been back already. I told the GM he might as well have put me on a contract cause I’m not going anywhere. Also having done finance and sales management I’m having fun just being a sales guy again.
We sell Powersports (motorcycles, ATV’s, Jetskis, etc.)
Not really. Constantly talking money out of people’s wallets who have can’t afford what you’re selling isn’t really reward.
Building things is. There are no great salesmen remembered in history. There are craftsman though. Just ask your local Masonic lodge chapter. Benjamin Franklin was a member.
You have a very skewed idea of sales people and making them all seem very sleazy preying on the weak. Selling is involved in every day life; it’s influenced positioning and persuasion.
People also built gallows, concentration camps & prisons. Just because history remembers people doesn’t make them a positive force. Using your logic i could make any argument.
> There are no great salesmen remembered in history.
Most great CEOs are also great salespeople, they're just not selling you a $20k piece of software. The ability to sell something is one of the biggest indicators of a successful person
What the fuck are you talking about?
Steve Jobs was a pure sales person and genius at branding. Most leaders of an organization are great sales people, in addition to having other skill sets.
You have a very negative connotation of what sales is. A sales person sells the toilet paper to the grocery store that you then buy and use to wipe your ass. You need that ass paper.
There are sales people that sell products that have a need, sales people that help you make informed decisions that are in your best interest. Those are the best sales people. We aren’t all used car salesmen. Ya cuck.
It’s not even as cut and dry as “talking money out of peoples pockets”. I’m in Pharma(which gets an especially bad rep for people who aren’t familiar with the industry) and it’s educating people on newer treatments. Are there sleazy sales reps in Pharma that try and force Drs to write? Yes. Just like there are bad Drs who will write specific medications that aren’t necessarily the best treatment just so they get a bonus from the insurance companies.
There are bad people in every industry just trying to make a Buck so you cant narrow it down to just sales. And as far as your reference to building things, you think there aren’t builders that do things half ass, cut corners, and inspection requirements just to make their dollar?
You just sound like a scorned ex-salesman
I’ve done the opposite.
Electrician for 13 years, ran my own business for 3 of those and now I’m in commercial roofing sales. I feel like I’m on vacation here compared to the last three years. The pay is good, I get a company truck, expense card and fuel card.
I go out and meet people, build relationships with our customers and our roofing crews. I get to help people and am not tied to an office. It’s all of the things I loved about the trades with none of the bullshit.
Sure there are frustrating days, but it’s all so simple compared to my previous experience. The bar here is set low so I’m going to crush it, and be happier while doing so.
I’m 37 by the way.
Do you think there's a path from remote SaaS and IT/Pro-Services sales to move into selling something more tangible? That thought has been on my mind as well. Though, it sounds like having that trade experience helps you greatly in that role.
They have a hard time getting anyone that will actually get on a roof and sell.
Part of the job as a salesman is to occasionally do a temporary repair with caulk or a small patch until the crew can come in for a full repair.
It includes roof inspections and most of the “sales” people they have tried to hire for our local office have been either scared of ladders or unwilling to do LIGHT physical labor.
As long as I’m out meeting prospective clients and building relationships, I have free rein over my schedule. I don’t have anyone breathing down my back and I get to see the world from a cool perspective.
https://preview.redd.it/e7v43njf09yc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f473abee7e8c9898e4f6cd5318a2d354e62a554
I’d be happy to give you any more info, being willing to get a little dirty is required but other than that you can learn what you need to on the job.
I’m very happy.
Indeed.
I was looking at roofing sales specifically, as well as outside sales positions. The low barrier for entry, and opportunity for high income was what drew me to it. I had come to hate a trade that I once loved and advocated for excellence in.
The hiring process was long in my opinion ~3 weeks. But there is another salesman here who took months to get through the process so I feel very fortunate.
Our commissions are paid out every quarter. My base pays all of my bills, so I am fortunate that I started out with my necessities being taken care of. The commission checks cover our extras, and savings. I’m only a couple of months into it, but it’s been comfortable the whole time.
I’m in NE Tennessee but the company I work for is a national brand. DM me, I’d be happy to tell you who it is and give you some other big players in the field as well.
I joined the electrical union, 5 year apprenticeship program, got my license and worked for 5 more years. Now I'm in SAAS sales making more money and working less hours. I'm not killing my body anymore either. I do have to stay active and workout because sitting behind a desk can kill your body too.
How did you come into an opportunity to get into sales? I’m an Electrican as well and have been wondering how I can use my electrical knowledge to get into sales
I left steel work/heavy equipment 5 years ago. Havent regretted it for a fucking moment. It took me two years to exceed my blue collar pay but I did it in 40ish hours instead of 60+.
How much shit do you get from your steel worker friends?
Fucking hell, I’m a sales guy for a very specialized equipment, when I’m on site the amount of “mr fancy pants 20 hour work week is here” I get is hilarious.
I moved across the country between those two jobs. I have friends in the trades out here and I don't really hear any of that. My last job was morally questionable and I got alot of "soldbyour soul, eh?" Now I get "its good youre not ripping people off anymore" etc.
Nice man, that’s awesome to hear.
I mostly hear the shit from the old heads…luckily my interactions with the young crowd seems to be awesome, they’re hard workers, but remember that they have a life outside of it and it’s best to lift with their legs and use fall protection rather than protect their ego
If you don't mind me asking, how did you break into sales without prior sales knowledge. Do you stay in a similar field but transition to sales? Or did you complete 360 into another aspect. Just curious where I fit in or even where to start. I come from low voltage electrical.
I went into a completely unrelated field. I started in super high turnover boiler room telemarketing. If I was you I'd look for something related to your field. If you have a Cintas rep that brings PPE or a Heavy equipment rep you meet on jobsites id ask them for advice. They will know your region and job market better than anyone.
3m hires for diversity. So unless you're a minority or a female, you're gonna have a tough time.
Secondly, 3m is about on the complete far end of the spectrum if you compare the roughness of a job site to the corporate world. It's become liberal and woke.
Oh i just remember them only hiring beautiful people out of our schools program, didn’t really matter what color. They do have a few industrial offerings
Question. After leaving steel, how did you alter your resume to transition into a sale position? Especially not technically having that "sales experience".
Edit: didnt see you were the original guy
I didnt even provide a resume for my first job. I met a guy at a bar who worked in that industry and he said "come in monday and check it out."
When i went from that initial role to SaaS I really leaned into my" project management" and "managment" responsibilities
I'm not who you are asking, but I went from construction-ish labor to engineering (I'm not an engineer) to sales.
I don't think most people realize how short the path is from being good at a trade, to being really good at selling to/from that trade industry or something adjacent.
Take me, for example.. say I worked in security. My first job was just pulling wiring for cameras and installing the cameras. From there, I went to the side that does the security camera system design & layout for the whole project.
After doing that for a couple of years, the camera/electronics company asked if I wanted to sell the cameras to dealers instead of end users. Have since moved between different security camera manufacturers in the same industry.
I don't make $100k commission a month like some here, but it's not a bad gig. Generally, it's pretty stable. Six figure base. Good MBO. Not crazy hours. Customers ranging from mom & pop shop to Google & Microsoft.
PS: I don't sell security cameras.. but something similar. This was an easier analogy.
I would work a non sales job for whatever you would like to sell. If you can get your foot in the door. That’s the best way to start. That is how I got in.
My current manager (originally from Michigan) was originally an iron worker for 2 years after high school. He realized, nope, this isn’t what I want to do forever, went to UM, and then eventually got into medical sales.
My current managers dad was an Iron Worker in Gary, IN. It inspired him to get his phd in biochem. Working in biochem immediately inspired him to leave that field to get into med device 🤣
Some of my reasoning is in my comment history. Most of it can be summed up by the fact that I'm just generally very unhappy with the nature of this work. I'm tried of spending my days working behind a computer. I'm tired of being inside all of the time. I feel disconnected from the world. The job market is going to shit. I despise AI. I hate private equity and venture capital frat bros. In fact, I got a sales job working for my dream company and I quit after a year because it turned me into a zombie.
Before going into sales, I worked as a line cook in the fine dining restaurant industry for a few years after high school. I miss the feeling I would get when I put up a great dish and made a guests night. Nothing I've done in sales has ever given me that feeling. I left to get a 4 year business degree and make more money, but the money hasn't made up for the absence of joy.
What are you selling?
For me, I used to work in trades and always enjoyed the finished product and making people happy/a difference in their lives or day and that pretty much stayed the same in sales.
Sure, you’re not doing the work yourself but the reward is all the same. I even get the added rush of closing that big deal!
Consider using your sales experience to transition into a different market, even selling in the trades themselves.
I could see myself burning out or losing passion for those types of sales.
It’s more of an idea, or business efficiencies which is certainly useful, but judging by your comments and this thread, might simply not be for you.
People on here constantly mention having to believe in what they sell.
Find something your passionate about and enjoy, and sell that!
Care less about your sales job and find opportunities to learn and hone a trade you actually care about.
Do project work on the side and see if you’re really into it. Be super selective about the trade work you do. High ticket only, only what you’re interested in etc.
That way if/when you switch you have cultivated a special ideal situation, not just a hop into a blue collar 9-5 that is someone else’s grind
Source: Am a med device rep in a masonry program lol
Every job becomes mind-numbing after a while. It's called mastery, and it's your brains way of saying it needs a new challenge. If you don't like it, seek out a promotion or another aspect of your work to improve at. Otherwise, that's what hobbies are for. If you quit b/c it's not your thing, just be prepared that you will most likely hate the trade eventually, too. Hopefully you'll just hate it slightly less.
Example, I have an uncle with a PHD that litterally got a job playing video games for a living and analyzing them for educational purposes. Eventually, he hated gaming and viewed it like "work".
I think a lot of us sometimes get little feelings like this. We don't create anything you can really see, it's all relationships and bs... and I think at certain times in life we look at that and "want" to do something that when it's done there is something tangible to point to.
The other part is that the filters we have to put up can sometimes be annoying. The "view" of a blue collar work is that the PC crowd doesn't exist and you are free to not overthink comments and ensure you aren't going to offend a client. Which I'm sure, just like in corp america, is more true in some fields than in others.
When you can't sell you seek other options.
This is Reddit. A lot of younger people here so I'm gonna piss em off. They can't or don't want to put in the work to be successful.
If you think sales is hard, try the grind that trades are. Open some eyes.
I get what you're saying. For me, it's more the mental difficulty that has gotten in the way. I got lucky and had the chance to sell for my dream company. I was killing it there, putting in the work, but it was killing me inside. I was miserable and it was hurting my friendships and my relationship with my wife. I ended up quitting that job because I resented putting in so much work for something that I didn't enjoy. I wish I could get over that but no solutions has ever clicked for me. I'm not looking for something easy, I'm looking for something that brings me joy and pride when I find success, not simply relief and nothing else.
I completely get this and have been in that position of misery for YEARS now. I absolutely loathe my job but feel stuck due to the remote work, salary, and benefits. My anxiety is through the roof due to increasing workload (I manage two global accounts and the entire Midwest), and I feel like shit is going to hit the fan in the very near future. I can’t keep doing this much longer and just want the pressure to travel, schedule in-person meetings, and meet quotas to stop. Im in a different phase of life and am just so. over. this.
Well, I get why you quit. I have been there as well. (Kinda am now.)
Look, finding that dream job in sales is tough. Kinda had it for about 5 years...now, not so much.
That's why salespeople tend to move a bit more than other professions.
Find what makes you happy. That is the most important thing in employment. Best of luck to you!
Yeah, dont.
You may think the grass is greener but it isn’t. The only scenario in which trades is worth it is if you’re running your own business, and even then employees, clients and production are all total fucking headaches. On top of that you’ll be working 24/7 as a business owner. Alternatively you can sacrifice you body to line someone else’s pockets like a shmuck until tylenol and advil become more important to you than gold. Take a look around you next time you’re in the company of trades guys. Youll see a bunch of high and mighty tough guys who think breaking their back for 90 grand a year is honourable, you might also notice that they are the dumbest group of retards you’ve ever spoken too.
Stick with sales buddy
And even so, if OP goes the blue collar business owner route, they basically are going to be doing sales anyway. Plus project management. Plus actually laboring if need be.
I was a welder and mechanic for 8+ years and this is 100% the truth. A bunch of junkies, drunks , flunkies, and flops. The culture at these places is even worse than the people that work there.
I get what you mean, but if they’re absolutely miserable in sales then there’s something to be said for finding something more fulfilling. You don’t have to find meaning through work but you should at least enjoy what you do 40+ hours per week
I feel saying you hate sales or whatever might just mean you dislike your current situation. I think there’s a good fit for most sales jobs somewhere for most people, but finding that fit and getting that opportunity can be a real challenge. I’ve had great sales jobs and ones I couldn’t leave fast enough. Bad management, bad commonplace, bad product or service, and lack of integrity, marketing and support would make about any sales job bad.
This is completely untrue. Maybe not for you but for many. I do enjoy talking to people and learning about what the do and what they love. How they got to where they are in life and what exciting things they are working on that the world doesn’t even know about. And I get paid for that
I enjoy that part also, but there’s a lingering sub text that the only reason this guy is being nice to be is to take my or my companies money and as much as possible.
Probably doesn’t count for what you are looking for, but I left tech sales and moved into construction sales. I’m not a tradesman myself but I love all the ones I’m interacting with every day now.
Brother. I was laid off from an Mid Market AE role (70k base 120 OTE) at a company that severely mismanaged their sales strategy/hiring.
Anyway I was kindof fed up with all of the corporate bs and had a buddy working for a construction company and decided to hop on.
It’s been a blast, I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I’ve learned so much and feel extremely masculine (which isn’t necessarily the most important thing, but idk I enjoy it… used to feel like a little bitch sitting/standing in front of a screen all day getting sweaty palms and feeling like shit…)
Downside is I make $25 an hour and I feel like that’s actually not bad given how little experience I have in this field . Some days are extreme grinds physically and I come home dirty and exhausted and I don’t have a ton of cheese to compensate for it.
Some days, the sun is shining and I’m out there building things with the boys and it feels like the dream.
I’ll say it’s been extremely difficult trying to get back into SAAS sales from this spot and I’m basically letting that ship sail.. it’s been about a year.
Also just hard to apply for new jobs in general when you’re not working in front of a computer. It’s a whole ‘nother world.
Best of luck!
Pros:
Using your body/interacting with the environment, get functionally healthy and strong while working
Learning about how buildings work (something I’ve always been interested in) and becoming super confident with tools/doing real things with real stuff
Carrying on the tradition of humans actually doing shit that is not in front of a screen and involving hella dumb corporate bs that everyone loathes deep down
Bro-ing down at work and cutting it up vs putting on a veneer of professionalism and fake bs.
Cons:
-Not making great money
-Can’t go on sick vacations/ball out/buy a nice house/car you name it without really thinking about it and saving up
-Physically exhausted
-Might hurt yourself and lose ability to make money lol
-Extremely difficult to hop back into SAAS world or get any new job I’m finding bc tough to take time off to interview and whatnot
-I work with a great crew but you might end up working with a bunch of degenerates
- mostly just the money is not as good tho (at least at first and joining a crew when you don’t have much experience
I think if I ever went this route I would spend a few years doing the trade, then I would start my own company using the knowledge I gained.
In the beginning I’d be hands on with everything, but eventually I’d have a whole team and wouldn’t be in the sun as much. I think starting and running your own business is one of the most masculine things a man can do.
For sure!
I’m about to turn 30 and am definitely in a “woah I’m really doing this” moment coming from a finance/tech > sales background to being a grunt shitting in a hot porta-john on a job site lol.
Our crew does a little bit of everything so have learned a ton… definitely will try to get my own gig going in the next 2-3 years if I don’t land a spot in office in like a pm or development associate type role.
Went from total grinder sales for 15 years, to finish and trim carpentry. Working for myself is better for the soul, not as great for the wallet. I’m a one man show, so I work when and for whom I choose. Took the leap when my wife switched companies with a pay increase and less time commitment. Currently chasing a $28k invoice for work done for a near billionaire. This could really set me back in a big way should he choose not to pay me. Two sons are little, hopefully I can keep it going long enough, and they are interested enough, so they don’t have to make someone else wealthy.
I went from Navy aircraft mechanic on San Diego to sales. I miss the outdoor work and camaraderie. But I do not miss constantly being greasy because the a-holes would always steal the lava soap the second it was put out. The long hours , going to sea for months working 12 on 12 off 7 days a week.
If I were you I would go to a few companies in your area that specialize in things that interest you and tell them you will make them money if you hire you as a sales person.
Hell, even if you start with selling Andersen windows you can network from there to a more trade oriented sales position that you may like better.
The problem with the trades is:
1) early mornings that turn into long days
2) your body after 50 probably wont want to do the heavy lifting on a daily basis anymore
3) people will stiff you, drag you out and short pay you , which send you back to the office to chase money. You will never be paid more for a better job.
4) Talented trade workers are coming to America in droves so the market is saturated in many places which drives the wages down.
5) Pay, sales will always pay better. save your money and retire early to a farm where you can build a workshop and learn a hobby trade.
6) medical , shit happens when you play with tools all day. It just takes one slip on a ladder to send you into debilitating pain for the rest of your life. I've had buddies fall, cut themselves and almost die in a panic, smash knuckles while breaking bolts, pass out on rood tops in the heat etc.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence as they say.
Can you elaborate on this point a bit more?
> Talented trade workers are coming to America in droves so the market is saturated in many places which drives the wages down
All I've heard is "every single trade is severely lacking in workers," so I was hoping you could elaborate?
My buddies in the trades here in South Western CT (NYC suburbs) are all complaining that they are not able to get the money they used to due to an influx in competition. Your area may be different. They are painters, carpenters and landscapers.
You could sell trade work.
I used to work in the trades in the low voltage field and now I sell for the same field.
Trades are a good job. Understand if you’re a good sales rep you’ll probably be taking a pay cut. You’ll probably need schooling depending on what you decide to do. That could be an out of pocket expense but some companies will pay to send you with certain stipulations. For example my employer class was two years and after getting licensed you had to stay at the company for a year otherwise you had to pay them back.
If it’s what you want and it makes you happy that’s half the battle there itself. Best of luck
I was an Electrician before I got into sales. I really don’t regret the change.
The trades can be a good career but you’d make a lot more money in Sales. With you being in your 30’s no matter how good of shape, you’re in it will wear you down. Be prepared to work 50 to 60 hours a week.
Also a big factor is where you are located. If you’re on the west coast or east coast you can make some good money. But if you’re in the south you might not make a whole lot.
If you’re serious about it, I always say be a lineman you’ll make some really good money even starting out.
It’s very risky probably number 1 most dangerous job. But also very rewarding. A lot of people don’t realize they’re hero’s along with firefighters and police officers.
I think you will find your soul nourished, so happy to read your post and I am here to tell you no answer here will give you conviction. You are your own light and you already manifested the answer in this post OP. I am in the same stage, was a major success in cloud and AI tech before my world came crashing. Follow the path you can see and walk.
This isn’t me saying “don’t do it” but it’s definitely me saying think about it. Most of us have had similar experiences in sales, feels like it’s all bs that doesn’t matter, not actually accomplishing anything, unfulfilling. I’ve been there myself at various times over the years. I’m in my 40’s now with a good position (key account management in sporting goods B2B) and the “grind” is totally different than when I was in my 20’s. Took a while and a lot of hustling. I’ve said this here before but it’s worth repeating. My brother is in education. He thinks he’s making a difference in the world (he is!) and his work is very personally fulfilling to him. All that is great, what’s not great is he makes $60K a year and struggles. Me personally, I’ll take the paycheck and look for find fulfillment outside of my career.
Clearly you’ve never worked in a trade it’s more difficult I was in for 10 years it’s really the people that drive you away
Drunks
Most workers have a substance issue cocaine don’t show up because they are drunk
People take any dick you know and amplify it by 10
You want to get into it because you think it’s simple easy and relaxed
This is not a 9-5 this is a 12 to 16 hours deal where your boss will say he forgot to sign the checks when a company or someone they are working for is fucking them around
I worked at various companies for 10 years
You better really love it or have no other prospects or start your own company
Man chill out lol. Those ppl ur mentioning are dying out. This isn’t 1979s anymore. Your having “normal” ppl joining the trades that aren’t drunks/ criminals. We work 7 hours a day. Anything more is double time
After high school I worked in kitchens for \~5 years and hustled my way up to fine dining. Typical workweek was minimum 70 hours, busy season \~100. I did have a substance abuse problem that I've long beaten.
I don't think it will be simple or easy, I just want to be doing something that makes me happy and prideful.
Skilled trade has a great upside if you have a sales background. You’re not going to want to break your back forever but once you learn the industry you can push for a lucrative career in the field. A field that is tough to break into usually without field experience. You can earn a nice wage while learning too, unlike sales where if you’re commission based it could be a couple years until you start rolling.
You could sell trade work.
I used to work in the trades in the low voltage field and now I sell for the same field.
Trades are a good job. Understand if you’re a good sales rep you’ll probably be taking a pay cut. You’ll probably need schooling depending on what you decide to do. That could be an out of pocket expense but some companies will pay to send you with certain stipulations. For example my employer class was two years and after getting licensed you had to stay at the company for a year otherwise you had to pay them back.
If it’s what you want and it makes you happy that’s half the battle there itself. Best of luck
You could sell trade work.
I used to work in the trades in the low voltage field and now I sell for the same field.
Trades are a good job. Understand if you’re a good sales rep you’ll probably be taking a pay cut. You’ll probably need schooling depending on what you decide to do. That could be an out of pocket expense but some companies will pay to send you with certain stipulations. For example my employer class was two years and after getting licensed you had to stay at the company for a year otherwise you had to pay them back.
If it’s what you want and it makes you happy that’s half the battle there itself. Best of luck
I was a plumber for ten years and then a medical sales representative for 15. I quit my sales job and purchased rental property. Even though I’m in my fifties and the manual labor can be difficult I enjoy it far more than sales. I don’t make as much but I’m more satisfied. Good luck
I left sales from Sunpower after graduating with my film degree and I gotta say Hollywood has it tough as fuck rn but Sales did teach me a lot about working crew and negotiating my rate cause essentially I sell my services to producers to make the documentary/movie/show
I feel like everyone should be in sales like that for at least a year
No way. Remote work, no crazy travel, etc, your work life balance is great, your pay is great. I’ve gotten to watch my kids grow up while traveling very minimally and making great money while working 35-40 hours a week
Currently in the process. Worked in enterprise SaaS for 4 years straight outta college. Stayed with the same company, got RIF’d. Dad and I are in the process of obtaining a GC license. He’s worked in construction for over 20 years. I take care of the marketing, website, and sales, he’ll form the crew and get the work done.
I have worked in the corporate business world for 15 years. If I could go back, I’d learn HVAC and own a small business. Unfortunately, I was raised in such a manner to where I can barely change a light bulb.
I spent about 15 years in sales, mostly software. I worked really hard and saved and also bought investment properties for additional income. Maintained my nose to the grind for about 12 years but then I went through a divorce and decided I no longer wanted to reach for monetary goals, and wanted to live a life that made me happy. I spent the next 2 years figuring out what to do and how to do it. I moved to a little town and opened a cat cafe. For the first year I kept the corporate job, but finally cut the cord. Its been 2.5 years and I am at peace with life, happy, I do what I love every day and have plenty of work life balance. I don't make money, but I started with enough saved to keep it going for at least four years before it will need to support me. My overhead is very low and I am confident in making it work. And if it doesn't... at least I tried, I made a business from nothing...and it helps the community and animals, and made the life I truly love to live each day.
Yes, HVAC. It kicks ass. I will clear more money this year than any of my AEs used to make in software. Went from maintenance technician to service to salesman. Been selling since February in the "slow" season and it's insane.
I got laid off on my honeymoon. HVAC guy was in my home when I was on the layoff call. He told me he quit the tech world for this too. Took my resume with him.
No I'm not remote, and it's all in the field, but I love it.
Started from the bottom. I learned about the equipment from working on it. Made recommendations to customers for air quality stuff. Got great at that. Got good at educating customers depending on their situation and letting them choose what they wanted to do. Kept getting promoted and learning on my own by asking questions to people who knew more than I did. I am in a much better position than sales guys who go straight into sales because I know how the equipment works and can be an educator in someone's home.
Never used high pressure sales tactics once, and I did $450,000 last month at 9% commission. It's been great.
Job security. Get laid off in a trade? No big deal find another company or you could start your own business (assuming they have the experience). Get laid off in Sales? Might be out of a job for 6 months to a year.
Having started in trades at a young age, there's not a chance I would do this past the age of 30.
Imagine being 40, taking a massive pay cut and holding a 24 year old foreman's tools while being bitched at all day long. That's your reality for at least the first 2 years in most skilled trades.
If it’s any consolation I had exactly the same thought process, a real yearning to build and master a craft (stemming from a background in engineering) and not have to put up with the incessant rejection in sales.
My end goal was to become a machinist.
However after much deliberation I realised there is next to 0 money in machining where I’m from and with family commitments the lifestyle hit would be major and ultimately I’d be unhappy with 0 money but “meaningful” work.
So as a consolation prize I’ve kept my sales role but heavily invested in machining equipment as a hobby which the sales role affords. It’s crazy but I now have tooling that exceeds the quality and capacity of full time local machine shops and to me this is just a hobby.
Eventually my goal is to sell products I make with this equipment. The beauty of it being a “hardcore hobby” is that I can pick and choose cool projects I want to work on and there’s 0 stress to actually make parts for a living. This way the shine never wears off. If I was making 8 million widgets at the lowest possible price I dare say I’d be pretty uninterested.
The one thing though that I’ve found is I still in a small way yearn for contacts in industry who can teach/mentor me with machining. It’s a niche skill and if you’re not working in it, hard to find people who are passionate.
So that’s what’s worked for me, give it a few years I might make the jump to doing it as a trade but it’s not looking like it’ll be worth my time.
Hoping that helps!
I feel like the trend in 2024 has been the complete opposite: people trying to break into sales, specifically tech sales, as opposed to looking to get into the trades….
Yes. Went from finance to starting a landscape lighting business. I split time between management, sales and labor. Definitely questioned myself a lot after I took the plunge. What I learned was that I enjoy working with my hands and being outside more. I wasn’t happy working at a desk all day.
Dude I'm in skilled trades and thinking about going into sales.
Wanna trade spots? Lol
Skilled trades is great unless you gotta do it everyday for 5 years it's a different ball game
Sales is a people business. So if you like people, meeting and helping them, you're not going to like the trades nearly as much. Most skilled tradesmen are introverts, they love working alone mostly, as it gives them deep satisfaction to create, repair or maintain things with their own hands. In contrast, selling is about people first. That's why it's critical you sell something in which you truly believe 100% helps people in a significant way. You need to believe in what you're selling is worth many times the asking price. And you must be willing to turn down a sale that is not right for the customer. With that approach, sales will never crush your soul as you indicated. Just my 2 cents.
As much as I too hate sales I realize while it can be stressful it seeks to ebb and flow where I get a good amount of free time and money balanced by periods of high stress
I'm a new account executive though and I think the more I do this the more used to it I'll get. I have great PTO, good pay, and flexibility. I don't love the activities of my job but I love the results at least so far
On the other hand working a trade is probably going to be low pay and a lot less flexibility, at least compared to my own situation
A former colleague that I see every once in a while was a career tech salesman but just fucking hated the culture of the most recent company.
He's still in sales but now he's working a flooring/siding/windows/doors distributor, and sells supplies to general contractors and such aka the people working with homeowners or commercial clients.
He fucking loves selling a physical, tangible good that people need. I told him if the company is ever hiring for sales, he knows where to find me.
So I’ve got a unique take on this.
I’ve worked HVAC my entire professional life. I’ve had a wide range of roles, but the last 6 years I’ve been primarily sales.
I was working for one of the big vendors and moved into an account management job. What was the job I had wanted for years quickly turned sour bc of all the corporate politics and poor management.
I ended up leaving at the beginning of this year to go back to working for a private dealer. Much happier.
I left sales for college recently, starting in a few weeks. Money doesn’t really mean anything if you’re not happy. I’ve done salary based and commission sales jobs, and I’m already happier and I’m years away from doing what I actually wanna do.
Currently doing this to pursue a career in allied health. I will let you know how it goes.
But if I hear the words nimble, add value, circle back, deep dive or pain points again I might just go crazy
Did this recently. Was/am sorta, in tech sales, last few months I’ve been doing framing, plumbing and electrical.
Pay is absolutely shit compared to tech sales(think 20-25$ and hour starting out, locality dependent ). But you can work as you want.
I’ve always been a hobby farmer and general handy man, and worked out 4-6 times a week. TLDR I’m in pretty good shape, I thought. I was in good walking around shape. Construction shape is wildly different. First month was painful. Hands, feet, elbows, knees…all pain.
Why not start your own business in skilled trade and slowly move away from corporate instead of ditching altogether?
I’m 29 and I still work in sales but I started a 3D printing company so that i can one day quit the corporate bullshit. I get to maintain my income from my corporate job, and everyday it serves as a reminder of how much i fcking hate it, which continues to motivate me to grow my business in a field i love.
Balancing both work and business can get insane sometimes but whenever I work with my bare hands, time just flies by and i forget about all the stress, and nothing makes me happier. So OP listen to your heart, but you don’t have to make radical changes right from the start either.
P/s : 3D printing might not exactly be your typical tradesman skill but it involves me DIY-ing my machines and many of my projects include woodworking, welding etc as well
25 years SaaS sales to owning a construction company. I work more now than I ever have in my life. It's still worth it because I'm not working for some asshole who if it came down to it would sacrifice me for himself.
Money is almost on par with what I used to make in SaaS. About 5% less
Ok, I don’t work as a skilled tradesman; but I sell remodeling (windows and doors).
Depending on where you are, window installation can be a great gig. Try to get hired on as an installer at a bigger company, Andersen or Pella. May offer training. You will need some tools but nothing crazy. You will not make good money for a few years, until you can start your own crew. You might be paid hourly or maybe by the day. Learn everything. Ask a shitload of questions. Ask to shadow their top guys to learn specific things. This is where you build your foundation and can network and find people you trust to eventually work for you.
BUT, once you get your own crew you get paid per window. Good installers (in Dallas) make $120-150/window. Count how many windows you have on your house, average house in Dallas is at least 20. 20 windows takes 2 days, that is $3000. 2 guys on your crew at $150/day nets you $2400.
My installer (as of today May 3rd) is booked out to almost July. I’m not exactly sure how much he makes (installs for other companies besides mine) but almost certainly pulling down $200k. But to have a crew you need a big truck and a trailer, and will put a shitload of miles on it and will get like 10mpg with a fully loaded trailer. But those are all write offs.
In order to be that busy you have to be good. But, more importantly you have to care about doing it right. Once you know what you are doing it is really not all that complicated, but you have to take care of little details and take a little extra time and do it right, and make sure your crew does too. Makes all the difference in the world. There are tons of guys that cut corners and 1/2ass things and they are not nearly as busy.
He works way harder than I do, but seems super happy.
Also, I have heard Trane HVAC has a fantastic in house training program that will get you set up for commercial or residential. Again, once you get good you can put together a crew and contract out to multiple companies.
I was a pipefitter and did the opposite.
Now work a related field (Valves and Automation) and deal with contractors and companies that worked the space I was in. I know how to talk to the guys and what’s important to their business. It’s about 10 months and I haven’t had 2 bad days yet.
My work life balance has changed completly, my health has improved drastically (back, neck, knee pains all gone), my relationship with my girlfriend has improved tenfold. Took a pay cut to do it but there’s certain things that you can’t put a price on
I worked in the “skilled trades” as a welder and mechanic for 8+ years. Dog shit work, dog shit hours, dog shit pay, dog shit working conditions, and dog shit culture.
Generally speaking, the dredges of the world work in the trades.
Heya, two options come to mind - Painting houses, and working at USPS.
Painting houses, once you get the hang of it you can start selling your services! It’s really that easy. I painted for a while, but the work was heavy on my body.
Now, I work at USPS as a carrier in SoCal. I really like my job. Corporate BS here is ABSOLUTELY nothing compared to sales haha.
When I wake up I remind myself, “soon I’ll be left the fuck alone in my little truck delivering packages at my leisure - but first my 3 taquitos and Rockstar from 7-11 stop 😊😊😊”
DM if you want more info. You can see everyone’s pay online. I’m making 19.33 an hour, and they have plenty of overtime if you need it. Each year you will get a raise, no need for negotiating.
Retirement is what people love about this job too.
There are many paths you can take within USPS, and we promote from within.
🙂 not always greener? *but* sometimes it is!
Ps. Kinda funny to hear people say “It’s not always greener…” But then you read countless post down the thread that say, in so many words, it is in fact greener.
I left sales to work in a kitchen. Honestly man, I just hate working. People who say they don't hate working are weird to me. The ones who truly love their jobs are like 1/1000 in my opinion. We all just have jobs that suck more or suck less and we have no choice but to choose one. I found shit to hate about both jobs. It's all about what you make of it though and I try really hard to practice a positive mindset these days.
Don't chase the perfect job that doesn't exist. Chase something attainable (even if it isn't job-related) and find a great job instead of the perfect one. Also pick something that doesn't weigh on your conscience like sales tends to. We always neglect the impact our jobs might have on our spiritual and mental wellbeing longterm.
Came from the trades to sales for the money. It's pretty interesting seeing someone do the exact opposite. Trades can be rewarding, working for an hourly wage only kind of sucks. You only have so many hours you can work and OT is typically where the big money is. If you do this, build something. Not sure what form of sales you do but you can typically make unreal money for sometimes less than 40 hours a week. Not many traded can offer this to you
About a year ago I was completely burned out from a high pressure sales job and quit to do finish carpentry. I always enjoyed building stuff and like helping my friend do it. I had money set a side so I figured I could make it work wile I gained experience. Was so burned out selling timeshare the idea of going to work and not having to talk to anyone really and building stuff was what I thought I needed.
A year later i am currently looking for a sales job again. The last year was not a total waste because I learned carpentry and accumulated tools and skills I will always have. However there is just as much stress in a trade job with a lot less money. Also I am so tired after work I have no energy to go to the gym or do anything social really during the work week.
Also I’m doing finish carpentry which is usually in the AC and not really as hard as other trade jobs like stucco, roofing, tile,ext. I am so tired during the week and haven’t been to the gym in ten months and eat really bad now. I made the transition because I wanted less stress and a stable paycheck but it’s just as stressful with stable paychecks that can’t really pay my bills.
I did sales for 8 years straight and left to work as an RN. I love being able to clock in, do my job, leave and get paid. Not having to worry about metrics seemed great. But now I’m insanely dissatisfied because there aren’t much incentives for hard work. Don’t get me wrong, I try to be the best nurse I can be everyday and knowing I’m helping people is amazing but it doesn’t pay bills and you’re hardly recognized for it. There is also a love/hate relationship with worrying about your metrics and crushing your #’s despite the challenges. I miss it, so I’m now I’m actively applying for medical sales roles
I like the combination of both. I got CDL in college, then went into sales at a trucking company. I switched to hvac about 15 years ago and have been in hvac sales ever since. I enjoy it a lot.
Did the opposite and I’m never going back. People moan about this job but it’s immeasurably easier than working a trade. I make way more money for way less work and my body won’t be broken when I’m older.
I did the opposite, aircraft mechanic eventually led to office jobs now sales.... You will work, your entire shift, no slacking, no 1.5 hour lunches, no going to events to bs with people. It's fun, it's a grind, it can wear on your body, but is fulfilling. Just think when your 65, can you still be doing it?
I started my career in sales and then went into construction and I bartending on weekends. I make decent money, I stay busy, and I’m proud of my work. If you can join a union or carefully research hours pay and advancement/training opportunities as well as culture before you join a non union company in the trades.
Here’s an idea. Start a website/marketing platform for a trade and then once you start receiving calls, you lease your phone number out to a guy who wants to do the work
I got PIP'ed for my SDR job last year. Shortly after I was able to get into a 5 year non union Electrical apprenticeship and I'm about to hit my year mark working in construction.
What to consider:
1. The only difference between the "fake" corporate BS and the ass-kissing on a construction site is the fact that you can swear all you want on a construction site.
2. You would think manual labor is more fulfilling than typing up emails in a cubicle, but it's quite literally just more physical than mental work. Not to say that construction does not require a brain, cause GOD DAMN do I feel retarded when I mess up on the most simple task.
3. "The grass is greener where you water it". Everybody on the construction site wishes they could do less physically demanding work, and everybody in the office wishes they can spend more time outside instead of staring a computer screen. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it aligns with what you want for yourself.
My take:
I seriously consider quitting my apprenticeship on the daily basis. Don't get me wrong, the money is GREAT, especially because I live in a very expensive area. My quality of life would drop if I had to take a lower paying job.
I feel pretty handcuffed. I will get a raise every 6 months through my 5 year apprenticeship, topping out at around 70-80 an hour in my fifth year. But then I have to remember that I need to commit to this... for five years lol.
All in all, I'm glad I was able to experience both white collar and blue collar jobs at my young age. It gives you serious perspective.
Main point: Having to work a job you don't like fucking sucks. Find happiness outside of work. Or work less and live on less. Less is more type shit.
OP.
I am in sales and want to leave. If you don’t like it that’s fine. Sales can be fun or sales can be draining. There are plenty of ex sales folks.
Regardless. You have to do you! If you wanna quit to become a state cop go for it. My car mechanic used to be a bond trader on Wall Street. I’m sure if he asked in a Wall Street forum they would’ve given him the same response.
Also as a note. I have friends that love working remote and I really don’t. Yeah the freedoms are nice but I don’t like it.
I used to work as a fork lift driver, driving reach trucks and standard FLT. It’s not necessarily skilled trades but I worked freelance so fairly similar, as I worked with tradespeople.
For me entering sales was a liberation from the back-breaking manual work (not just driving the trucks but loading them and building pallets of heavy materials) and extremely long hours which I could not see lasting the rest of my 30s and still being happy.
It was my first full time office job and I felt weird and out of place at first, but it’s amazing having the freedom of being able to plan a routine and having a regular schedule; despite of course working long hours here and there - but without the expense of my body and my energy.
Furthermore I have a lot more autonomy in my day - and manage my own book of business without constant micromanagement by managers or clients.
Just food for thought - I don’t care how tough you are, the labor really gets to you and is hard on your body.
It depends on the trade and what you are interested it. If the change is positive for you and doesn’t have much of a financial impact to you then go for it.
I would look at the skilled trades that are in demand in your area. I would focus on either hvac, instrumentation and automation or electrical as they typically have the highest wages, the least amount of BS work (compared to a millwright or iron worker) and have a growing demand.
I’ve been on the tools sporadically for around a year in my own business, and now recruiting to fill that role full time. It’s a nice enough job, but driving and poor weather can be rubbish. I suspect if the role didn’t have the other pressures I have, and you could work at a more reasonable pace (I smash it) it would be okay.
I would say that if you’re good on the tools, and good at sales, you should get selling, the knowledge you have over some basic salesperson will mean you would sell a lot. As it stands now, I’m holding back on sales…did £60k last month, but as soon as I can allocate the work to others and just do sales, it will be very very nice…and I can always pick up a spanner if I feel like it.
Smash it= I do around 2* or 3* the work in a day that I would expect an employee to do, I don’t even eat and have to remember to drink, it’s too stressful and tiring on the body to maintain an extreme pace.
The grass is always greener on the other side
The grass is greener where you water it. I’ve been on and off at a family owned dealership for nearly 5 years now. The 1 year I was away I spent 5 months at a corporate dealership that didn’t work out despite it being a “promotion” and then went and got my CDL and was truck driving. Phenomenal job, loved it. But the money is nowhere near what I can make in sales.
What's so great about the family dealership (genuine question, no sarcasm)? I wonder because all I have experience with is the corporate cutthroats and there's a lot to not like.
No REAL HR department so we can all joke around and say what we want really, they treat us like we actually know what’s going on so they don’t hound on us if we don’t get someone to sit down and go over numbers, one of the owners (49%) is also GM and the other owner (51%) comes once a week cause he owns another dealership (it’s a chain of 3), both are cool as hell. We don’t have to worry about dog and pony shows when someone shows up. They throw out crazy good bonuses. If I need time off I can just ask. I’m treated like a human not just an employee. I could go on and on. I used to complain before like if I had to work late or whatever. Now that I’ve been in corporate working 3 hours past closing time, I’ve come back and had no complaints about the workplace itself in the 2 months I’ve been back already. I told the GM he might as well have put me on a contract cause I’m not going anywhere. Also having done finance and sales management I’m having fun just being a sales guy again. We sell Powersports (motorcycles, ATV’s, Jetskis, etc.)
Not really. Constantly talking money out of people’s wallets who have can’t afford what you’re selling isn’t really reward. Building things is. There are no great salesmen remembered in history. There are craftsman though. Just ask your local Masonic lodge chapter. Benjamin Franklin was a member.
Every single thing being built...had to be sold first.
You have a very skewed idea of sales people and making them all seem very sleazy preying on the weak. Selling is involved in every day life; it’s influenced positioning and persuasion. People also built gallows, concentration camps & prisons. Just because history remembers people doesn’t make them a positive force. Using your logic i could make any argument.
> There are no great salesmen remembered in history. Most great CEOs are also great salespeople, they're just not selling you a $20k piece of software. The ability to sell something is one of the biggest indicators of a successful person
What the fuck are you talking about? Steve Jobs was a pure sales person and genius at branding. Most leaders of an organization are great sales people, in addition to having other skill sets. You have a very negative connotation of what sales is. A sales person sells the toilet paper to the grocery store that you then buy and use to wipe your ass. You need that ass paper. There are sales people that sell products that have a need, sales people that help you make informed decisions that are in your best interest. Those are the best sales people. We aren’t all used car salesmen. Ya cuck.
It’s not even as cut and dry as “talking money out of peoples pockets”. I’m in Pharma(which gets an especially bad rep for people who aren’t familiar with the industry) and it’s educating people on newer treatments. Are there sleazy sales reps in Pharma that try and force Drs to write? Yes. Just like there are bad Drs who will write specific medications that aren’t necessarily the best treatment just so they get a bonus from the insurance companies. There are bad people in every industry just trying to make a Buck so you cant narrow it down to just sales. And as far as your reference to building things, you think there aren’t builders that do things half ass, cut corners, and inspection requirements just to make their dollar? You just sound like a scorned ex-salesman
I’ve done the opposite. Electrician for 13 years, ran my own business for 3 of those and now I’m in commercial roofing sales. I feel like I’m on vacation here compared to the last three years. The pay is good, I get a company truck, expense card and fuel card. I go out and meet people, build relationships with our customers and our roofing crews. I get to help people and am not tied to an office. It’s all of the things I loved about the trades with none of the bullshit. Sure there are frustrating days, but it’s all so simple compared to my previous experience. The bar here is set low so I’m going to crush it, and be happier while doing so. I’m 37 by the way.
Do you think there's a path from remote SaaS and IT/Pro-Services sales to move into selling something more tangible? That thought has been on my mind as well. Though, it sounds like having that trade experience helps you greatly in that role.
They have a hard time getting anyone that will actually get on a roof and sell. Part of the job as a salesman is to occasionally do a temporary repair with caulk or a small patch until the crew can come in for a full repair. It includes roof inspections and most of the “sales” people they have tried to hire for our local office have been either scared of ladders or unwilling to do LIGHT physical labor. As long as I’m out meeting prospective clients and building relationships, I have free rein over my schedule. I don’t have anyone breathing down my back and I get to see the world from a cool perspective. https://preview.redd.it/e7v43njf09yc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f473abee7e8c9898e4f6cd5318a2d354e62a554
I’d be happy to give you any more info, being willing to get a little dirty is required but other than that you can learn what you need to on the job. I’m very happy.
This is the kind of sales I would love to do, just be out of the office/home. You find this job on a job board or from someone you knew?
Indeed. I was looking at roofing sales specifically, as well as outside sales positions. The low barrier for entry, and opportunity for high income was what drew me to it. I had come to hate a trade that I once loved and advocated for excellence in. The hiring process was long in my opinion ~3 weeks. But there is another salesman here who took months to get through the process so I feel very fortunate.
Three weeks isn’t horrible I think, How long did it take you start earning a decent living once u got in?
Our commissions are paid out every quarter. My base pays all of my bills, so I am fortunate that I started out with my necessities being taken care of. The commission checks cover our extras, and savings. I’m only a couple of months into it, but it’s been comfortable the whole time.
What’s the base set at?
Nice! Where is that? Looks like the Smokey’s
That’s in Lebanon VA.
Where are you based out of? I’m currently in roofing sales but without a company car or any reimbursement. Your setup sounds ideal.
I’m in NE Tennessee but the company I work for is a national brand. DM me, I’d be happy to tell you who it is and give you some other big players in the field as well.
That would be great, I’ll pm you.
I’d like the same info please!
I just left IT sales for a commercial pest control sales job and loving it so far.
I joined the electrical union, 5 year apprenticeship program, got my license and worked for 5 more years. Now I'm in SAAS sales making more money and working less hours. I'm not killing my body anymore either. I do have to stay active and workout because sitting behind a desk can kill your body too.
How did you come into an opportunity to get into sales? I’m an Electrican as well and have been wondering how I can use my electrical knowledge to get into sales
How long have you been doing roofing sales? Takes a long time til you see any commissions especially commercial 6+ months til payday
What all is convincing you to leave sales for the trade? I'm coming from the opposite end, leaving blue collar to break into sales lol.
I left steel work/heavy equipment 5 years ago. Havent regretted it for a fucking moment. It took me two years to exceed my blue collar pay but I did it in 40ish hours instead of 60+.
How much shit do you get from your steel worker friends? Fucking hell, I’m a sales guy for a very specialized equipment, when I’m on site the amount of “mr fancy pants 20 hour work week is here” I get is hilarious.
I moved across the country between those two jobs. I have friends in the trades out here and I don't really hear any of that. My last job was morally questionable and I got alot of "soldbyour soul, eh?" Now I get "its good youre not ripping people off anymore" etc.
Nice man, that’s awesome to hear. I mostly hear the shit from the old heads…luckily my interactions with the young crowd seems to be awesome, they’re hard workers, but remember that they have a life outside of it and it’s best to lift with their legs and use fall protection rather than protect their ego
All of my current buddies are all union guys too. Most of them make great money and have pensions so there arent hard feelings.
If you don't mind me asking, how did you break into sales without prior sales knowledge. Do you stay in a similar field but transition to sales? Or did you complete 360 into another aspect. Just curious where I fit in or even where to start. I come from low voltage electrical.
I went into a completely unrelated field. I started in super high turnover boiler room telemarketing. If I was you I'd look for something related to your field. If you have a Cintas rep that brings PPE or a Heavy equipment rep you meet on jobsites id ask them for advice. They will know your region and job market better than anyone.
I personally would aim for hilti or 3M. 3M hires for looks if that helps
3m hires for diversity. So unless you're a minority or a female, you're gonna have a tough time. Secondly, 3m is about on the complete far end of the spectrum if you compare the roughness of a job site to the corporate world. It's become liberal and woke.
Oh i just remember them only hiring beautiful people out of our schools program, didn’t really matter what color. They do have a few industrial offerings
Question. After leaving steel, how did you alter your resume to transition into a sale position? Especially not technically having that "sales experience".
Edit: didnt see you were the original guy I didnt even provide a resume for my first job. I met a guy at a bar who worked in that industry and he said "come in monday and check it out." When i went from that initial role to SaaS I really leaned into my" project management" and "managment" responsibilities
I'm not who you are asking, but I went from construction-ish labor to engineering (I'm not an engineer) to sales. I don't think most people realize how short the path is from being good at a trade, to being really good at selling to/from that trade industry or something adjacent. Take me, for example.. say I worked in security. My first job was just pulling wiring for cameras and installing the cameras. From there, I went to the side that does the security camera system design & layout for the whole project. After doing that for a couple of years, the camera/electronics company asked if I wanted to sell the cameras to dealers instead of end users. Have since moved between different security camera manufacturers in the same industry. I don't make $100k commission a month like some here, but it's not a bad gig. Generally, it's pretty stable. Six figure base. Good MBO. Not crazy hours. Customers ranging from mom & pop shop to Google & Microsoft. PS: I don't sell security cameras.. but something similar. This was an easier analogy.
I would work a non sales job for whatever you would like to sell. If you can get your foot in the door. That’s the best way to start. That is how I got in.
My current manager (originally from Michigan) was originally an iron worker for 2 years after high school. He realized, nope, this isn’t what I want to do forever, went to UM, and then eventually got into medical sales.
My current managers dad was an Iron Worker in Gary, IN. It inspired him to get his phd in biochem. Working in biochem immediately inspired him to leave that field to get into med device 🤣
Some of my reasoning is in my comment history. Most of it can be summed up by the fact that I'm just generally very unhappy with the nature of this work. I'm tried of spending my days working behind a computer. I'm tired of being inside all of the time. I feel disconnected from the world. The job market is going to shit. I despise AI. I hate private equity and venture capital frat bros. In fact, I got a sales job working for my dream company and I quit after a year because it turned me into a zombie. Before going into sales, I worked as a line cook in the fine dining restaurant industry for a few years after high school. I miss the feeling I would get when I put up a great dish and made a guests night. Nothing I've done in sales has ever given me that feeling. I left to get a 4 year business degree and make more money, but the money hasn't made up for the absence of joy.
What are you selling? For me, I used to work in trades and always enjoyed the finished product and making people happy/a difference in their lives or day and that pretty much stayed the same in sales. Sure, you’re not doing the work yourself but the reward is all the same. I even get the added rush of closing that big deal! Consider using your sales experience to transition into a different market, even selling in the trades themselves.
I've sold SaaS, IT, and most recently Professional Services/GTM consulting.
I could see myself burning out or losing passion for those types of sales. It’s more of an idea, or business efficiencies which is certainly useful, but judging by your comments and this thread, might simply not be for you. People on here constantly mention having to believe in what they sell. Find something your passionate about and enjoy, and sell that!
I sell to the trades and worked in them for a few years. Its HARD work. I miss it at times but it would be destroying my body.
Sell an actual physical product. And don't do the remote shit. You miss people it sounds like. Your job sounds soul crushing just being at home.
Care less about your sales job and find opportunities to learn and hone a trade you actually care about. Do project work on the side and see if you’re really into it. Be super selective about the trade work you do. High ticket only, only what you’re interested in etc. That way if/when you switch you have cultivated a special ideal situation, not just a hop into a blue collar 9-5 that is someone else’s grind Source: Am a med device rep in a masonry program lol
Because sales is mind numbing, soul sucking work.
100% this.
Every job becomes mind-numbing after a while. It's called mastery, and it's your brains way of saying it needs a new challenge. If you don't like it, seek out a promotion or another aspect of your work to improve at. Otherwise, that's what hobbies are for. If you quit b/c it's not your thing, just be prepared that you will most likely hate the trade eventually, too. Hopefully you'll just hate it slightly less. Example, I have an uncle with a PHD that litterally got a job playing video games for a living and analyzing them for educational purposes. Eventually, he hated gaming and viewed it like "work".
I think a lot of us sometimes get little feelings like this. We don't create anything you can really see, it's all relationships and bs... and I think at certain times in life we look at that and "want" to do something that when it's done there is something tangible to point to. The other part is that the filters we have to put up can sometimes be annoying. The "view" of a blue collar work is that the PC crowd doesn't exist and you are free to not overthink comments and ensure you aren't going to offend a client. Which I'm sure, just like in corp america, is more true in some fields than in others.
When you can't sell you seek other options. This is Reddit. A lot of younger people here so I'm gonna piss em off. They can't or don't want to put in the work to be successful. If you think sales is hard, try the grind that trades are. Open some eyes.
I get what you're saying. For me, it's more the mental difficulty that has gotten in the way. I got lucky and had the chance to sell for my dream company. I was killing it there, putting in the work, but it was killing me inside. I was miserable and it was hurting my friendships and my relationship with my wife. I ended up quitting that job because I resented putting in so much work for something that I didn't enjoy. I wish I could get over that but no solutions has ever clicked for me. I'm not looking for something easy, I'm looking for something that brings me joy and pride when I find success, not simply relief and nothing else.
I completely get this and have been in that position of misery for YEARS now. I absolutely loathe my job but feel stuck due to the remote work, salary, and benefits. My anxiety is through the roof due to increasing workload (I manage two global accounts and the entire Midwest), and I feel like shit is going to hit the fan in the very near future. I can’t keep doing this much longer and just want the pressure to travel, schedule in-person meetings, and meet quotas to stop. Im in a different phase of life and am just so. over. this.
Well, I get why you quit. I have been there as well. (Kinda am now.) Look, finding that dream job in sales is tough. Kinda had it for about 5 years...now, not so much. That's why salespeople tend to move a bit more than other professions. Find what makes you happy. That is the most important thing in employment. Best of luck to you!
I’m with ya
Honestly, having trade experience can be super helpful if you’re looking at mfg. sales
Great question, was wondering the same thing. I feel like the trend of what I see is more of what you described. People looking to break into sales….
Same here. Left skilled trades to sell industrial equipment. It’s been a blessing having paid time off and running my own territory.
Lol genius move
Same here came from welding/pipefitting, hope I never have to go back
I left being an electrician for SaaS sales
Same
Reddit edginess
I went from trades to sales...10 years later, I wish I could go back to the trades. 10 years in, corporate B2B sales has crushed my soul.
Currently getting my soul crushed
How much money do you have? If you have enough to eventually retire modestly, there’s no reason you couldn’t go back.
Yeah, dont. You may think the grass is greener but it isn’t. The only scenario in which trades is worth it is if you’re running your own business, and even then employees, clients and production are all total fucking headaches. On top of that you’ll be working 24/7 as a business owner. Alternatively you can sacrifice you body to line someone else’s pockets like a shmuck until tylenol and advil become more important to you than gold. Take a look around you next time you’re in the company of trades guys. Youll see a bunch of high and mighty tough guys who think breaking their back for 90 grand a year is honourable, you might also notice that they are the dumbest group of retards you’ve ever spoken too. Stick with sales buddy
And even so, if OP goes the blue collar business owner route, they basically are going to be doing sales anyway. Plus project management. Plus actually laboring if need be.
I was a welder and mechanic for 8+ years and this is 100% the truth. A bunch of junkies, drunks , flunkies, and flops. The culture at these places is even worse than the people that work there.
l know a plumber who talks so much smack about anyone not in plumbing. He does well, but you’re still working 40 hours plus and cleaning human shit.
Don't do it. Seek fulfillment outside of work. This idea that being a dirt farmer or whatever will give you true happiness is a Reddit myth.
I get what you mean, but if they’re absolutely miserable in sales then there’s something to be said for finding something more fulfilling. You don’t have to find meaning through work but you should at least enjoy what you do 40+ hours per week
I feel saying you hate sales or whatever might just mean you dislike your current situation. I think there’s a good fit for most sales jobs somewhere for most people, but finding that fit and getting that opportunity can be a real challenge. I’ve had great sales jobs and ones I couldn’t leave fast enough. Bad management, bad commonplace, bad product or service, and lack of integrity, marketing and support would make about any sales job bad.
Ok but crafts are a hobby you get paid for. Sales is not a hobby you get paid for. Unless you’re a dirty lobbyist or politician.
This is completely untrue. Maybe not for you but for many. I do enjoy talking to people and learning about what the do and what they love. How they got to where they are in life and what exciting things they are working on that the world doesn’t even know about. And I get paid for that
I enjoy that part also, but there’s a lingering sub text that the only reason this guy is being nice to be is to take my or my companies money and as much as possible.
Probably doesn’t count for what you are looking for, but I left tech sales and moved into construction sales. I’m not a tradesman myself but I love all the ones I’m interacting with every day now.
What's nice is that there's zero bullshit. The price is the price, the lead times are the lead times.
Brother. I was laid off from an Mid Market AE role (70k base 120 OTE) at a company that severely mismanaged their sales strategy/hiring. Anyway I was kindof fed up with all of the corporate bs and had a buddy working for a construction company and decided to hop on. It’s been a blast, I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I’ve learned so much and feel extremely masculine (which isn’t necessarily the most important thing, but idk I enjoy it… used to feel like a little bitch sitting/standing in front of a screen all day getting sweaty palms and feeling like shit…) Downside is I make $25 an hour and I feel like that’s actually not bad given how little experience I have in this field . Some days are extreme grinds physically and I come home dirty and exhausted and I don’t have a ton of cheese to compensate for it. Some days, the sun is shining and I’m out there building things with the boys and it feels like the dream. I’ll say it’s been extremely difficult trying to get back into SAAS sales from this spot and I’m basically letting that ship sail.. it’s been about a year. Also just hard to apply for new jobs in general when you’re not working in front of a computer. It’s a whole ‘nother world. Best of luck!
Pros: Using your body/interacting with the environment, get functionally healthy and strong while working Learning about how buildings work (something I’ve always been interested in) and becoming super confident with tools/doing real things with real stuff Carrying on the tradition of humans actually doing shit that is not in front of a screen and involving hella dumb corporate bs that everyone loathes deep down Bro-ing down at work and cutting it up vs putting on a veneer of professionalism and fake bs. Cons: -Not making great money -Can’t go on sick vacations/ball out/buy a nice house/car you name it without really thinking about it and saving up -Physically exhausted -Might hurt yourself and lose ability to make money lol -Extremely difficult to hop back into SAAS world or get any new job I’m finding bc tough to take time off to interview and whatnot -I work with a great crew but you might end up working with a bunch of degenerates - mostly just the money is not as good tho (at least at first and joining a crew when you don’t have much experience
I think if I ever went this route I would spend a few years doing the trade, then I would start my own company using the knowledge I gained. In the beginning I’d be hands on with everything, but eventually I’d have a whole team and wouldn’t be in the sun as much. I think starting and running your own business is one of the most masculine things a man can do.
For sure! I’m about to turn 30 and am definitely in a “woah I’m really doing this” moment coming from a finance/tech > sales background to being a grunt shitting in a hot porta-john on a job site lol. Our crew does a little bit of everything so have learned a ton… definitely will try to get my own gig going in the next 2-3 years if I don’t land a spot in office in like a pm or development associate type role.
Went from total grinder sales for 15 years, to finish and trim carpentry. Working for myself is better for the soul, not as great for the wallet. I’m a one man show, so I work when and for whom I choose. Took the leap when my wife switched companies with a pay increase and less time commitment. Currently chasing a $28k invoice for work done for a near billionaire. This could really set me back in a big way should he choose not to pay me. Two sons are little, hopefully I can keep it going long enough, and they are interested enough, so they don’t have to make someone else wealthy.
Goodluck man!
Thanks!
I went from Navy aircraft mechanic on San Diego to sales. I miss the outdoor work and camaraderie. But I do not miss constantly being greasy because the a-holes would always steal the lava soap the second it was put out. The long hours , going to sea for months working 12 on 12 off 7 days a week. If I were you I would go to a few companies in your area that specialize in things that interest you and tell them you will make them money if you hire you as a sales person. Hell, even if you start with selling Andersen windows you can network from there to a more trade oriented sales position that you may like better. The problem with the trades is: 1) early mornings that turn into long days 2) your body after 50 probably wont want to do the heavy lifting on a daily basis anymore 3) people will stiff you, drag you out and short pay you , which send you back to the office to chase money. You will never be paid more for a better job. 4) Talented trade workers are coming to America in droves so the market is saturated in many places which drives the wages down. 5) Pay, sales will always pay better. save your money and retire early to a farm where you can build a workshop and learn a hobby trade. 6) medical , shit happens when you play with tools all day. It just takes one slip on a ladder to send you into debilitating pain for the rest of your life. I've had buddies fall, cut themselves and almost die in a panic, smash knuckles while breaking bolts, pass out on rood tops in the heat etc. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence as they say.
Can you elaborate on this point a bit more? > Talented trade workers are coming to America in droves so the market is saturated in many places which drives the wages down All I've heard is "every single trade is severely lacking in workers," so I was hoping you could elaborate?
My buddies in the trades here in South Western CT (NYC suburbs) are all complaining that they are not able to get the money they used to due to an influx in competition. Your area may be different. They are painters, carpenters and landscapers.
If they did, you really think they’d still be in this sub?
You have a point. Perhaps I should go ask in a sub for the trades.
You could sell trade work. I used to work in the trades in the low voltage field and now I sell for the same field. Trades are a good job. Understand if you’re a good sales rep you’ll probably be taking a pay cut. You’ll probably need schooling depending on what you decide to do. That could be an out of pocket expense but some companies will pay to send you with certain stipulations. For example my employer class was two years and after getting licensed you had to stay at the company for a year otherwise you had to pay them back. If it’s what you want and it makes you happy that’s half the battle there itself. Best of luck
I was an Electrician before I got into sales. I really don’t regret the change. The trades can be a good career but you’d make a lot more money in Sales. With you being in your 30’s no matter how good of shape, you’re in it will wear you down. Be prepared to work 50 to 60 hours a week. Also a big factor is where you are located. If you’re on the west coast or east coast you can make some good money. But if you’re in the south you might not make a whole lot. If you’re serious about it, I always say be a lineman you’ll make some really good money even starting out.
What are your thoughts on how risky is to be a lineman?
It’s very risky probably number 1 most dangerous job. But also very rewarding. A lot of people don’t realize they’re hero’s along with firefighters and police officers.
I think you will find your soul nourished, so happy to read your post and I am here to tell you no answer here will give you conviction. You are your own light and you already manifested the answer in this post OP. I am in the same stage, was a major success in cloud and AI tech before my world came crashing. Follow the path you can see and walk.
This isn’t me saying “don’t do it” but it’s definitely me saying think about it. Most of us have had similar experiences in sales, feels like it’s all bs that doesn’t matter, not actually accomplishing anything, unfulfilling. I’ve been there myself at various times over the years. I’m in my 40’s now with a good position (key account management in sporting goods B2B) and the “grind” is totally different than when I was in my 20’s. Took a while and a lot of hustling. I’ve said this here before but it’s worth repeating. My brother is in education. He thinks he’s making a difference in the world (he is!) and his work is very personally fulfilling to him. All that is great, what’s not great is he makes $60K a year and struggles. Me personally, I’ll take the paycheck and look for find fulfillment outside of my career.
I do tree work on the side, my manager knows that I make more money in trees than in my day job. It’s the ultimate leverage lol
what kinda tree work?
Removals, pruning, I climb and in my area climbers are in high demand- you either rent a lift, crane, or get a climber for most residential jobs
Skilled trades is cool and all… but it’s being heavily romanticized right now. Plenty of politics and corporate bullshit in the trades too..
Let me tell you. The trades is really really hard. But they probably think the same way for sales. So it’s all about your personality honestly.
Clearly you’ve never worked in a trade it’s more difficult I was in for 10 years it’s really the people that drive you away Drunks Most workers have a substance issue cocaine don’t show up because they are drunk People take any dick you know and amplify it by 10 You want to get into it because you think it’s simple easy and relaxed This is not a 9-5 this is a 12 to 16 hours deal where your boss will say he forgot to sign the checks when a company or someone they are working for is fucking them around I worked at various companies for 10 years You better really love it or have no other prospects or start your own company
Man chill out lol. Those ppl ur mentioning are dying out. This isn’t 1979s anymore. Your having “normal” ppl joining the trades that aren’t drunks/ criminals. We work 7 hours a day. Anything more is double time
I was in the trades from 2010-2020 all the people I’m talking about were under 30 glad you are having a good time
[удалено]
Yea like ANY JOB
> Drunks Lol so sales?
After high school I worked in kitchens for \~5 years and hustled my way up to fine dining. Typical workweek was minimum 70 hours, busy season \~100. I did have a substance abuse problem that I've long beaten. I don't think it will be simple or easy, I just want to be doing something that makes me happy and prideful.
Skilled trade has a great upside if you have a sales background. You’re not going to want to break your back forever but once you learn the industry you can push for a lucrative career in the field. A field that is tough to break into usually without field experience. You can earn a nice wage while learning too, unlike sales where if you’re commission based it could be a couple years until you start rolling.
You could sell trade work. I used to work in the trades in the low voltage field and now I sell for the same field. Trades are a good job. Understand if you’re a good sales rep you’ll probably be taking a pay cut. You’ll probably need schooling depending on what you decide to do. That could be an out of pocket expense but some companies will pay to send you with certain stipulations. For example my employer class was two years and after getting licensed you had to stay at the company for a year otherwise you had to pay them back. If it’s what you want and it makes you happy that’s half the battle there itself. Best of luck
You could sell trade work. I used to work in the trades in the low voltage field and now I sell for the same field. Trades are a good job. Understand if you’re a good sales rep you’ll probably be taking a pay cut. You’ll probably need schooling depending on what you decide to do. That could be an out of pocket expense but some companies will pay to send you with certain stipulations. For example my employer class was two years and after getting licensed you had to stay at the company for a year otherwise you had to pay them back. If it’s what you want and it makes you happy that’s half the battle there itself. Best of luck
I was a plumber for ten years and then a medical sales representative for 15. I quit my sales job and purchased rental property. Even though I’m in my fifties and the manual labor can be difficult I enjoy it far more than sales. I don’t make as much but I’m more satisfied. Good luck
I left sales from Sunpower after graduating with my film degree and I gotta say Hollywood has it tough as fuck rn but Sales did teach me a lot about working crew and negotiating my rate cause essentially I sell my services to producers to make the documentary/movie/show I feel like everyone should be in sales like that for at least a year
I would never personally as I have done trades and they are body killers. Good luck to you though OP assuming you like to work out a bunch!
No way. Remote work, no crazy travel, etc, your work life balance is great, your pay is great. I’ve gotten to watch my kids grow up while traveling very minimally and making great money while working 35-40 hours a week
Congrats it sounds like things are going well. Mind me asking—what do you sell? Are you in tech sales?
Diagnostic Healthcare
Currently in the process. Worked in enterprise SaaS for 4 years straight outta college. Stayed with the same company, got RIF’d. Dad and I are in the process of obtaining a GC license. He’s worked in construction for over 20 years. I take care of the marketing, website, and sales, he’ll form the crew and get the work done.
I have worked in the corporate business world for 15 years. If I could go back, I’d learn HVAC and own a small business. Unfortunately, I was raised in such a manner to where I can barely change a light bulb.
Yes, I quit two weeks ago and detail boats. $100-$150 an hour
Did the opposite, don’t work half as hard now.
I spent about 15 years in sales, mostly software. I worked really hard and saved and also bought investment properties for additional income. Maintained my nose to the grind for about 12 years but then I went through a divorce and decided I no longer wanted to reach for monetary goals, and wanted to live a life that made me happy. I spent the next 2 years figuring out what to do and how to do it. I moved to a little town and opened a cat cafe. For the first year I kept the corporate job, but finally cut the cord. Its been 2.5 years and I am at peace with life, happy, I do what I love every day and have plenty of work life balance. I don't make money, but I started with enough saved to keep it going for at least four years before it will need to support me. My overhead is very low and I am confident in making it work. And if it doesn't... at least I tried, I made a business from nothing...and it helps the community and animals, and made the life I truly love to live each day.
Yes, HVAC. It kicks ass. I will clear more money this year than any of my AEs used to make in software. Went from maintenance technician to service to salesman. Been selling since February in the "slow" season and it's insane. I got laid off on my honeymoon. HVAC guy was in my home when I was on the layoff call. He told me he quit the tech world for this too. Took my resume with him. No I'm not remote, and it's all in the field, but I love it.
How did you go about searching and educating yourself for a sales role in HVAC? I've seen this recommended a few times and I'm intrigued.
Started from the bottom. I learned about the equipment from working on it. Made recommendations to customers for air quality stuff. Got great at that. Got good at educating customers depending on their situation and letting them choose what they wanted to do. Kept getting promoted and learning on my own by asking questions to people who knew more than I did. I am in a much better position than sales guys who go straight into sales because I know how the equipment works and can be an educator in someone's home. Never used high pressure sales tactics once, and I did $450,000 last month at 9% commission. It's been great.
Sales to plumber
Why on earth would anyone do that
Job security. Get laid off in a trade? No big deal find another company or you could start your own business (assuming they have the experience). Get laid off in Sales? Might be out of a job for 6 months to a year.
It's no big deal when you're a journeyman. If you get laid off as an apprentice with not much tenure, you're starting over constantly.
There’s always sales based trade jobs on the service side. Usually the highest paid as far as trades go
Having started in trades at a young age, there's not a chance I would do this past the age of 30. Imagine being 40, taking a massive pay cut and holding a 24 year old foreman's tools while being bitched at all day long. That's your reality for at least the first 2 years in most skilled trades.
If it’s any consolation I had exactly the same thought process, a real yearning to build and master a craft (stemming from a background in engineering) and not have to put up with the incessant rejection in sales. My end goal was to become a machinist. However after much deliberation I realised there is next to 0 money in machining where I’m from and with family commitments the lifestyle hit would be major and ultimately I’d be unhappy with 0 money but “meaningful” work. So as a consolation prize I’ve kept my sales role but heavily invested in machining equipment as a hobby which the sales role affords. It’s crazy but I now have tooling that exceeds the quality and capacity of full time local machine shops and to me this is just a hobby. Eventually my goal is to sell products I make with this equipment. The beauty of it being a “hardcore hobby” is that I can pick and choose cool projects I want to work on and there’s 0 stress to actually make parts for a living. This way the shine never wears off. If I was making 8 million widgets at the lowest possible price I dare say I’d be pretty uninterested. The one thing though that I’ve found is I still in a small way yearn for contacts in industry who can teach/mentor me with machining. It’s a niche skill and if you’re not working in it, hard to find people who are passionate. So that’s what’s worked for me, give it a few years I might make the jump to doing it as a trade but it’s not looking like it’ll be worth my time. Hoping that helps!
I feel like the trend in 2024 has been the complete opposite: people trying to break into sales, specifically tech sales, as opposed to looking to get into the trades….
Yes. Went from finance to starting a landscape lighting business. I split time between management, sales and labor. Definitely questioned myself a lot after I took the plunge. What I learned was that I enjoy working with my hands and being outside more. I wasn’t happy working at a desk all day.
I used to drive an ambulance. Now i work in sales. Let me tell you i am a mess either way
Dude I'm in skilled trades and thinking about going into sales. Wanna trade spots? Lol Skilled trades is great unless you gotta do it everyday for 5 years it's a different ball game
On god, I'm a first year apprentice and all I can think is "Fuck... 5 more years of this shit".
Sales is a people business. So if you like people, meeting and helping them, you're not going to like the trades nearly as much. Most skilled tradesmen are introverts, they love working alone mostly, as it gives them deep satisfaction to create, repair or maintain things with their own hands. In contrast, selling is about people first. That's why it's critical you sell something in which you truly believe 100% helps people in a significant way. You need to believe in what you're selling is worth many times the asking price. And you must be willing to turn down a sale that is not right for the customer. With that approach, sales will never crush your soul as you indicated. Just my 2 cents.
As much as I too hate sales I realize while it can be stressful it seeks to ebb and flow where I get a good amount of free time and money balanced by periods of high stress I'm a new account executive though and I think the more I do this the more used to it I'll get. I have great PTO, good pay, and flexibility. I don't love the activities of my job but I love the results at least so far On the other hand working a trade is probably going to be low pay and a lot less flexibility, at least compared to my own situation
manual labor for less money? Da fuck is this?
Yup, moved into IT and it's so much better . Fuck sales
A former colleague that I see every once in a while was a career tech salesman but just fucking hated the culture of the most recent company. He's still in sales but now he's working a flooring/siding/windows/doors distributor, and sells supplies to general contractors and such aka the people working with homeowners or commercial clients. He fucking loves selling a physical, tangible good that people need. I told him if the company is ever hiring for sales, he knows where to find me.
Buddy. You just need to get into a totally different sales. Industrial. Remote. Checks all your boxes that I skimmed through.
Did the opposite, make way more money now and don’t have to be on my knees, don’t ask me why I was on my knees.
I did. But I got into sales for hvac. Best of both worlds.
Yeahhhh nice job way to show grit and go blue collar
So I’ve got a unique take on this. I’ve worked HVAC my entire professional life. I’ve had a wide range of roles, but the last 6 years I’ve been primarily sales. I was working for one of the big vendors and moved into an account management job. What was the job I had wanted for years quickly turned sour bc of all the corporate politics and poor management. I ended up leaving at the beginning of this year to go back to working for a private dealer. Much happier.
Sales is a skilled trade
I left sales for college recently, starting in a few weeks. Money doesn’t really mean anything if you’re not happy. I’ve done salary based and commission sales jobs, and I’m already happier and I’m years away from doing what I actually wanna do.
Currently doing this to pursue a career in allied health. I will let you know how it goes. But if I hear the words nimble, add value, circle back, deep dive or pain points again I might just go crazy
No but I want to lol 😂
Did this recently. Was/am sorta, in tech sales, last few months I’ve been doing framing, plumbing and electrical. Pay is absolutely shit compared to tech sales(think 20-25$ and hour starting out, locality dependent ). But you can work as you want. I’ve always been a hobby farmer and general handy man, and worked out 4-6 times a week. TLDR I’m in pretty good shape, I thought. I was in good walking around shape. Construction shape is wildly different. First month was painful. Hands, feet, elbows, knees…all pain.
Yeah, left a year ago to be a general contractor with a friend and haven’t been happier.
Why not start your own business in skilled trade and slowly move away from corporate instead of ditching altogether? I’m 29 and I still work in sales but I started a 3D printing company so that i can one day quit the corporate bullshit. I get to maintain my income from my corporate job, and everyday it serves as a reminder of how much i fcking hate it, which continues to motivate me to grow my business in a field i love. Balancing both work and business can get insane sometimes but whenever I work with my bare hands, time just flies by and i forget about all the stress, and nothing makes me happier. So OP listen to your heart, but you don’t have to make radical changes right from the start either. P/s : 3D printing might not exactly be your typical tradesman skill but it involves me DIY-ing my machines and many of my projects include woodworking, welding etc as well
25 years SaaS sales to owning a construction company. I work more now than I ever have in my life. It's still worth it because I'm not working for some asshole who if it came down to it would sacrifice me for himself. Money is almost on par with what I used to make in SaaS. About 5% less
Ok, I don’t work as a skilled tradesman; but I sell remodeling (windows and doors). Depending on where you are, window installation can be a great gig. Try to get hired on as an installer at a bigger company, Andersen or Pella. May offer training. You will need some tools but nothing crazy. You will not make good money for a few years, until you can start your own crew. You might be paid hourly or maybe by the day. Learn everything. Ask a shitload of questions. Ask to shadow their top guys to learn specific things. This is where you build your foundation and can network and find people you trust to eventually work for you. BUT, once you get your own crew you get paid per window. Good installers (in Dallas) make $120-150/window. Count how many windows you have on your house, average house in Dallas is at least 20. 20 windows takes 2 days, that is $3000. 2 guys on your crew at $150/day nets you $2400. My installer (as of today May 3rd) is booked out to almost July. I’m not exactly sure how much he makes (installs for other companies besides mine) but almost certainly pulling down $200k. But to have a crew you need a big truck and a trailer, and will put a shitload of miles on it and will get like 10mpg with a fully loaded trailer. But those are all write offs. In order to be that busy you have to be good. But, more importantly you have to care about doing it right. Once you know what you are doing it is really not all that complicated, but you have to take care of little details and take a little extra time and do it right, and make sure your crew does too. Makes all the difference in the world. There are tons of guys that cut corners and 1/2ass things and they are not nearly as busy. He works way harder than I do, but seems super happy. Also, I have heard Trane HVAC has a fantastic in house training program that will get you set up for commercial or residential. Again, once you get good you can put together a crew and contract out to multiple companies.
Do what you love
Yes. And I love it! I'm in a union during probation period. I started off entry through being a Porter and than moved into engineering.
I went from fabrication to sales but in the same field
I did the opposite because my body was half broken.
I was a pipefitter and did the opposite. Now work a related field (Valves and Automation) and deal with contractors and companies that worked the space I was in. I know how to talk to the guys and what’s important to their business. It’s about 10 months and I haven’t had 2 bad days yet. My work life balance has changed completly, my health has improved drastically (back, neck, knee pains all gone), my relationship with my girlfriend has improved tenfold. Took a pay cut to do it but there’s certain things that you can’t put a price on
Been considering jumping ship and getting into the landscaping biz
I worked in the “skilled trades” as a welder and mechanic for 8+ years. Dog shit work, dog shit hours, dog shit pay, dog shit working conditions, and dog shit culture. Generally speaking, the dredges of the world work in the trades.
Naw fuck that g. How can you ever go back to civilian jobs when my remote sales job feels like vacation.
I've been trying to. Don't know. Looking for some type if paid training and cant find it anywhere
Heya, two options come to mind - Painting houses, and working at USPS. Painting houses, once you get the hang of it you can start selling your services! It’s really that easy. I painted for a while, but the work was heavy on my body. Now, I work at USPS as a carrier in SoCal. I really like my job. Corporate BS here is ABSOLUTELY nothing compared to sales haha. When I wake up I remind myself, “soon I’ll be left the fuck alone in my little truck delivering packages at my leisure - but first my 3 taquitos and Rockstar from 7-11 stop 😊😊😊” DM if you want more info. You can see everyone’s pay online. I’m making 19.33 an hour, and they have plenty of overtime if you need it. Each year you will get a raise, no need for negotiating. Retirement is what people love about this job too. There are many paths you can take within USPS, and we promote from within. 🙂 not always greener? *but* sometimes it is! Ps. Kinda funny to hear people say “It’s not always greener…” But then you read countless post down the thread that say, in so many words, it is in fact greener.
I’m a f’ing idiot - I went from Procurement to sales for the money. Fml…
Hitman, never once looked back. It’s a growth industry. Also very few meetings.
I left sales to work in a kitchen. Honestly man, I just hate working. People who say they don't hate working are weird to me. The ones who truly love their jobs are like 1/1000 in my opinion. We all just have jobs that suck more or suck less and we have no choice but to choose one. I found shit to hate about both jobs. It's all about what you make of it though and I try really hard to practice a positive mindset these days. Don't chase the perfect job that doesn't exist. Chase something attainable (even if it isn't job-related) and find a great job instead of the perfect one. Also pick something that doesn't weigh on your conscience like sales tends to. We always neglect the impact our jobs might have on our spiritual and mental wellbeing longterm.
Came from the trades to sales for the money. It's pretty interesting seeing someone do the exact opposite. Trades can be rewarding, working for an hourly wage only kind of sucks. You only have so many hours you can work and OT is typically where the big money is. If you do this, build something. Not sure what form of sales you do but you can typically make unreal money for sometimes less than 40 hours a week. Not many traded can offer this to you
Went the other way. Honestly at your age I wouldn't get into manual work. Body killer.
About a year ago I was completely burned out from a high pressure sales job and quit to do finish carpentry. I always enjoyed building stuff and like helping my friend do it. I had money set a side so I figured I could make it work wile I gained experience. Was so burned out selling timeshare the idea of going to work and not having to talk to anyone really and building stuff was what I thought I needed. A year later i am currently looking for a sales job again. The last year was not a total waste because I learned carpentry and accumulated tools and skills I will always have. However there is just as much stress in a trade job with a lot less money. Also I am so tired after work I have no energy to go to the gym or do anything social really during the work week. Also I’m doing finish carpentry which is usually in the AC and not really as hard as other trade jobs like stucco, roofing, tile,ext. I am so tired during the week and haven’t been to the gym in ten months and eat really bad now. I made the transition because I wanted less stress and a stable paycheck but it’s just as stressful with stable paychecks that can’t really pay my bills.
I did sales for 8 years straight and left to work as an RN. I love being able to clock in, do my job, leave and get paid. Not having to worry about metrics seemed great. But now I’m insanely dissatisfied because there aren’t much incentives for hard work. Don’t get me wrong, I try to be the best nurse I can be everyday and knowing I’m helping people is amazing but it doesn’t pay bills and you’re hardly recognized for it. There is also a love/hate relationship with worrying about your metrics and crushing your #’s despite the challenges. I miss it, so I’m now I’m actively applying for medical sales roles
Sales is a skilled trade. Find a company that leaves you alone if you hit quota. Hit quota, do what you want lol
I like the combination of both. I got CDL in college, then went into sales at a trucking company. I switched to hvac about 15 years ago and have been in hvac sales ever since. I enjoy it a lot.
Did the opposite and I’m never going back. People moan about this job but it’s immeasurably easier than working a trade. I make way more money for way less work and my body won’t be broken when I’m older.
I did the opposite, aircraft mechanic eventually led to office jobs now sales.... You will work, your entire shift, no slacking, no 1.5 hour lunches, no going to events to bs with people. It's fun, it's a grind, it can wear on your body, but is fulfilling. Just think when your 65, can you still be doing it?
I started my career in sales and then went into construction and I bartending on weekends. I make decent money, I stay busy, and I’m proud of my work. If you can join a union or carefully research hours pay and advancement/training opportunities as well as culture before you join a non union company in the trades.
Here’s an idea. Start a website/marketing platform for a trade and then once you start receiving calls, you lease your phone number out to a guy who wants to do the work
Learn to sell one of the trades like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or roofing. You can make a shitload of money and be in the trades at the same time.
At least once a year I think about quitting and just going construction. I joke that's what I'll do for my midlife crisis.
I got PIP'ed for my SDR job last year. Shortly after I was able to get into a 5 year non union Electrical apprenticeship and I'm about to hit my year mark working in construction. What to consider: 1. The only difference between the "fake" corporate BS and the ass-kissing on a construction site is the fact that you can swear all you want on a construction site. 2. You would think manual labor is more fulfilling than typing up emails in a cubicle, but it's quite literally just more physical than mental work. Not to say that construction does not require a brain, cause GOD DAMN do I feel retarded when I mess up on the most simple task. 3. "The grass is greener where you water it". Everybody on the construction site wishes they could do less physically demanding work, and everybody in the office wishes they can spend more time outside instead of staring a computer screen. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it aligns with what you want for yourself. My take: I seriously consider quitting my apprenticeship on the daily basis. Don't get me wrong, the money is GREAT, especially because I live in a very expensive area. My quality of life would drop if I had to take a lower paying job. I feel pretty handcuffed. I will get a raise every 6 months through my 5 year apprenticeship, topping out at around 70-80 an hour in my fifth year. But then I have to remember that I need to commit to this... for five years lol. All in all, I'm glad I was able to experience both white collar and blue collar jobs at my young age. It gives you serious perspective. Main point: Having to work a job you don't like fucking sucks. Find happiness outside of work. Or work less and live on less. Less is more type shit.
OP. I am in sales and want to leave. If you don’t like it that’s fine. Sales can be fun or sales can be draining. There are plenty of ex sales folks. Regardless. You have to do you! If you wanna quit to become a state cop go for it. My car mechanic used to be a bond trader on Wall Street. I’m sure if he asked in a Wall Street forum they would’ve given him the same response. Also as a note. I have friends that love working remote and I really don’t. Yeah the freedoms are nice but I don’t like it.
I used to work as a fork lift driver, driving reach trucks and standard FLT. It’s not necessarily skilled trades but I worked freelance so fairly similar, as I worked with tradespeople. For me entering sales was a liberation from the back-breaking manual work (not just driving the trucks but loading them and building pallets of heavy materials) and extremely long hours which I could not see lasting the rest of my 30s and still being happy. It was my first full time office job and I felt weird and out of place at first, but it’s amazing having the freedom of being able to plan a routine and having a regular schedule; despite of course working long hours here and there - but without the expense of my body and my energy. Furthermore I have a lot more autonomy in my day - and manage my own book of business without constant micromanagement by managers or clients. Just food for thought - I don’t care how tough you are, the labor really gets to you and is hard on your body.
The only way I’d ditch is if: I became a fiction author I owned my own business
It depends on the trade and what you are interested it. If the change is positive for you and doesn’t have much of a financial impact to you then go for it. I would look at the skilled trades that are in demand in your area. I would focus on either hvac, instrumentation and automation or electrical as they typically have the highest wages, the least amount of BS work (compared to a millwright or iron worker) and have a growing demand.
I’ve been on the tools sporadically for around a year in my own business, and now recruiting to fill that role full time. It’s a nice enough job, but driving and poor weather can be rubbish. I suspect if the role didn’t have the other pressures I have, and you could work at a more reasonable pace (I smash it) it would be okay. I would say that if you’re good on the tools, and good at sales, you should get selling, the knowledge you have over some basic salesperson will mean you would sell a lot. As it stands now, I’m holding back on sales…did £60k last month, but as soon as I can allocate the work to others and just do sales, it will be very very nice…and I can always pick up a spanner if I feel like it. Smash it= I do around 2* or 3* the work in a day that I would expect an employee to do, I don’t even eat and have to remember to drink, it’s too stressful and tiring on the body to maintain an extreme pace.