Hey everyone, I’m switching careers and landed two different sales opportunities. Really torn about which path to take.
First option is a Business Development Representative position at a marketing software company. The compensation package includes $49k guaranteed salary plus commission structure that could reach $71k total. This job would be completely remote which is appealing.
Second choice is a Sales Associate Level 2 role with a real estate data company working on their property platform. Base pay is $65k with potential earnings up to $130k with bonuses. However, this means moving to Virginia and working in a high energy office environment with all the typical sales floor atmosphere.
I’m completely new to sales so not sure which environment would be better for learning. The pay difference is significant but remote work has its benefits too. Anyone been in similar situations or worked at either type of company? What factors should I prioritize as someone just starting out in sales?
I’d go with the marketing software job. Sure, everyone’s debating office vs remote learning, but nobody’s talking about burnout - those high-energy sales floors destroy new people. Tech companies crush traditional ones on benefits and work-life balance. Yeah, the pay difference stings, but remote work saves you commute time and moving costs.
definitely choose virginia! when ur new to sales, being around others can teach u so much more. remote is tough for learning those subtle techniques from experienced people. plus, the pay is awesome, nearly double if you reach bonuses. yeah, moving sucks, but it’s a smart move for ur career!
You’re struggling to choose between two entry-level sales roles: one remote at a marketing software company and another in-office at a real estate data company. The remote role offers a lower base salary but higher potential earnings, while the in-office role provides a significantly higher base salary and bonus potential but requires relocation and an in-person office environment. You’re unsure which option will best facilitate your learning and career growth in sales.
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
The core issue is the trade-off between compensation, work environment, and learning opportunities. Both roles present distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the “best” choice depends on your personal priorities and risk tolerance. A purely financial analysis might favor the higher-paying in-office position, but the impact of office culture, commute time, relocation costs, and the learning environment shouldn’t be overlooked. Similarly, the long-term growth potential within each industry and the type of support offered by each company need careful consideration.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Evaluate Compensation and Potential Earnings: Create a spreadsheet comparing both roles. Include base salary, commission/bonus structure, potential earnings ceiling, relocation costs (if applicable for the in-office role), commute costs (for the in-office role), and any other financial incentives. Calculate the potential net income for each role over a 1-year and 3-year period to better understand the long-term financial implications.
Assess Work Environment Preferences: Honestly assess your preferences for remote versus in-office work. Consider factors like your preferred work style, your need for social interaction, your tolerance for high-pressure environments, and your personal circumstances (e.g., family, existing commitments). Weigh the pros and cons of each environment in the context of your personal lifestyle.
Analyze Learning Opportunities: Research both companies and evaluate their training programs, mentorship opportunities, and the overall culture regarding career development. Consider the experience level of your potential colleagues and the opportunities for learning from senior salespeople. Look for company reviews highlighting employee feedback on training quality and management support.
Consider Industry Outlook: Research the long-term growth prospects of each industry. The marketing software industry generally exhibits consistent growth, while the real estate data industry is often more susceptible to market fluctuations. Assess which industry offers more stable and potentially lucrative long-term career prospects.
Make Your Decision: Considering your financial analysis, work environment preferences, learning opportunities, and industry outlook, weigh the pros and cons of each role and make a decision that best aligns with your long-term goals and personal preferences.
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
Overlooking Non-Financial Factors: Don’t solely focus on salary. Consider the overall quality of life, commute time, work-life balance, and career progression opportunities.
Underestimating Relocation Costs: For the in-office role, accurately estimate all relocation costs, including moving expenses, security deposits, and the cost of living in the new location.
Ignoring Company Culture: Thoroughly research company culture to avoid choosing a role with a toxic or unsupportive environment. Check online reviews from employees on sites like Glassdoor.
Still running into issues? Share your specific concerns, challenges encountered during your research, or any other relevant details. The community is here to help!
I’ve worked both remote and in-office sales jobs, and I’d take the remote position even with the lower pay. Don’t buy into the hype about remote being harder to learn - decent companies have solid training and regular check-ins anyway. The real question is which industry has better long-term prospects. Marketing software is booming right now, and those skills translate everywhere. Real estate data? That’s way more volatile and tied to market swings. Sure, $22k sounds like a lot, but factor in relocation costs plus the stress of new city + high-pressure office + learning a new job all at once. Remote lets you focus on actually getting good at sales without all that chaos. And honestly? You’ll probably get promoted faster at a growing tech company than grinding it out on some traditional sales floor.
I disagree about needing an office environment. I started sales remotely four years ago and crushed it. What matters is company culture and training, not where you sit. The marketing software job probably has solid onboarding - remote companies have to nail this or they fail. The real estate gig sounds like they’ll throw you in and hope you pick things up, which is risky. Marketing software is way more stable than real estate data, which goes up and down with the market. Yeah, $22k is huge money, but if you perform well remotely, you’ll save on moving costs and actually have a life outside work. Skip the office vs remote argument and focus on which company will actually teach you how to succeed.
Three years in sales here - I’d take the office job despite having to relocate. When you’re new, being around experienced salespeople is huge. You absorb phone techniques, objection handling, and general sales skills just by listening. Remote work kills all that natural learning. The money’s better too. Even hitting 50% of the bonus target in Virginia puts you ahead. Plus real estate data is solid - consistent demand. That said, think about your situation. If you’re super disciplined and the remote company has good training plus regular mentorship calls, the flexibility could be worth it. But as someone brand new to sales? The office environment will teach you way more, even if it’s a pain to move.
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
Step-by-Step Guide:
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
Still running into issues? Share your specific concerns, challenges encountered during your research, or any other relevant details. The community is here to help!