my current role is extremely cushy and therefore upside is capped, I’m in a VHCOL and my salary is $110k + $5-10k bonus.
the thing is, at 26 y/o know I have more in the tank. I effectively only work 1-2 hours a day and feel like I’m wasting time. I already have tons of cool shit I do outside of work so that’s not a concern.
my role is fairly operational (overseeing institutional investment accounts, aligning them with our CIOs strategy) and speaking to clients occasionally about their returns & the market/economy.
im super money hungry and my managers and mentor internally say I should pursue sales and that im limiting myself in an operational role, not sure why.
am i effectively only limited to an SDR/BDR role where I take a 30-40% haircut (no offense to u SDRs) and play the long game?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, transitioning from a cushy finance role to sales can be a strategic move, but it comes with trade-offs and considerations:
Sales as a High-Risk, High-Reward Path: Sales roles, especially in finance, can offer significant upside potential, but they are performance-driven. As highlighted in WSO threads, sales roles like account executives or institutional sales often come with variable compensation structures. For example, a base salary of $150k with commissions that fluctuate based on your territory, timing, and talent. However, the pressure to perform is intense, and non-performance can lead to termination.
Skill Alignment: Your current role already involves client interaction and aligning strategies, which are transferable skills for sales. However, sales requires a strong ability to generate revenue, manage relationships, and handle rejection. If you're naturally good at building rapport and have a hunger for money, sales could be a good fit.
Career Path in Sales: Starting as an SDR/BDR might feel like a step back, but it’s often the entry point for transitioning into sales. However, depending on your firm and network, you might be able to bypass this step and move directly into a more senior sales role, especially if you can leverage your existing client-facing experience.
Work-Life Balance and Risk: Sales roles, particularly in institutional finance, can be demanding. As noted in WSO discussions, the work-life balance can be worse than operational roles, with long hours tied to market activity and client entertainment. Be prepared for a grind, especially in the early stages.
Long-Term Upside: If you’re money-hungry and willing to take on the risk, sales can be lucrative. The path to senior roles like managing director or institutional sales lead can lead to significant earnings, but it requires persistence and a strong track record.
If you’re serious about the switch, consider networking within your firm or industry to explore sales opportunities that align with your current skill set. Additionally, be prepared for a potential short-term pay cut as you transition, but keep your eyes on the long-term upside.
Sources: Tech As An Alternative to Finance, Institutional Sales Analyst Job Description and Overview, Transitioning from tech to a serious finance job (yes, you read that right), Tech As An Alternative to Finance, Best sales job in finance
Cant u get out of the VHCOL?
yes, next
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