Work LAMP

[Mikie2times]

Ever get a new job, and find out that everything you were told before was a lie? I'm not talking about stuff that can be perceived one way or the other; I’m talking about things like salary expectations, and benefits. The type of things that can be measured, and make a big impact on whether or not you take a job.

 

Recently I got this sales job with an advertising company; they're pretty solid in terms of reputation, history, benefits etc. I'm told "REALISTIC" income expectations for the first year are 35,000$-45,000$. In sales that figure seems fairly accurate for above average people the first year, so I accepted that and moved on. Then the other day my boss (who I didn't interview with) says that original figure we received during the interview was based on large markets. We are not a large market so you can expect those numbers to be around 20,000$-30,000$. So I was thinking fine, still more then enough for the first year.

 

Then today my boss leaves for a few hours and me and this guy start talking. He is one of the top sales guys at this office, and for whatever reason was in a very chatty mood. He had 7 accounts his first month at the company, which is damn good. But that wasn't enough to get him off the draw which is 800$ a month. I asked him when he got off the draw, and he said a couple months ago (he was in year 1 1/2). I then clarified what he said, and it was true, one of the top sales guys at the office couldn't make more then 9,600$ his first year.

 

It just seems wrong to me that this company distorted the figure that much; I mean that's not even enough to cover bills and food for the year. At least it's Friday.

[Crap Throwing Monkey]

Ever get a new job, and find out that everything you were told before was a lie? I'm not talking about stuff that can be perceived one way or the other; I’m talking about things like salary expectations, and benefits. The type of things that can be measured, and make a big impact on whether or not you take a job.

 

Recently I got this sales job with an advertising company; they're pretty solid in terms of reputation, history, benefits etc. I'm told "REALISTIC" income expectations for the first year are 35,000$-45,000$. In sales that figure seems fairly accurate for above average people the first year, so I accepted that and moved on.  Then the other day my boss (who I didn't interview with) says that original figure we received during the interview was based on large markets. We are not a large market so you can expect those numbers to be around 20,000$-30,000$. So I was thinking fine, still more then enough for the first year. 

 

Then today my boss leaves for a few hours and me and this guy start talking. He is one of the top sales guys at this office, and for whatever reason was in a very chatty mood.  He had 7 accounts his first month at the company, which is damn good. But that wasn't enough to get him off the draw which is 800$ a month.  I asked him when he got off the draw, and he said a couple months ago (he was in year 1 1/2).  I then clarified what he said, and it was true, one of the top sales guys at the office couldn't make more then 9,600$ his first year. 

 

It just seems wrong to me that this company distorted the figure that much; I mean that's not even enough to cover bills and food for the year. At least it's Friday.

534422[/snapback]

 

Not quite that way...but yes, I've been blatantly lied to. Frequently. In my experience, it's a sure sign it's time to bail.

[Gavin in Va Beach]

The practice you describe sounds like the ole' bait-n-switch. Happens everyday.

 

I've been lied too AND backstabbed. Ain't much fun but that's life...

[erynthered]

Ever get a new job, and find out that everything you were told before was a lie? I'm not talking about stuff that can be perceived one way or the other; I’m talking about things like salary expectations, and benefits. The type of things that can be measured, and make a big impact on whether or not you take a job.

 

Recently I got this sales job with an advertising company; they're pretty solid in terms of reputation, history, benefits etc. I'm told "REALISTIC" income expectations for the first year are 35,000$-45,000$. In sales that figure seems fairly accurate for above average people the first year, so I accepted that and moved on.  Then the other day my boss (who I didn't interview with) says that original figure we received during the interview was based on large markets. We are not a large market so you can expect those numbers to be around 20,000$-30,000$. So I was thinking fine, still more then enough for the first year. 

 

Then today my boss leaves for a few hours and me and this guy start talking. He is one of the top sales guys at this office, and for whatever reason was in a very chatty mood.  He had 7 accounts his first month at the company, which is damn good. But that wasn't enough to get him off the draw which is 800$ a month.  I asked him when he got off the draw, and he said a couple months ago (he was in year 1 1/2).  I then clarified what he said, and it was true, one of the top sales guys at the office couldn't make more then 9,600$ his first year. 

 

It just seems wrong to me that this company distorted the figure that much; I mean that's not even enough to cover bills and food for the year. At least it's Friday.

534422[/snapback]

 

 

If its not in writing, and they give you a income range in sales. Just cut it in half, that'll give you a better feel for what you could make. Lesson learned. Good luck.

[Mikie2times]

If its not in writing, and they give you a income range in sales.  Just cut it in half, that'll give you a better feel for what you could make. Lesson learned. Good luck.

534446[/snapback]

 

I usually question the figures, so when the original figure took the plunge I felt like that was probably accurate. At the very least it kept me from pursuing more evidence about the real salary expectations. That was until I actually spoke with a disinterested party. It really sucks, but they already said we don't need to reimburse them for the draw if things don't work out, so I'll just show up and collect my draw while I search for something better.

[Johnny Coli]

Ahhh. I sense a bit of "sabotage in the workplace" coming. Good for you, Mike. You see, when people work a job they hate, they are obligated to steal from their job, or destroy company property or reputation to even the score. Never steal more than you feel you should be making, and secretly work towards driving the company into the ground. But not before you've had time to update and pad your resume. Only you will know the ship is going down, and that is a pretty powerful feeling, isn't it, Mike. You're damn right it is. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

Remember, it's not your fault you hate your job. It's their fault you hate your job.

[Alaska Darin]

Ahhh.  I sense a bit of "sabotage in the workplace" coming.  Good for you, Mike.  You see, when people work a job they hate, they are obligated to steal from their job, or destroy company property or reputation to even the score.  Never steal more than you feel you should be making, and secretly work towards driving the company into the ground.  But not before you've had time to update and pad your resume.  Only you will know the ship is going down, and that is a pretty powerful feeling, isn't it, Mike.  You're damn right it is.  Good luck, and keep us posted. 

 

Remember, it's not your fault you hate your job.  It's their fault you hate your job.

534478[/snapback]

[Mikie2times]

Ahhh.  I sense a bit of "sabotage in the workplace" coming.  Good for you, Mike.  You see, when people work a job they hate, they are obligated to steal from their job, or destroy company property or reputation to even the score.  Never steal more than you feel you should be making, and secretly work towards driving the company into the ground.  But not before you've had time to update and pad your resume.  Only you will know the ship is going down, and that is a pretty powerful feeling, isn't it, Mike.  You're damn right it is.  Good luck, and keep us posted. 

 

Remember, it's not your fault you hate your job.  It's their fault you hate your job.

534478[/snapback]

 

I certainly won’t feel guilty about it, but I have no revenge on my mind. I just started at this place, and will continue threw my training and other requirements while I get my draw and find something else. Either that, or I will create a computer program that that removes small fractions of a penny and places them into an account of my choice. That is if my friends Michael Bolton and Samir will help me.

[inkman]

$9600? Do you have bills? If that was my pay I would have to start robbing people at ATM's.

 

Does your job include selling expensive 50lb vaccuum cleaners? How about water systems?

[Mikie2times]

$9600?  Do you have bills?  If that was my pay I would have to start robbing people at ATM's. 

 

Does your job include selling expensive 50lb vaccuum cleaners?  How about water systems?

534495[/snapback]

 

I'm not staying, and wouldn't have taken the job in the first place had I known that was what I would make my first year. It's only my second week, so I just found out the truth about it.

[inkman]

I get the impression you are in your early to mid 20's. I was in similar situations when I was that age. I worked pretty crappy jobs until I was 27. I broke down and went to the local manufacturer and took a manual labor job despite have a Bachelors in Business. Well six years later I have more than doubled my salary and work in the offices.

 

I guess the point of my story is that sometimes it's better knowing where you stand even if it's in a big pile of dookie.

[Mikie2times]

I get the impression you are in your early to mid 20's.  I was in similar situations when I was that age.  I worked pretty crappy jobs until I was 27.  I broke down and went to the local manufacturer and took a manual labor job despite have a Bachelors in Business.  Well six years later I have more than doubled my salary and work in the offices. 

 

I guess the point of my story is that sometimes it's better knowing where you stand even if it's in a big pile of dookie.

534503[/snapback]

 

True, and yes I'm 23.

[HopsGuy]

I'm not staying, and wouldn't have taken the job in the first place had I known that was what I would make my first year.  It's only my second week, so I just found out the truth about it.

534499[/snapback]

 

Dude, tend bar. You'll make way more. You can then say you have sales experience and get a real sales job (if that's what you really want).

[Mikie2times]

Dude, tend bar.  You'll make way more.  You can then say you have sales experience and get a real sales job (if that's what you really want).

534506[/snapback]

 

That wouldn't be a bad idea. I have some cash saved up, and can take a class around here which can get you into most top notch bars. I also have a contact with an insurance company that only handles group insurance plans for businesses. So the sales reps only deal directly with businesses, no cold calling or prospecting. I already have a life and health license so that is another option I have to consider.

[inkman]

The problem with tending bar is that you need experience or an "in" to get a bar tending job.

[stevestojan]

Mike,

 

Holy Crap, that sucks. I thought I PMd you about GEICO. The starting wage for a phone sales rep is $30,000. And that is base whether you sell or not. If you sell more than 70 per month, you get $40/per on top of that. I didn't go the sales route when I starter (I did service instead), but I've only been there 7 months and just got a promotion to Claims Adjuster with a siezable raise, if you are looking for a job that has tons of potential growth.But even if you are looking to go into sales and stay there, some of our top guys make more in one month bonuses than you said you'll make in a year. Even the mediocre sales people make a couple hundred a month (again, on top of their $30k salary). $20,000-$30,000 like you say (including your commissions) is awful. $9,600 is criminal. Tell them to beat it.

 

Steve

[HopsGuy]

That wouldn't be a bad idea. I have some cash saved up, and can take a class around here which can get you into most top notch bars. I also have a contact with an insurance company that only handles group insurance plans for businesses. So the sales reps only deal directly with businesses, no cold calling or prospecting. I already have a life and health license so that is another option I have to consider.

534511[/snapback]

 

In that case, I'd recommend going with the insurance. At 23, a sales job is rarely going to pay very much, but the experience will be invaluable. Most young guys are paying their dues, learning the ropes. If you're lucky enough to work with some old salts, listen to everything they say.

 

I did sales-engineering for a few years when I was first starting out. I didn't like it very much, even though I was successful. Looking back, I can tell you that if you really like building those relationships, you can be good at sales. If you're good at sales, you'll always be in demand. Give the insurance gig a shot.

 

But try to tend bar once a week. Trust me.

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

1. Salespeople lie. They all do. Always.

 

2. People lie about money all the time. (Example: "The fast ferry in Rochester will not cost any money to the taxpayer and end up making money").

 

The sooner that you understand it and accept it, the better that your life will become.

[inkman]

1. Salespeople lie. They all do. Always.

 

2. People lie about money all the time. (Example: "The fast ferry in Rochester will not cost any money to the taxpayer and end up making money").

 

The sooner that you understand it and accept it, the better that your life will become.

534562[/snapback]

 

I see we have the same feelings about salespeople. I really loathe car dealers. I can feel their slimey like ooze in the air when I walk onto the lot. When your job entails putting the screws to your customers, you are officially an a-hole.

[taterhill]

Dude, tend bar.  You'll make way more.  You can then say you have sales experience and get a real sales job (if that's what you really want).

534506[/snapback]

and lots of Tang..and not the astronaut kind