I’m 46 and have spent the last 20 years working as a technician at a factory. Now I want to switch to a sales job. My family is in shock, they say it’s too sudden and I should stick with the stability I have. But I really want to take a risk! What would you do in my shoes?

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  • Priscilla Hughes

    1mo
    Best answer

    Before you transition ensure that you have significant savings. Start a sales position on a part-time basis along with your employment. When your... sales position replaces your income at your job AND you have reserves then think about transitioning. Taking a risk is great but if you are sole provider or your family depends on your income then you can transition but do it strategically. There’s no rush and that way you give yourself time to test out what kind of sales you want to do without financial stress more

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  • Patrick, this is a question some of my clients bring to me. This is about you and where you want to take your career. While input is helpful, remember... you are the one that is making the best decision for yourself. Inbox or email me and we can discuss for a few minutes more

  • Question what type of sales?

  • I was in your shoes, let's connect. DM me.

  • If there ever was a time in your life. If you feel like you want more out of life. My humble advice. Take the jump! I too was watching wholesale... product representatives go in and out of my retail stores. I managed retail stores working 50-60 hours and hating it. After questioning these representatives for years. I finally grew some balls and pulled the trigger. I ventured into the unknown. The first job offer as a sales representative flopped. The owner totally misrepresented himself and his company. Thank god, I figured it all out sooner than later. It made me stronger and I landed a much better job. I was given a new company vehicle. Company credit card and a proven sales route with salary and commission. I ran with that ball and traded up a few more times. I took sales positions way above that retail job that I was too scared to leave. My advise, go for it! more

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  • There is no limit in what we are able to do, it just your mind frame and your discipline. Plan accordingly and take massive action, the sky is the... limit. Reach out if you need help, I can point you in the right direction and can introduce you to different successful sales people. Go for it more

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  • i would get a hobby and slow roll for early retirement, maybe start a small business, or better yet look for another job

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  • Sales is far more difficult than secured Trchnician jobs. Make Dales your pastime, keep technician as your main job or your big paying job making... technician your part time up until sales start covering your expenses. more

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  • In an turbulent political era, a declining economy and an era of accelerating automation, a risk assessment is definitely in order. That said, we... lack any of the information that would allow us to stand in your shoes and provide any advice beyond that.

    Clearly, your risk assessment would need to take the size of your buffer fund in your bank and you career-life goals for the next five years into account. Beyond that, the health and prospects of the organization and the sector you wish to become part of should be considered. Unless you're single, your spouse would also have a stake in your plans. There's also the matter of your health. Do you have any conditions which could be exacerbated by the expectations that would come with a sales job like travel or extended hours? Tip: ageism could affect your job prospects in some fields after you hit fifty.

    If you've demonstrated you've done your homework in terms of opportunity - risk assessment (and you don't see family members as your back up if your plan fails), they shouldn't have any concerns.

     more

  • Before you transition ensure that you have significant savings. Start a sales position on a part-time basis along with your employment. When your... sales position replaces your income at your job AND you have reserves then think about transitioning. Taking a risk is great but if you are sole provider or your family depends on your income then you can transition but do it strategically. There’s no rush and that way you give yourself time to test out what kind of sales you want to do without financial stress more

    8
  • I would say start on a part time basis at first (20 - 30 hrs). I assume that since you have worked the same job for twenty years you have some... obligations. Sales positions usually are commission based. You will have to develop a book of business to be viable. This will require time and developing skill set related to sales. I say do not consider being full time until you have shown the ability to replace your income for at least six months. more

    3
  • Strategize the Transition.Instead of an abrupt jump, consider a planned shift:
    • Start networking in sales to understand the landscape.
    • Take a... short course or get sales certifications to strengthen your résumé.
    • Explore hybrid roles (e.g., technical sales) that use your 20 years of experience while letting you grow in a new direction
     more

  • Ultimately, life is too short to ignore a calling for something new. If the risk is calculated and your motivation is strong, I’d lean toward pursuing... it wisely. more

  • I just turned 40 and have been in retail for 20+ years. I switched to an hourly sales job 2 years ago. I don’t make any money in it and I just took... the leap in a much higher commission sales position in another industry. Trust the still small voice and do it. “Courage doesn’t take skill, it just takes you to say YES!” You can do it if you believe in yourself. Because everyone else does already.  more

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  • Figure out what you need to break even. If you can make it work, GO FOR IT!

  • Life is short and if you are looking to change your path and it will still provide stability go for it

  • I would say take the opportunity. But, If you have people dependent on your income you may want to find out if you can start the sales position on a... part time basis until you have become competent enough in the sales field to support your family. more