Building a Career in Sales #2 | Avoiding the Salary Trap for Long Term Growth

5
min read
Building a Career in Sales #2 | Avoiding the Salary Trap for Long Term Growth

Building a Career in Sales #2 | Avoiding the Salary Trap for Long Term Growth

As an experienced employee, I have often found myself faced with the difficult decision of choosing between career growth and a better salary—a dilemma that many of us have to grapple with at various points in our professional journey!

Yash, one of the senior sales promoters at Channelplay finds himself in an aspirational cul-de-sac!

He’s been in the sales program at *current employer* (let’s call it X) for 10 years, two years at Y before.

The total take-home pay is great for Yash, given the role, but for a while now there hasn’t been any growth in role, and it is likely that there is none around the corner.

Time and again in our conversation he asserted that he is very happy with X and Channelplay. The working environment as a sales promoter is also generally good. There is pride on the role.

However, the flatness of role has created some strife in his personal life, and once or twice he has come close to just quitting. The high take-home money has stopped him from moving on each of those occasions.  

“Will I get similar money even as a team leader somewhere else?” he asked.

“Regular increments without an increase in responsibilities mean that there is a risk of you getting priced out of the market eventually. So, no matter the satisfaction in a role, it is vital to seek the next new responsibility,” such is the unsolicited advice that came out from me.

Career growth involves taking on new challenges, learning new skills, and advancing in one's field. It can also lead to increased job satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

Whereas a better salary comes with financial security and stability. It can allow for a better quality of life, provide for one's family, and help achieve long-term financial goals.

Indeed, it is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. So, what's a dedicated employee to do?  

It's important to assess your long-term career goals, evaluate the financial implications, assess job satisfaction and work-life balance, seek advice from mentors, and explore options before deciding. But at the end of the day, the decision is a personal one.

Will Yash continue to climb the ladder at Channelplay, or will he take a leap of faith and explore other opportunities? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure - Yash is not alone in this struggle. We wish he finds the right balance between career growth and financial stability, and so do you!