I got hired at IBM as an SDR in band 7 (85k Base, 125k OTE). Next year they’re getting rid of SDRs so we’re all automatically promoted. Our new pay, as an account executive, is going to be 18% less on that base, same OTE. Isn’t that too low for that position? Would love some advice on how to navigate this! Thank you!
I find it ironic you say automatically "promoted " to another role with the same total comp but less in base. Bonuses generally aren't guaranteed where base is, so this doesn't feel like a promotion to me. As for the title and if it's too low, corporate titles or elevated job titles are often a way for companies to make us feel rewarded without ACTUALLY rewarding us. My old boss used to call them "trinkets" (essentially they are meaningless). Honor is in the dollar. And you can call me "Shit Shoveler Lvl 3" for all I care as long as you pay me.
Glad you like my perspective D2. I've just never seen work as something to do for fulfillment. I work to fund my life outside of work, make sure my family is taken care of, etc. Cheers.
Sorry, new here. What is OTE?
What do you mean, getting rid of SDRs??
Sales development reps!
Depends on market segment and where you live. $125k for a brand new AE coming out of SDR world seems accurate, especially if you were pseudo promoted into the role bc they're "getting rid of" SDRs. Most AE roles in my experience are 50/50 base/variable so I can see why your base would go down. SDRs are usually 60/40 or even 70/30 depending on industry because of experience levels
All that said, you're in sales so if you want to negotiate talk to your manager
Do you have prior AE experience?
The challenge with leaving is that without having AE experience, it will be hard to get a role at a new company as an AE (not impossible, just challenging). If you're ok leaving for an SDR or BDR role, you may have more luck. It could be worth sticking it out for a few quarters though as an AE, get the experience, and then leave once the tech market cools or negotiate a more fair comp package. I've never worked for IBM but who knows, your comp plan could be so easy to hit as an AE that you'll blow out your OTE anyways (wishful thinking 🤷♂️)
It literally never hurts to be interviewing though. If you have any recruiting inMails on LinkedIn, take some calls and see what's out there. The sales hiring world is chaotic right now so test the waters and see what's out there. Takes about 6 weeks to get through a full interview cycle so either way, hang tight and see how the new gig plays out
Omg leave!
Depends on city
- when I worked at IBM in sales there was more leverage than what I understand today. You only got 80% of your base and had to ‘earn’ it back. Was stupid - but once you got to 125% you starting making some nice kickers. That was when IBM had stuff to sell pre-cloud.
I just hope they pay us fairly. And I have no way of knowing since they don’t want us to talk about salary - which should be allowed.