Torn between 2 offers
Hello everyone,
I was laid off from my last job in advertising sales at the end of April. I now have 2 offers in front of me and I'm torn as to which one I should take. The first is in the broadcasting industry as an Account Executive. This is with a large national media company that I have always wanted to work for. The problem is the salary. I would be started on a guarantee for 6 months then after that period it would work out to a draw against commission each month. I'm not used to that type of set-up as my last job was salary+commission. I feel uneasy taking a position not knowing what I would be bringing home each month. But on the other hand it is in an industry I would love to work in.
My second offer is with a smaller company as an Account Executive selling online advertising. This position is base+commission. It would give me more experience selling digital media, as my last job was mainly print sales. It seems like the safe more secure way to go. However, I'm still torn between the two. The media job seems exciting. The problem is that it seems scary to be on that type of a commission structure. Has anyone here been on a draw against commission? Is it worth the risk?
Kay
In either position, you will have to perform if you want to stay in that position. Neither firm will allow you to continue working there if you are not selling. Based on that, the only question will be whether or not you can take the fluctuations in pay.
If you absolutely need a somewhat steady income, go with the salary + commission job. If you can handle the swings in income, then the broadcasting industry job sounds better from a career/interest view.
If you're really not comfortable not knowing that you'll have some assurance of a steady income, I'd take the base + commission job. As Chet points out, however, you're going to have to sell successfully in either job to keep it. Based on what you wrote, sounds like you're more inclined toward the base + commission job. If that will give you more peace of mind, that's the job I'd accept. I'd love to be a novelist, but until somebody wants to buy my manuscript I'm not giving up my day job - just as you'd love to be in broadcasting. 100% commission sounds like a lot of pressure to me.
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
Thanks for the replies.
My background in advertising is with a national newspaper selling advertising space in print and online. The base+commission position is with an online company selling ad space and is probably more fitting to what I am used to selling. The draw against commission position is in radio selling radio and online space. I have zero experience in radio however I would love to learn. I've just never been exposed to this draw against commission structure plan. It's my understanding that they give you a certain amount each month and then take it out of your commission check each month. My question is what happens if there is a bad month? In print we had bad months here and there but made up for it in upcoming months. Not sure how that would work with being on straight commission. The reason I am hesistant is because my husband and I are looking to start a family in the next year or so and I want to make sure I pick the right career direction.
Thanks!
K
If you're planning to start a family, all the more reason to go with the job that provides base + commission. Straight commission seems pretty clear to me. If you're on 100% commission, and you don't make a sale during a particular month, I wouldn't't think there would be a commission check forthcoming, but I'm prepared to be told I'm wrong about that.
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
Sales is not my area but a couple thoughts.
On either of the jobs, is your commission just on the initial sales or do you get something everytime they "re-up" their ads? If so, those return customers might carry you over those rougher spots.
Also, with either job, if you start a family, you're going to be out a minimum of 8 weeks for the birth and you won't be making any sales during that time. That means you either have to rely on the base to tide you over, or you have to rely on whatever you've saved from your good months. The same would apply if you break your leg, go on vacation... whatever.
Tess
"I'd love to be a novelist, but until somebody wants to buy my manuscript...."
Hey, Paul, I don't want to be a novelist, but if you need a damned good copy editor for your manuscript, call me! (I also write short stories & poetry, but do not have the inclination to write a novel--but would love to edit one!)
Anne Marie - I just might take you up on that one of these days. I'm in the midst of re-writing the first few chapters my literary agent thinks need more description. This type of writing, as we all probably know, isn't very descriptive, he said as the brilliant late spring sunlight flooded through the sparkling windows of his cozy, but cluttered second floor office.
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert
I'm really impressed your windows are sparkling! Want to do mine?
Cute...
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert