The difference between who I was at the start of my sales career and who I am today became clear in my last sales position. It came down to the “why”.
When I started my career in sales in 2007, I had been downsized twice in a span of 5 months. The market for HR professionals was a difficult one with a small margin of success. I was a single mom without a job, two degrees but very little experience, and very little time to make something happen. A sales opportunity presented itself in the right place and at the right time, and as nervous as I was, I jumped on it. I was NOT going to fail no matter what happened. Failing was NOT an option.
As we grow, and as time passes, our priorities shift…. the “Why” changes. The need to have a steady income based on my efforts shifted when I became more stable. The drive to be a 6-figure income earner shifted when I realized what I was giving up in order to achieve that level of success. I wanted to to be more present, involved, and engaged in my son’s life. This was the priority, and as long as I was paying the bills, the extra stuff could wait. Being present for my children and my marriage was, and still is, more important than the high pay check. When my priorities shifted, my passion shifted. And taking a pay cut has not been easy, but I am happier for it.
If you don’t love what you do, or if you love it but are depressed or disengaged because it causes you to be out of balance in other areas, then it may be time to re-evaluate your situation and make changes that can move you in the direction you need to go.
The E.I. Insider 