I finally got out of programming and went to learn how to sell. The job is as front line selling as you can get. Outside sales. Following Kiyosaki’s footsteps–almost too closely. It was a bit tough to get out, but at the moment, actually for the past few months (not including the months of debate), I think it’s the right decision. We’ll see how things turn out.
After months of postponing the decision, I realized I really needed to build my sales skill set and that I just wasn’t growing in my current position. The projects were interesting, but instead of learning how to run a business, I was learning how to code more efficiently. True, there are many things one can learn from managing one’s time, from pulling all-nighters, and from dealing with unrealistic deadlines, and live coding, and it was interesting to watch how the business developed and contribute to it, however I felt that I just wasn’t learning enough interaction, deal-making, selling, and actual business. I think the greatest part wasn’t actually realizing I needed to change direction, but was making the step and leaving the team.
When I finally made the decision that it was time to act, I found the perfect job on craigslist. It was an outside sales job, lots of training, and pretty close to my home too. I went and interviewed in the morning. It worked out really well because the company VP was there on a visit, so I got all my interviews done in one day. It was a huge surprise getting back the acceptance call and the offer. I asked to delay the start-date as long as possible so I could close all my projects and later that day told my boss the news.
It’s really strange in that there wasn’t anything I had to complain about about my current position–well yes there was, but that wasn’t my reason for quitting. So when he asked if it was pay or office relations or hours, the answer was no. I was grateful for the experience, the team, and the interesting projects, and responsibility, but I feel I need to learn an entirely different skill set.
I’m really excited, wish me luck and learning =)
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