u/Cosmic_Kraken

Currently an AE at a large/enterprise SaaS company, ~2 years in, running a defined territory and consistently exceeding quota attainment. I'm in the discussion for a role with a distributor in a niche industrial/technical vertical. Specialty product line where the buyer is an engineer or technical facilities person, doesn't seem like exclusively procurement. Base + bonus structure with uncapped accelerators above quota, more field/travel-heavy than my current desk-based motion, and the sales cycle leans more consultative/technical-spec-driven than SaaS deal-based selling.

For anyone who's made a similar move from software to industrial/manufacturing/distribution, or vice versa:

• What surprised you most about the transition? Good or bad.
• Did earning potential/career trajectory end up better, worse, or just different?
• Anything you wish you'd asked before taking the leap?

Not looking for validation either way. I just want real perspective as I'm evaluating my decision.

For those who want to know why: after a very successful 2 years our quota has been cranked up to frankly an unrealistic threshold(+197% increase YtD) to the point where only 15%-20% is meeting OTE. My vertical is essentially receiving a massive pay-cut. Lots of internal limitations on what/how to sell. I also feel that AI burnout is real amongst customers, and selling a tangible product has longer longevity.

Thanks in advance!