Recently, I received my annual salary notice (including commission potential) and annual quotas in writing. To my surprise, my base salary was unchanged but the potential commission I can make increased. My commission potential is uncapped. What the heck?
A bit if background…last year I changed positions within my company. It was around the same time as merit increases. I was told because I took a new position, I would not get an increase because it came with a higher salary. I understand the logic and moved on.
Over the last year we had a sales “project” that helped me have a great year. It was a one time deal for each of our customers and I exceeded my goals for the year. This year the project is slowing down and it will not have the same impact. Not even close.
When it came time for our annual sales quotas, the company did what every company does…they took last years sales numbers and increased them. I have very little left over from the prior project and the company has nothing new on the road map that will bring the same business as last year.
So now my goals are 10% higher than last year and I have no possible way of reaching them. The best part is that I did not find out my sales goals until 2 days from the end if the quarter. I quickly realized that I was only at 72% of an unknown goal for the first quarter and had 2 days to make up the remaining 28%. Spoiler…it did not happen. Now I am in the hole for the year and have to make up the difference.
I tell this from my perspective but this happened to my entire team. After we received our annual notices, I received several notifications of LinkedIn updates. I am not sure how this company is going to deal with a mass exodus from this department but it might be coming soon.
I did tell my manager that I did not receive an increase because increasing an uncapped commission does nothing when the goals are unattainable. I also told him that I had been with the company 2.5 years with no merit increase (other than changing positions). He is a good person and walks a thin line on friendship and being a manager. I know nothing will happen but I know he is frustrated as well because his goals are tied to mine.
I have been using my company computer to update my resume, LinkedIn profile, and apply for new jobs. I think it only fair.
Thanks for reading.