Hello all. Late 20s M here. Got my degree in mechanical engineering and currently work as a technical sales engineer for over 5 years. I’m not quite sure if I’m overthinking things here, or if my job isn’t all it’s made out to be. Apologies for the long post…
For context, I’m a 1099 contractor, so not an official employee. I’m quite good at my job, having made well over $200K (gross) in 2022. Average income for experienced technical sales engineer at my company is roughly $400K, but there’s really no cap. I can WFH when I want and a good portion of my job is establishing and maintaining relationships with clients.
To me, this is where some of the negatives come into play. The sales team is extremely toxic. I’ve seen people cry from getting yelled at by coworkers. Very much an “every man for themself” mentality. My company does a 50/50 split on profit (I’m 100% commission, no salary). After that, we have to pay our assistants’ salaries out of our profit. As 1099s, I also have to pay 15% on taxes, not 7.5%. I do not get a company 401K nor any type of insurance. No company car, gas reimbursement or phone plan. Anything done with clients, I am only reimbursed 50% – meals, entertainment, etc. We have “unlimited PTO”, but are looked down upon when we use it. Never really off the clock either, as it is expected to answer emails and phone calls even while off. My company doesn’t even do any events anymore. No cookouts, tailgates, sporting events, etc.
I understand I make a good living, but is feeling like working in a cesspool with assholes and all these negatives worth it? Or am I just overthinking things and just need to keep grinding away?