Angy
Which offer should I take?
Hello everyone. I am 18 (Italian) and I just got two offers(both remote). One at a 30million dollar company and the other at a startup
-The offer at the 30 mil company: 25k€ base+ 10% on all revenue. I don't get the commission if i don't hit my quarter target (for the first one is 45.000€ of revenue closed by me). The problem is that the position is not BDR but AE full sales cycle. I should do prospecting, cold calling, closing and Account management all in one and I honestly don't want to because my priority is work life balance(I will also go to university so...)
• The other one is at a startup(even tho they have already big clients): it's full remote and is only BDR work, they also give me the lists to call it's about a software that helps companies reduce their impact on the planet. It has a base that goes from 25k€ to 35k€. The quota is about 15 to 25 meeting per month and I get the commission on closer deals (that I don't have to close).
I've already signed up for the first one but then there is this new opportunity so I thought I will get the base salary of my 2 months notice period at the first place and then work at the other workplace after. My only fear is that it's a startup so i think it would require more work. The guy from the startup told me i would need to do 50 cold calls a day to get the target since the pick up rate is about 30%.
So tell me what I should do here
5 answers
Don Holland
Don’s Answer
I would say go for the offer you feel best fits into what you want in terms of your career while also giving you a work life balance. These both seem like good offers and I know that you will pick the best one for yourself. Best of luck to you in your future!
Ahtesham Ghaffar
Ahtesham’s Answer
The offer from the 30M company provides structure and a strong brand name but the AE role is quite demanding. You'll be handling the entire sales process, which means long hours, high pressure and constant performance checks. It offers great earning potential but might not leave you much time for studies or personal life.
On the other hand, the startup role is more straightforward. As a BDR, you only need to focus on outreach and meeting targets. With about 50 calls a day, the workload is manageable if you stay disciplined. Since you're not responsible for closing deals, there's less stress. Plus, the company's mission to reduce environmental impact aligns with growing industries, which could bring valuable opportunities later on.
So, unless you're aiming for high commissions right now, the startup job aligns better with your goals and schedule. It lets you gain sales experience without overwhelming you while you're in university.
Agnes Lee
Agnes’s Answer
First of all, congratulations on receiving offers from both companies! What an exciting milestone in your career. I can completely understand what you’re going through, as I’ve been on both sides over my 15-year journey. I have worked for a large multinational tech company, left to join a unicorn start-up and eventually returned to the tech company where I first began.
From my experience, I gained invaluable exposure to top-tier professionals and a complex, global environment that laid the foundation for my future career moves. In those first five years at a large organisation, I was able to really build my skills in marketing and sales with strong support and structured training. That grounding made the transition into the start-up world much smoother—I entered feeling confident and capable. Of course, start-ups are never “easy”: they’re fast-paced, dynamic, and demanding. But looking back, I credit my early corporate experience for setting me up to thrive in that environment.
When weighing your options, I encourage you to look beyond company size, compensation and think about the people and culture. Do you feel inspired by your future manager and team? Can you see yourself contributing meaningfully to their projects and goals? Does the company’s product line or mission excite you? These are the things that will sustain you day to day.
While compensation is important, especially at the start of your career, it’s not the only factor. Finding a team and environment that energise and inspire you will matter even more in the long run. Wishing you luck and all the best to your future!!
Joseph Ford
Joseph’s Answer
Ok, I thought so too. If the company is new it means that I can Miss quota and still stay around because they don’t know if the quota is actually effective
Angy
Florian Trautwein
Florian’s Answer
1. You always have a notice period and it's okay to decline an offer even after the first days or week when you already work there. That's part of the deal (for both sides). So it's okay even if it might feel wrong, but also companies can be very harsh and direct.
2. You are young. New in career. Don't focus on what you might earn, think more about what you will learn! Is the AE role something you want to grow towards? Also, don't think about working hours, think about having impact. Some people can have more impact in 30h a week than others in 50.
3. Think about what role, environment and team you think will feel more natural and positive to you. Even remote, your peers and managers will have a significant role in your development, your work and even your (work-) life.