Breaking in after 50

[shsnj]

I'm 51 and have spent most of my adult life as a writer. For a brief time, I did some sales, but have earned my living by the written word for the most part. While much of it has been satisfying, my earning power has never been enough to consistently keep our heads above water and allow us to save for retirement.

My question is, am I too old to break into a sales career? Would I have to start at the bottom wrung somewhere?

Comments?

[Darren]

I dont think you are 'too old' at 51. I have met with and placed candidates who are older, and in today's day and age this should not be the main factor. What companies will be more interested in is your experience, skills, motivation and more importantly attitude. If you do apply for jobs, you just need to be realistic about the type of positions you apply for and the short term earning potential.

Good luck

Darren

[shsnj]

Thanks for your insight, Darren.

[gareth]

MY dad has rescently turned 49 and has just started a new sales job.
He did have experience in the sector (but none in sales) but he seems to have taken it too well, guess you can't put a price on experience!

[recman1]

In my experience in 15 years of recruitment many companies despite legislation are still ageist (discreetly of course). In addition to this I think one of the major problems you will encounter is candidates that are younger with more experience in sales. If you are keen to break into this sector I would recommend a low level role to start such as car sales, insurance or even van sales. The basics will be low but you will get experience, training and if successful a track record not to mention commission which you can then use to lever yourself into the next higher paid role. Good luck.

[Skip Anderson]

I don't think you're too old to break into sales. High quality salespeople are in demand. Your challenge will be to prove that you are a high-quality salesperson capable of producing ridiculous amounts of revenue, since you don't have a sales track record.

I would advise that you find a company that has an exceptional sales training program, and excellent sales management. It can make all the difference in the world.

[lrobertson0207]

I think that its great that you are changing careers. No matter what age you are it is important to be confident in yourself. Writing experience gives you maybe a bit of an advantage. As a writer you have the gift of words. Writers sometimes have trouble relating the words from paper to mouth but if you can do this and stand behind the product you could do well.

I think that if you find what makes you happy you will do great! Wish you luck in your search...

Smiles,

[Spiff]

Originally Posted by shsnj

I'm 51 and have spent most of my adult life as a writer. For a brief time, I did some sales, but have earned my living by the written word for the most part. While much of it has been satisfying, my earning power has never been enough to consistently keep our heads above water and allow us to save for retirement.

My question is, am I too old to break into a sales career? Would I have to start at the bottom wrung somewhere?

Comments?

you can open up a internet business on your own wy work for someone

[bubble]

Your age shouldnt be an issue, but in the real world it probably is, so be realistic about your goals, find out what employers are looking for and match your skills and experience to the right job. Remember you are never too old to learn something new.

Good luck to you.

[Spiff]

Ive never had a problem with my quota in sales but the more i seem to sell the more my employer wants because he can only depend on me and not the others so sometimes being a top producer can have a bad side to it and jelousy becomes a factor with other co workers and alot of employers/co workers try to steel your deals and they dont want to pay you your commisions thats my 15 year experience!