Why Salespeople Leave

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Why Salespeople Leave

A reflective post — inspired by yesterday’s talk with a Canadian agency.

The Uncomfortable Truth

Roughly 80% of new salespeople quit on their own.
Only a few survive past the 5-year mark — regardless of product, market, or geography.

Why?
Everyone joins sales voluntarily, and mostly for money.
Money that, yes, truly exists in this field.

The Illusion of Sales

Movies and media show the fantasy:
a charismatic closer, million-dollar deals, luxury cars, fine whiskey.
Freedom, success, recognition.

Reality looks different.

  • Unstable income, full dependence on results.
  • Heavy responsibility for every “promise” made.
  • Need to be an expert in everything — psychology, CRM, product, marketing.
  • Never-ending workdays and phone glued to the hand.
  • Friction with marketing: “we’d sell more if we had more leads.”
  • No guaranteed rest — responsiveness becomes survival.

Why People Burn Out

  1. Broken expectations.
    The first months are mostly rejection and frustration.

  2. No financial base.
    Even with a base salary, life depends on commissions.

  3. Emotional fatigue.
    Each client means a new story, new pressure, new uncertainty.

  4. No guidance.
    Without a strong mentor or manager,
    a salesperson quickly sinks into chaos and self-doubt.

Why It’s Still Worth It

Sales is hard — and that’s why it’s beautiful.
It’s one of the few careers where your growth is entirely in your hands.

Each “no” sharpens skill, endurance, and clarity.
It’s not about convincing — it’s about understanding, helping, and adapting.

Sales isn’t about closing deals.
It’s about mastering yourself.

The Real Reason They Quit

People don’t leave sales.
They leave the illusion of sales.

Those who stay — become artists.
Because they see the truth, and still choose to play the game.