Strategic Time Management: Balancing Two Commission-Based Sales Jobs

Many professionals wonder if it’s feasible to juggle multiple commission-based sales jobs simultaneously. The answer is often yes, especially if your primary employer doesn’t offer any additional compensation beyond commission. Here’s how to navigate this unique situation and achieve success.

Understanding Your Rights as a Commission-Based Employee

If your current employer is not committed beyond offering a commission-based salary, they have limited control over how you manage your time. This is a powerful leverage point. Employers often try to exert control, but remember, they are only renting your skills and time. There is no ownership over you, only a mutual agreement that benefits both parties. Here’s how to make the most of this arrangement.

Assessing Your Situation

Before embarking on a second job, ask yourself some critical questions:

How long have I been in this role? What is my time horizon for growth and development? How much earning potential does my current position offer per month? What does that income accumulate to in 10, 15, and 20 years?

Consider the long-term impact of your current earnings. If you’re looking at saving between 100,000 to 150,000 dollars in 20 years, will that sum be adequate if you ever find yourself unemployable? It’s a sobering thought, but one that can’t be ignored.

Healthy Mindsets for Success

As an ambitious commission-based sales professional, you must adopt a healthy mindset. Here are some reflections to keep in mind:

You are a rare commodity, and others are willing to pay for your skills. Strive to remain valuable to the market by consistently delivering results. Avoid discounting your services unnecessarily; your value is not measured by the lowest price. Define your self-worth independently of your job, as you earn a living. Guard against outside influences, such as alcohol, intimacy, or surface-level friendships, that could interfere with your mission.

For employees aged 40 and under, especially those without familial or marital obligations, it’s essential to prioritize these reflections regularly:

Adaptability and Value: You are a piece of meat that others are willing to pay for. Work to maintain your value and attractiveness in the market.

Consistency: Do not devalue yourself unnecessarily. Your reputation and skills are vital to your success.

Self-Reflection: Assess your self-worth and separate it from the work you do. Your living situation may change, but your value remains.

Practicality: Be efficient, ruthless, extensive in your approach to maximizing your earning potential. Money-making is a necessary function, but it’s not the be-all and end-all.

Community: Give meaningfully to the truly needy in your community, while expressing gratitude for the opportunities they provide. This practice enhances your reputation and networks.

Perseverance: Don’t let temporary distractions divert you from your long-term goals.

By maintaining these mindsets, you can navigate the challenges of multiple commission-based sales roles while ensuring your long-term success and financial stability.

Conclusion

Employers often try to exert control over their employees' time and resources, but for those in commission-based roles, you have more flexibility than you might think. Use this leverage to your advantage, making strategic decisions that benefit both your current and potential future endeavors.