My Sales Job Put Me into Therapy: Lessons Learned

[@jumellcantalejo1336]

I'm living alone since my parents have passed away already and i just graduated last 2020. I also deal with anxiety. And now, I have a 3yrs consolidated exp working as a Business Development Associate. I'm in a tech company now. I would say and I agree that it's quite hard.You have to work in your discipline and behavior. You have to be emotionally intelligent. You'll be dealing with a lot of Nos and rejections. Sales jobs are never settled job. Its not always a straight line, it's fluctuating. But one of the biggest learnings I have this year is to separate the real you vs the role of you, you'll be powerful. Whatever shortcomings you make at work, it does not define you as a person. Also, try to spread your identity across different baskets. Whatever happens to your job. The real you must be complete. It's just one aspect of your life. I know it's easier said than done but yes, life is short. Life has a lot to offer. You have the skills you have the drive.

[@MattMacnamara]

Sorry about your parents…amazing insight here.

[@HappyGrenades37]

Comparison is the thief of joy. Very refreshing video Matt, thank you for being willing to show not just the good or bad but the ugly side too, most aren't willing to be that vulnerable and it's such an admirable trait. Earned a subscriber for life, keep killing it!

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks for subscribing!!!! appreciate the kind words

[@amyhox]

i got into personal training because i had a passion for fitness and worked really hard to get into a big commercial gym. got hired and became the youngest trainer, female too, and i had no idea that sales would become 90% of the job. it took over the job and made me hate it and being at an environment i use to thrive in. i’m finally seeing a therapist in a few weeks and ive never considered it before, im glad i found this video.

[@MattMacnamara]

It’s the best thing I ever did

[@marselisscott6702]

Man this video is amazing. I thought burnout was a lie, and I thought maybe getting more closes would make me happy. Today I did 50 calls. Called a prospect that I did a zoom call with he told me he should be ready the next day. Today he said he's putting it off for a month. Hearing rejection over and over. Doing so many zoom calls then owners ghosting me, or not getting started. It has took a hit to my mental health. There's nights after my day of sales I just feel terrible. I thought it was only me, and I agree I see other sales reps making more than me and younger it makes me get mad that I haven't reach multiple 6 figures. Today I took a 4 hour nap after taken calls I don't want to see my girlfriend or talk to anyone I just want to lay down and maybe take tomorrow off. For 8 months having my sales go up then down, and my base pay being cut in half it really has been tough. Going to do my best to make myself feel better but at this point all I have is myself. Thanks for this video man.

[@MattMacnamara]

I’d recommend talking to someone. A therapist, a friend, family member, etc. I feel your pain man. You’ll get through this

[@littlerebel296]

Yo, you're still young and what you're going through is par for course in respect to those seeking max performance in sales. Don't be so hard on yourself. You're doing an excellent job teaching us sales peeps various skills and techniques. I'm in a different industry, but you've really helped me fine tune and reassess my calling techniques. And it's working. The universe reciprocates your energy that you're putting out there...and it will all come back your way exponentially beyond your expectations. Get out of your own head, dial down the emotions, and grind like the machine that you are w/ a twist of your charismatic style. You got this man!

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks for the words of encouragement Little Rebel. Appreciate you!

[@littlerebel296]

@@MattMacnamara Forgot to mention. Sales isn't always on a level playing field (as you know already). You may be missing some inside info on those $500k performers. When I had a 9-5 cold calling job, the first 5-6 months were a weeding out process by management. At my 7 month mark (consistently hitting my quotas in my 5th and 6th months), my manager started secretly given me higher grade leads (larger accounts) that came from the brass/CEO level so my numbers were padded even more. I never told anyone about this while I was there. This probably happens in all industries. Also, find a product that you believe in & is quality because the close rate becomes easier when you're passionate about what you're selling. If the product is junk, then it's going to be a long depressing journey no matter what skills you have. My two cents.

[@MattMacnamara]

agree with all of this...different situations aren't created equal. @@littlerebel296

[@sarafinaethereal]

This video was sooo good, necessary, and real. I think the feelings you’re describing are experienced by all types of professionals….

[@MattMacnamara]

I agree. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@mararorris9871]

Thanks for sharing your story. One thing I have learned from having a career in sales is finding the product or service that suits you and the type of sales role that suits you. You might be average in a sales hunting role but outstanding in more of a repeat relationship sales role where your upselling. Cold call isn’t for everyone.

[@MattMacnamara]

Great advice!!

[@J0goBonit0]

Matt thank you for this video. I am a brand new SDR at a big tech company. I’m also a first generation college graduate. So I have felt a lot of pressure since starting. Just knowing someone who has been at it longer. Who clearly knows what they’re doing better than I do. Deals with similar emotions and basically described EXACTLY how I have been feeling, it really helped me more than you will ever know. I really needed to hear this on my commute to work as I type this (carpooling). This gave me the hope that I can do this and especially using your good tips I know I will be better. Thank you for this man. God bless you!

[@MattMacnamara]

You are going to do great. Just be patient with yourself

[@jamie.rlozada]

Love this. Have to take care for your self and your image internally before you can start to reflect that energy externally. Keep going, you got this Matt!

[@MattMacnamara]

Exactly Jamie! Thanks for the wise words.

[@Dessyman18]

Love the unedited vibe and the vulnerability, brother. Youre helping us all out directly or indirectly, just so you know ❤

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks, this means a lot. have a great day!!!

[@steve885rich]

You are the most genuine salesperson I have seen. Thank you sir, keep it up. You are changing the world with your videos.

[@MattMacnamara]

This made my day, thanks!

[@MiRageiswhere]

Much Love Matt! You're a big inspiration for me. I'm definitely guilty of comparing myself to others too, but I think you hit it spot on. I think it's much easier when I just compare and compete with myself. That's the only thing we really have control of anyway. We can control our perspective, and it sounds like your therapist is helping you re-direct that in a positive direction. I love your transparency with this video, and mental health is something that I think is great to talk about. Thank you for sharing and remember, no other person can be Matt Macnamara. Put on that "Return of the Mack", turn that shit up, and get into your zone brother! I'm an aspiring SDR, and after 2 months of rejections in the job search, videos like yours help lift my spirits whenever I'm feeling down. I hope you continue to find peace, and definitely soak up those precious moments with your loved ones! Cheers, Brady PS: Please don't delete your LinkedIn. 🙁 You were my first connection there! I was pumped whenever you took the time to respond to me. Even if you don't want to post, you can always unplug from your socials whenever you need. But there are a lot of good people on there who are willing to help so don't forget that too 😊

[@MattMacnamara]

This made my day. I’m blasting return of the Mack right now 😂

[@MiRageiswhere]

@@MattMacnamara I’m glad to hear that brotha😁 I had a rough one today myself, so I’m bout to put dat jam on and rock out too! 🤟😎🤘

[@leonszczaurski3496]

It’s all about energy input-output, if you speak with hundreds of people a day and place your best tonality it’s like loosing a bit of your soul every single time you hit dial. Mat if I can give an advice I worked with a sales guy doing sales for 25+ years and he was the most energetic guy out there. What he did was taking care of himself (eat healthy, boxing, exercise). He told me to always treat yourself when you did great, hit quote or such and that’s how you can live balanced life. 2nd thing is network meet people in sales events and such and I believe you can partner up with someone super quick and start a business, because you have the skills you just didn’t found the right people yet. So keep your chin up mate!

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks Leon. Appreciate the kind words!!

[@kyleheron7782]

Matt, I commented on the last video, and again, you’re describing exactly what I’m currently experiencing. Almost exactly to the T. Truly appreciate you being so candid about all this.

[@MattMacnamara]

Kyle, it's hard. I've been where you are at and most definitely will be in a few more tough spots throughout the rest of my sales career. Hang in there and go talk to someone

[@DotyGess]

Hey matt,love this bro, this is so real! i didnt even know you were an sdr for that long bro ! now you doing big things !

[@MattMacnamara]

Yep, I was an SDR for a longtime because I picked the wrong companies…I was working for small businesses (not startups either)…needed to get to a company with a large sales org.

[@andrescortazar2024]

Your honesty and personal experience about it is deeply appreciated, hopefully things are going well for you now

[@MattMacnamara]

things are going great now...thanks!

[@tdot8398]

Respect. We appreciate you for staying real.

[@MattMacnamara]

absolutely!!!

[@delpenano]

We appreciate you Matt. Can definitely relate. The best to you going forward!

[@MattMacnamara]

You too Del, thanks!

[@youngsebaa4905]

Hey Matt, thank you for this great video, I really like that its very honest and unedited. Just wanted to mention, and maybe this will cheer you up: I actually found you through a big corporation which I was applying for 1 year ago (which im leaving for an SDR role for other corpo btw). They said there is going to be a roleplay and sent 3 videos to prepare. One or even two of them were from your channel!! I dont think I can disclose which one, but its one of the biggest vendors for Google in Kraków (Poland). You dont even know how big an impact you have!!

[@MattMacnamara]

this is cool to know, thanks!!!

[@EliteSports24]

I needed this vid. As a sales rep thank you for the honesty and the advice

[@MattMacnamara]

Absolutely Lior. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@robertneilpalmer]

Thank you for the honesty Matt.

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks Robert!!!

[@laluneeeee319]

Thank you so much for your transparency, vulnerability & advice✨

[@MattMacnamara]

No problem, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@adamwatai]

I can appreciate this. I have hyper perfectionism and it really gets me down whether I'm performing or not. I've recently started a therapy session and signed up for 12 weeks. Highly recommend.

[@MattMacnamara]

Good move Adam!!! Thanks for watching and watching!!

[@DannyPacheco-to4fi]

Bro im almost 40 and i can completely relate. And i also had a job like you described in my late 20s early 30s. I also entered therapy and still do till this day. Crazy thing i love sales and love my current job (i now dictate how my day goes and while i have targets to hit i can do cold calls one day vs. Stop ins and get outside another,etc) still, while better than before i still get depressed and struggle, dealt with drug addiction to uppers and downers to be able to 'perform better' (in long run made me worse and i did this for years- thankfully 5 yrs clean now) i was what they call a functioning addict and all because i was and still am so hard on myself- like why cant i be better at something niw that its something i love- i try to put in the time the effort- thibg is my life has changed now- i have family now- 2 kids under 3 to be exact, , so its hard to bring my work home with me to do the things i gotta do ir that i used to do that made me better and more confident etc. Im saying all this because i want to tell you what i tell myself every single day trying to work smarter and not neccessarily harder (which today means things like tech marketing, social media branding etc stuff im learning on the fly to keep up with the times and the competition) and thats that you are not alone, if you know you did your best and you conitnue ro do your best good things will happen. And while for me it hasnt been making 300k a year but more in the form of stability and peace that my life so drastically needed to where it almost killed me- for you its just a matter of findibg what that is ob that journey. Life is short- so your best, take pride in yourself and success will find you- it might be the type you want or sonething you never knew you did. Love your videos man keep being you.

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks for sharing and congrats on 5 years being clean. This is amazing…your kids are lucky.

[@musawenkosibrianmajola6729]

I have been in sales for 15 years I alway approached this joy with determination and willingness to work hard and be postive😂. It always annoyed me why that didn't work and why I wasn't getting far. 😂 once I learned this job is hard and you really need to protect your peace and mind it make it easy to get up and go to work. 😅😅😅

[@MattMacnamara]

exactly!

[@Keeferfer]

Hang in there and glad you're getting help! Its important to learn that we are more than our production as humans. On a lighter note... NGL, I was waiting for the sponsored headspace ad.

[@MattMacnamara]

😂…hahahaha…glad this wasn’t a sponsored video haha

[@Keeferfer]

@@MattMacnamara hey now... they might be watching.

[@ZainFKiani]

You got this Matt I have faith in you!

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks Zain!!!!

[@MCHatetheory]

Love this video man. I don't comment very often but I discovered your video's recently and appreciate you making this. I'm only a couple years into sales but you've got great tips and have helped a ton already.

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks for watching the videos man, appreciate it!

[@MoeSays]

I rarely, very rarely, write comments on KZbin videos. Your content is some of the most valuable and sincere for tech sales or sales in general I have come across. I have been recommending your videos to many people. Keep up the good work man! I know a hidden gem channel when I see one and I have no doubt you will crush it in your career. Cheers

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks for making my day Moe. Have a great day!

[@karissajones2294]

I just discovered your channel today & subscribed because I think you provide great value. Please be kind to yourself. There’s no race to win. Yes, it’s sales. But it’s really about our personal evolution. I love to hear when men are handling their mental health. We talk about it more in the Black community now. I’m in therapy too because I was crying daily when I was diagnosed with cancer last year for the 2nd time. Now I’m in the last month of treatment! You’re awesome Matt. Wishing you Godspeed.

[@MattMacnamara]

You as well Karissa!!!

[@Alexus-s4k]

This video is amazing !! So vulnerable and very proud of you

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks for watching and commenting!!!

[@OperationTechTakeOver]

Well, I was going to reach out and connect with you on LinkedIn. Looks like I will pause on that 😂. Matt thank you for your vulnerability! I have decided to switch over to sales after a long medical career. Your transparency is refreshing, and reminds people that mental health is real. Thank you for this raw, uncut side. It shows you are human and honest. Salute to you my good sir.

[@MattMacnamara]

Connect with me on LinkedIn. Thanks for the comments…appreciate you.

[@zionvisions]

THIS is something I did not know I needed. Thanks for the vulnerability man

[@MattMacnamara]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ForTheGoodOfHumanity]

I just quit my job in Tech Sales. I’ve had enough. The dials, the quota, the pressure. I am focused on my online digital marketing business that I have and it’s thriving.

[@MattMacnamara]

Good look with your business!

[@ellarae7575]

TYSM for this video. The statistics are eye-opening.

[@MattMacnamara]

absolutely!

[@rubenabaz]

Proud of you Matt!

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks Ruben, appreciate it man!!

[@jason5265]

The comparison discussion is so important and I’ve never heard anyone talk about it. It’s been said that “comparison is the thief of joy” yet all companies use rankings to motivate sales employees

[@MattMacnamara]

yeah, that's why sales is one of the toughest professions mentally.

[@quaisymcoward3710]

man..if you're average, then I'm really bad. lol, but in all seriousness brother you're an amazing human being ! you help everyone here become better !

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks for watching the videos. Appreciate the kind words. Have a great day!!

[@hva22]

Hey Matt, I work in Sales as a BDR at a growing tech company. The reason why many people constantly fall into comparing themselves to others is because we have detached from our true purpose - which is to obey and submit to Allah (God) alone whilst not associating any partners with him (i.e. God is not a man, or an animal, or a created being), and to spend our money in the path of Allah. I am a Muslim, and the peace people get from practicing as a Muslim is unmatchable. I've never had to even think of going to a therapist for years after this realisation. I don't listen to music, nor watch movies, nor drink alcohol or smoke - I enjoy simple things to wind down (e.g. some nice food, travelling, spending time with my wife, reading the Qur'an). I feel very peaceful knowing that the only reason I want my job is to make money to spend it for the sake of Allah. Besides, my colleagues are only there to earn money, and so am I - so, I detach myself emotionally completely from the role and just focus on why I'm there, which is to earn money for the sake of Allah. Hope this is beneficial.

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks for your perspective & thanks for watching!!

[@zaiirefashion9990]

Great transparency! Really appreciate you sharing your truth!

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks for watching Zaiire, appreciate it

[@ResilienceRealms]

I’m not in any SDR role as of yet but this is very insightful to know. I still aspire to become an SDR but it’s also great to know about the pitfalls of getting into this line of work. And yes, I personally would like to see more videos like this 🙂

[@MattMacnamara]

Will do, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JustTaylerNicole]

Good stuff Matt. Love this type of content.

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks Tayler…I’ll make more of it!!

[@The_GrowthChannel]

Best video I've seen today. Thank you

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks for watching and commenting!!!

[@millythecreator]

This is an amazing video. Thank you for sharing, I've been feeling the same way.

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks for watching and commenting Milly

[@HeartzHD]

Thanks for the video. I recently quit my first SDR role after 2 months. I couldn't handle the stress and felt like from the start it just wasn't for me. Everything was so repetitive and I couldn't muster the thought of doing it long term. It's very hard because my boss was the best I've ever had, and I was hitting my numbers, but I could feel the stress building up in my chest and stomach. Back to trades for me for now.

[@MattMacnamara]

You can make a ton of money in the trades. You made the right decision. No need to compromise your mental health for this

[@Kumukarl]

Thank you for keeping it real real. It’s good to take responsibility, do what you can and accept that 2023 is a different market than 2021. This is coming from someone currently in the interview process to get into an SDR role. Thankful for you bro 🙏💪

[@MattMacnamara]

you are gonna land a great role...might take some time, but you will. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@rosewachira2811]

Matt i love your honesty....

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks Rose!!

[@sandbar3000]

Great that you have a brother. That's great you had support. NOt everyone has that level of support. I hate sales too. I have an MBA, I will never do sales again

[@MattMacnamara]

yeah, my brother is the man

[@aboucard93]

I love this video! Thank you so much.

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks for watching and commenting Alex!!

[@wenchology]

Thank you for making this video.

[@MattMacnamara]

absolutely...thanks for watching and commenting!

[@curtismoss8616]

Listen to metal music. Emmure, At the Gates, and Misery Signals helps me cope with the pain.

[@MattMacnamara]

I'll check them out today Curtis lol

[@TJInTech10]

great take

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks for watching and commenting TJ!

[@Thommie-qu4jg]

Without it being in the title. You spoke to my exact situation. I'm a BDR going through the same thing

[@MattMacnamara]

Are you in therapy?

[@Thommie-qu4jg]

@MattMacnamara Not yet but soon

[@Thommie-qu4jg]

@MattMacnamara Account Executives are a bit abusive to BDRs. And I took this role coming from a position where I open and close the Sale

[@chatgpt1273]

Thanks 🙏 I needed this video ❤

[@MattMacnamara]

absolutely, thank you for watching the video!

[@erickmarrero9607]

Great video, thank you for sharing

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks Erick!! Appreciate you.

[@HubertKuliński-l3i]

Take care brother. Same similar shit here :)

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks!

[@jonathan6480]

I'm considering switching from marketing to sales. Thanks for the insight here - have you seen a lot of people switch from marketing to sales? Also, I'm from Doylestown, PA (right outside of Philly).

[@MattMacnamara]

Doylestown is awesome! yes, I've seen people pivot from marketing to sales

[@neezuss]

Were you at JG Wentworth? I hated it there lol

[@MattMacnamara]

I was is...I can only imagine how bad JG is lol

[@ibuzzy55]

This is exactly where I'm at now

[@MattMacnamara]

I promise you…it gets better. Have you connected with a therapist yet? If not, I’d encourage you to talk to someone…best thing I ever did

[@ibuzzy55]

@@MattMacnamara I did thankfully, but I have to go more consistently. I appreciate your support brother.

[@MattMacnamara]

@@ibuzzy55I was going bi-weekly to start then monthly...it was needed for me

[@ibuzzy55]

@@MattMacnamara appreciate you man. And thanks for sharing this with me.

[@grindPracticeBLESSED]

@:44 Yelp?

[@MattMacnamara]

?

[@grindPracticeBLESSED]

Working for Yelp can destroy you@@MattMacnamara

[@PaKuaKwon]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks for the love!

[@sandbar3000]

Why do you need to be the best? You have a big ego! Why can't you just be happy. You don't need to be the best. Bull shit. That is just a big ass ego. Stop that. You can just be you. You don't need to prove your worth to anyone. Ask your therapist "Why do I need to be the best?"

[@MattMacnamara]

thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jasonduckworth]

Get your own product or service business and sell that. For yourself.

[@MattMacnamara]

Is that what you do Jason? Thanks for commenting

[@rogerslogan34]

That's why so many sales rep use drugs

[@MattMacnamara]

I don't know many that do. Sounds like you do?

[@Frank-p9o1m]

This job ruined your outlook on life. It did the same to me.

[@MattMacnamara]

yep...therapy helped me a ton here

[@ZanierFabrizio]

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? You don't need money you need Jesus. That's all

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks for sharing

[@atangbingana283]

❤✊

[@MattMacnamara]

Thanks Atang✊🏼