
Want to submit a question and be featured in our advice column? Click here. (Don't worry, you'll remain completely anonymous).
Dear Quota Team,
I’m an enterprise AE at a public SaaS company selling security software to Fortune 1000 accounts. I’ve been interviewing quietly because I’m burned out and honestly don’t see a long-term future here.
The problem is I’m mid-deal on the largest opportunity of my career. It’s an eight-figure, multi-year contract that I’ve been working on for almost a year. Procurement is engaged, legal redlines are flying, and if it closes, it would blow out my number and my commission.
Part of me feels irresponsible even thinking about leaving before this is done. Another part feels trapped — like I’m staying for a deal, not the job. Is it stupid to walk away now, or am I already wearing golden handcuffs?
Impatient in Location Withheld
--
Dear Impatient,
Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and walking away mid-flight is one of the few career moves you can’t undo. Even if you land somewhere better, it could take a year or two to build the relationships, trust, and pipeline needed to see a deal of this magnitude again.
Close it. Collect the commission. Then reassess with leverage, clarity, and options.