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Dear Quota Team,

I’ve been in sales for over a decade. I've managed teams, closed seven-figure deals, trained reps who are now managers themselves. After a layoff, I took an SDR job at a startup to stay active while the market cooled off. The role’s fine, but my manager’s in his mid-20s. He doesn't have much experience but he was a part of the founding team so he has a senior role. He insists on “coaching” me on cold-call tone and email subject lines.

I get that I’m technically an SDR now, but it’s hard not to roll my eyes when I’ve done this longer than he’s been in the industry. I’m trying to stay humble, but it’s wearing thin being coached on things I used to train others on. How do I earn respect without sounding defensive or jaded?

Annoyed in Location Withheld

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Dear Annoyed

You took the job, knowing this would be your role, don't act like you're too good for it. Respect in sales isn’t granted based on your resume; it’s earned every quarter. If you want people to see you as more than an overqualified SDR, outwork everyone, hit your number, and make your manager’s job easier. You don’t have to like the setup, but rolling your eyes won’t change it. Use this role to prove you can adapt, not just reminisce about past wins. The fastest way back to senior status is to deliver like a veteran seller.

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