Am I overlooking something?
Quick summary: I’m an agency recruiter based in London, working in a slow and niche property sector. Should I consider exploring other agencies or sectors with potentially better commission structures?
I’ve been in the recruitment agency for 18 months after making a career change, and I broke into the property sector. Unfortunately, the market has been quite stagnant during that time, with only a few decent months of success.
Recently, I’ve started having discussions about moving to a different agency or even a different industry, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s worth it to seek new opportunities.
For context, I live with my partner, and we’re thinking about starting a family in the next couple of years.
In my current position, I have a base salary of £32,000 with a commission structure that starts at 10% up to £6,000, and a 2.5% increase for every additional £5,000. I’m in the office twice a week, with travel costs covered.
I’ve been considering potential roles in Facilities Management, Mechanical & Electrical, or the construction sector, which also offer a base salary of £32,000 but with a different commission structure: a threshold of £5,000 and then 20% commission, plus a 10% increase for every additional £10,000 billed. These roles would require being in the office three times a week, with no travel expenses covered.
The opportunities I’m seeing seem to promise better earning potential, but the thought of starting over from scratch makes me a bit anxious.
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re at a crucial crossroads in your career, and it’s completely natural to feel anxious about making a significant change. Here are some things to consider as you weigh your options:
Earning Potential: From what you’ve shared, the potential roles outside of property seem to offer a more favorable commission structure. This could be particularly important as you plan for your future with your partner and family. Financial stability can be a big factor, especially when you have additional responsibilities on the horizon.
Industry Stability: If the property sector has been consistently slow for you, it might make sense to explore industries that are more stable or even thriving. The FM, M&E, and construction sectors can often be more resilient, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
Skill Transferability: Think about how the skills you’ve developed in property recruiting could transfer to another sector. While there will be a learning curve, your experience in agency recruitment is valuable and applicable in many areas.
Career Growth: Consider the long-term growth opportunities in the sectors you’re looking into. Will there be room for advancement? Are there new skills you could learn that would benefit your career?
Networking and Support: Before making a decision, try to network with professionals in the fields you’re considering. Insights from those currently working in FM, M&E, or construction could help you understand the market better and assess if it’s the right fit for you.
The Fear of Starting Over: It’s natural to feel nervous about making a change, especially when you’re established in one role. However, remember that every step you take can be viewed as part of your professional growth, not necessarily starting from scratch. Lean into your adaptability; that’s a valuable asset in recruitment.
Ultimately, it seems like you have a solid opportunity in front of you with potential for higher earnings and better stability. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons, and trust that you’ll make the best decision for you and your future family. Good luck!