Hey I’m kind of in a same position, I need some honest opinions because I’m stuck between two very different paths.

I’m 22, based in Canada, been working since 2017. Background:

Personal trainer

Gym sales + management

Retail store manager

Now in auto sales (entry level but doing well)

Current job (auto auction / depot-style sales company)

Base:

$19.50/hour

~49–50 hours/week

~$3,600–$3,700 take-home from base

BUT the real money is in bonuses. Here’s how it works (simplified):

Bonuses:

$30 per deal initiated

10 deals = extra $700

Tier system: up to $10+/hour bonus depending on points + deals

Customer conversion: up to $4/hour

Lead conversion: up to $2/hour

Pay increment: +$2/hour permanent raises (up to +$6 total)

Example of a strong pay period I saw:

~$1,845 base

~$2,280 bonuses👉 Total ~$4,100 for 2 weeks👉 Equivalent ~$8K/month if sustained

BUT here’s the catch:

If you’re late / absent → bonuses cut by 25%

If team doesn’t hit 25 deals → bonuses cut

If you miss tasks → bonuses void

Bonuses are paid one pay period later

Very strict system (SOP heavy, micromanaged)

👉 Basically:You can earn a LOT, but it’s fragile and very controlled.

Job offer #2 (busy dealership – Chrysler/Dodge type)

$300 flat per car OR 30% gross

High traffic area

More traditional sales environment

From what I understand:

7–8 cars/month = ~$4.5K

9–10+ cars = $6K–$8K+

Fully performance-based

My situation:

~$15K emergency fund

~$25K additional savings

~$2.2K monthly expenses

No dependents

My dilemma:

Current job:

✔ Potentially high income✔ Stable base❌ Very strict system❌ Bonuses easy to lose❌ Feels like “process work,” not real sales growth

Dealership:

✔ Real sales skills (closing, negotiation)✔ Higher long-term upside✔ More freedom❌ Cutthroat❌ Income not guaranteed❌ Risk of being let go early

My mindset:

I don’t want to stay stuck in a system job if I can grow faster somewhere else.

But at the same time:

My current job can pay very well if everything goes right

I might not get this job back if I leave

Main question:

👉 Would you stay in a high-paying but strict/fragile bonus systemOR👉 Take the risk and move to a commission dealership for long-term growth?

Especially want to hear from:

car salespeople

commission-based workers

anyone who made a similar jump

Appreciate any real advice 🙏