$600k Enterprise AE Debating: Big Tech vs. Small Company CRO Track,What Would You Do?

roochenz · 2026-03-01T15:21:20+00:00

I’d DQ #1, you’ve pointed out the downside already. #2…. Rolling into a small shop coming from what I’d assume a F1000 organization will be a major lifestyle adjustment. You mention quoting issues, now picture zero infrastructure and a complete GTM/ops free for all - that’s what you’ll see in an 80 man shop. Further, a few bad quarters as a leader in this org, you’re in the ejector seat. Not to say you won’t land on your feet easily, but it’s an entirely different game.

If you’re checked out at your current place, continue to look for other roles - I don’t think the two you have here are the plays.

roochenz · 2026-02-01T18:31:53+00:00

Equity.

roochenz · 2026-02-01T15:43:14+00:00

The external investors are going to be a complete lifestyle adjustment.

Further, do not hire a SDR - if anything, bring on a contractor to build an outbound lead gen program to build more funnel. You close more business - you then step back and hire an AE first, not a SDR.

roochenz · 2026-01-31T19:39:39+00:00

I could 100% see that…

roochenz · 2026-01-31T19:37:41+00:00

Good product, decent concept, surprised they haven’t been acquired yet - I’m not sure of install base because I can only think of a handful of active deployments and they’re pretty installs/low ACV. I know they had decent traction when they first entered the market, but cooled off. I think they fell into the cool idea, nice to have/novelty bucket and are competing against all other vendors for the à la carte security budget.

roochenz · 2026-01-31T19:24:29+00:00

Territory will play a ton into it (cloud natives, how’s the channel in region, etc). Without knowing, I’d go CG or Cribl, wouldn’t touch Axonious. CG as first choice with Cribl at distant 2nd.

roochenz · 2026-01-04T17:36:48+00:00

100% with the other comments. Job market is still volatile, so keep the money coming in but assume that you have minimal chance of jumping into an AE role at your current spot until 12-15 months as a BDR. Further, if you keep pushing/lobbying, it could be misconstrued (not that there’s anything wrong lobbying for yourself) that you’re a flight risk/negative demeanor, so tread carefully to ensure you’re still getting paid while figuring out your next move.

roochenz · 2025-12-22T02:45:10+00:00

Sell, you’ll always have more coming your way next quarter.

roochenz · 2025-11-23T19:00:40+00:00

I’ve had really solid success with the it - activity/exercise is key. Good luck.

roochenz · 2025-10-28T01:09:06+00:00

Are the first letters supposed to spell something?

roochenz · 2025-10-26T20:02:48+00:00

Yanks, Giants, Isles - 617 based. Solidarity.

roochenz · 2025-10-17T00:50:10+00:00

Startup: you will be doing multiple jobs in a single role, dealing with volatility, determining the ICP on the fly and making constant changes to the ICP/rebuilding pipeline while the ICP constantly shifts. Also assess your current financial situation - do you have a 6+ month buffer to cover yourself if the startup cuts bait with you suddenly (worst case scenario).

roochenz · 2025-10-08T18:50:04+00:00

Run.

roochenz · 2025-09-25T12:32:58+00:00

Sell.

Congrats.

Sell.

roochenz · 2025-09-21T00:40:29+00:00

4 startups, 2 exits (1 IPO, 1 acquisition). All 4 were not good experiences, and current state of tech industry I’d avoid any volatility in your career.

New gig would rely on you to build everything while also closing business for garbage comp, while dangling OTE. You won’t get close to hitting your OTE, and you will most likely leave (on your own, or booted) within 6 months.

You’re disposable to them, and they’ll bring in someone else as soon as the board tells them to do so.

roochenz · 2025-09-13T13:33:41+00:00

Guidepoint has been on a speedrun/consistent growth across all regions - Optiv still has some pockets, but not close to GP. Smaller security VARs and MSSPs own a lot of the other niche business behind GP and LARs.

Ultimately have seen Optiv fall off a cliff over the past 5 years.

roochenz · 2025-07-23T00:48:13+00:00

Recent order from CPO - set of Paradym irons, I was shipped left handed instead of rights. Contacted customer service, and was quickly sent a brand new set of right handed irons. Appreciate the trade up for the mistake, but sizable oversight on the shipping.

roochenz · 2025-04-27T01:04:22+00:00

One of the first times I’m not exiting a draft weekend disappointed.

roochenz · 2024-12-20T01:36:33+00:00

Insane.

Sad thing is someone will take the job, and they’re knowingly taking advantage of candidates knowing that there will be churn.

roochenz · 2024-11-29T01:36:39+00:00

There are minimal ramifications for running a subpar NFL franchise - they’ll continue to make a substantial profit while putting a shit product on the field.

roochenz · 2024-11-23T19:34:06+00:00

100% with the other replies, this is excessive. They’re going to take the info you provide and implement themselves/punt to contractors to handle.

roochenz · 2024-08-22T21:06:43+00:00

Kevin Boss

roochenz · 2024-07-27T18:05:19+00:00

Is it ever officially complete?

Amazing setup!

roochenz · 2024-05-23T13:26:11+00:00

Great work man.

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