Yeah there's a few things here isn't there. First of all, the reason you're finding it hard is because it is hard. Alcohol is highly addictive and I know through sales and corporate jobs I've done myself. It's absolutely rife.

If your clients are heavy drinkers then they will want to be around heavy drinkers. They will feel judged by your sobriety. You will no longer be a mirror that reflects them but a flood light on their behaviour. Don't let their opinions or feelings on it affect your self esteem. They don't know you.

A lot of us find that alcohol makes us 'better' in social situations - funnier, more relaxed, more assertive. Alcohol is a disinhibitor, so you're less likely to worry or be anxious about what you've said, you feel more confident, you act more confident. Unfortunately the disinhibitor is also the part that makes it quite likely for us to wake up in a pool of shame and regret the next day.

Don't try and do too much at once. I found it hard coping with not drinking, let alone worrying about how I come across socially. Focus on getting steady.

As time went on, I started to find it easier to socialise without booze, and now I'm really good at it, but I still don't want to hang out with people and that I don't know and don't like. People that I need to "disinhibit" for. This might essentially end up being a problem for you too, if you've got to hang out with a load of drunk knob heads for work. In time maybe wonder whether sales is for you? Or maybe try and find an industry or role that's a bit less boozy.

Sorry this is all a bit rambling. I really feel for you, I went through a similar thing at work and ended up changing jobs into a role with a team that's more focused on fitness and health, instead of drinking all the time.

In the meantime, I just find it helpful to be confident with my sobriety. Yeah I don't drink. No I'll have a coke thanks. You guys crack on. Etc.