Sales Managers

Sales managers work in comfortable offices near the departments they direct. Higher-level managers may have spacious, lavish offices and enjoy such privileges as executive dining rooms, company cars, country club memberships, and liberal expense accounts.

Managers often work long hours under intense pressure to meet sales goals. Workweeks consisting of 55 to 60 hours at the office are not uncommon (and often include work at night and on weekends)—in fact, some higher-level managers spend up to 80 hours working each week. These long hours limit time available for family and leisure activities.

Sales departments—especially those at large companies—are usually highly charged with energy and are both physically and psychologically exciting places to work. Managers work with others as a team in a creative environment where a lot of ideas are exchanged among colleagues.