… !

customer success is *NOT* a step down.

i repeat:

customer
success
is not (!)
a step down.

it's not where you go if you sucked in closing roles, or as an SDR, or as a team lead

it's simply another part of the revenue cycle that might suit you best.

since starting in B2B SaaS in 2013, i've been:

a customer support rep
a member development rep (pre-sale, closer)
an SDR
an AE
a biz ops manager x2
an SDR
+ now: a CSM
(in that order)

my path has not been linear by any means but i've learned a few things:

every role i've ever had has set me up 100% for my current one
there's just as much pressure in CS as there is in sales
the adrenaline of revenue-focused roles never leaves
+ i love *truly* supporting + building relationships

the greatest disservice to your growth is viewing any role as a downgrade

it's all stepping stones :)