r/jobs•
Littlesynth-addict

Need Advice, sales job expenses, not able to afford travel

Compensation

I took a job last year not knowing anything about the expenses and reimbursement policy. it's a sales role and they didn't share the travel expectations up front. They dropped it on me that I have to travel twice as much as I thought and they want me to pay for my expenses upfront and submit them at the end of the month. Once submitted I wouldn't see those expenses for another two weeks. At times, I would be sitting on 6 week old expenses for just one report. So travelling weekly, waiting for expenses, I would easily have more than $2000 waiting for me at any time. I'm unfortunately not in a good financial situation, with a paycut to take this job (expecting a higher upside...) and my significant other out of a job, having a hard time finding a new one.

I expressed that I needed a company card from my employer when they complained I wasn't traveling enough, but I just can't afford it. They just pushed back and said we don't do that as a company. There have been a few conversations where I talked to the manager about it, but they are not willing to help. Rather I just feel judged by them by not being able to find the travel, and they are kinda mean about it. Unfortunately, my credit and payment history tanked while we were separated for a few years and I haven't been able to catch up and recover. So getting my own card for this job is out of the question. Been living paycheck to paycheck while husband is looking for a job so even local travel has been difficult with car problems and gas.

Just venting or maybe getting helpful advice or wisdom. It's very defeating to try and do this job when I know they are going to fire me for not being able to afford travel.

I have been applying for a new role for a while, think I am getting an offer soon, so this post may be in vain. I've just been so frustrated with this, and perhaps sharing it might help someone else feel not alone in a similar situation.

Posted Apr 9, 2026, 9:20 PM UTC

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