Sales Burnout is Dangerous. Here are the warning signs:

Sales is a fulfilling career with many unique advantages. It develops interpersonal skills, enables us to gain new knowledge and rewards us for our success. Sales is also a challenging field that requires high levels of persistence. Every day, we muster significant drive and commitment as we build business relationships and press onward toward long-term goals.

Because of the high demands placed on us by our profession, we have to take great care not to fall into one of the stealthiest occupational hazards in the workforce: burnout.

What makes burnout so dangerous is that it subtly creeps up on us. We often don’t recognize the symptoms until we’re fully drained of energy. When burnout has taken its toll, a once high-performing sales rep becomes unmotivated, ineffective and fully robbed of happiness.

What are some of the emotional/mental symptoms of burnout?

• Lack of productivity
• Lack of concentration and focus
• Poor memory
• Frustration and boredom
• Irritability
• Apathy and lack of interest
• Indecisiveness
• Feelings of helplessness and even despair

A few physical symptoms of burnout include:

• Insomnia and constant fatigue
• Increase in illnesses like cold and flu due to lack of sleep and weakened immune system
• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Chest pain and heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Use of drugs or alcohol to “cope with life”

If you’re concerned that you, a colleague or an employee is suffering from burnout, come back to read part 2 and part 3 of this blog series.

Check out Part 2 of this blog series for tips about how to prevent burnout.

Check out Part 3 for how to heal burnout after it's taken its toll.