You're experiencing burnout. What are some common misconceptions that could be making it worse?

1 Misconception 1: Burnout is a sign of weakness

Many sales ops professionals pride themselves on their resilience, productivity, and performance. They might think that admitting to burnout is a sign of failure or incompetence, and that they should just toughen up and work harder. However, this attitude can backfire and lead to more stress, anxiety, and resentment. Burnout is not a personal flaw, but a result of external factors that are beyond your control. It does not mean that you are not good at your job, but that you need to take care of yourself and set healthy boundaries.

2 Misconception 2: Burnout can be fixed by taking a vacation

While taking some time off can be beneficial, it is not enough to cure burnout. Burnout is not just a temporary dip in energy or motivation, but a chronic condition that requires long-term changes in your work environment, habits, and mindset. A vacation might provide some relief, but it will not address the root causes of your burnout, such as unrealistic expectations, unclear goals, or lack of support. To prevent burnout from recurring, you need to identify and address the factors that are causing you stress and dissatisfaction in your work.

3 Misconception 3: Burnout is the same as depression

Burnout and depression are both serious mental health issues that can affect your well-being, but they are not the same. Burnout is primarily related to your work situation, while depression is a more general and pervasive mood disorder that can affect all aspects of your life. Burnout can cause symptoms such as fatigue, cynicism, and reduced performance, while depression can cause symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. Burnout can also lead to depression, but not all cases of burnout are depressive. The treatment for burnout and depression may differ, so it is important to seek professional help if you are unsure or concerned about your mental health.

4 Misconception 4: Burnout can be solved by working smarter

Working smarter, not harder, is a common mantra in sales ops. It means using tools, processes, and strategies that can help you optimize your efficiency, effectiveness, and results. However, working smarter is not a magic bullet for burnout. While it can help you reduce some of the workload and stress, it can also create new challenges and expectations that can add to your burnout. For example, you might feel pressured to adopt new technologies, learn new skills, or take on more responsibilities that can overwhelm you. Working smarter is not a substitute for working less or working differently. You need to balance your work with your personal needs and values, and prioritize your well-being over your output.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?