Sales "burnout"

Archeron

Just a quick question. is anyone familiar with the phrase "sales burnout"? I've been in sales since I was 19, (now 29) and I have to say, its getting tiresome to say the least. Some people have said to me that its a common occurance for people who work in sales for many years to finally just get sick of it, and completely change their careers as far away from away from sales as possible.

As it is, I consider changing careers, but as pretty much all my experience is sales related, I always consider other sales jobs, but I kind of half suspect that I'm only going to end up in the same boat again. When I think about some people I know have moved from sales into completely non sales related jobs such as drivers, taxi-ing etc. They all seem happier to be away from that ever annoying motto "you're only as good as your last sale"

Has anyone ever heard of this before?

chump

Heard of it quite a bit. 10 years is quite impressive really.

A lad I know who's in sales at the minute is already planning on his evacuation from it with advice given by his boss... night-time degree being funded by his employer

whippet

I am seven years in sales (same company) and currently looking for a way out. I have my days when I love my job (usually days with nice big orders and comission cheques), but for some people the energy and motivation of money and commission looses it's appeal after a while and other factors take over.

There is many lifetime sales professional who never loose the bug and thrive off it, but in my case I want something different. I am currently looking at moving sideways in the industry. I feel i need to specialise in product management rather than just selling what I can. Probably just for a different challange.

The only problem is that I will be starting on a new ladder and trying to make my way up along something that isn't second nature to me.

It can be said in industry that every one is a sales person at some level, either selling the merits of your company, your talents, your time, expertise etc. For money to change hands generally a sale must take place.

Lemlin

Most people tend to burn out. I started out in sales and was motivated at the start. After seven or right months (very short I know) I'd more than had my fill and moved onto a different position that didn't involve sales. I saw the same happen to numerous people who joined that company in a sales position.

Gillo

I'm in sales about 10 years and seriously thinking of getttin out of it. I still love the sales, but find it's gradually getting to be too much haveing to treat every customer like royalty.