Is your career burning you out? More time, more money, and less stress are often cited as things people would like to change about their jobs. And all three are directly tied to burnout. 

What is burnout?  

The World Health Organization recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon marked by a sustained state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. Burnout manifests in poor job performance, strained relationships, and diminished long-term career prospects. 

What causes burnout? 

Burnout is typically caused by prolonged job-related stress and is more than a season to push through. Research shows a correlation between burnout and negative impacts on long-term mental and physical health, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. 

You don’t have to continue to live in a constant state of stress and exhaustion. There is a way forward where you can reclaim your life.   

Follow these seven steps to break free from burnout: 

1. Log Your Stress 

Stress takes its toll on your entire body: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Pay attention to when your stress spikes and log it into a note on your phone, write it in a journal, or monitor a stress tracking feature on your smartwatch. While everyone experiences job stress occasionally, if you experience daily stress at work, you could be at risk of burnout. 

2. Identify Triggers 

After tracking your stress spikes, see if there is a correlation between specific activities, conversations, or events and heightened periods of stress. Workplace stress can be caused by long hours, lack of support, job insecurity, negative relationships with colleagues or clients, strained finances, and a non-existent work-life balance.  

3. Re-evaluate Your Goals and Values 

If you are experiencing frequent workplace stress, you have the power to break free from burnout. Take a pause and make a list of what is important to you. Does your current career put you on the right course to fulfill your goals and live your values? Now is the time to make career changes to set you in a new direction. 

4. Figure out Your Finances 

Fear of financial instability is one of the most significant factors holding people back from making a career switch. There are always paths to change; sometimes, we just need someone to show us the way. Proforma offers various financial programs and guidance to Sales Professionals and has a dedicated team available to discuss what you can expect when you join the Proforma Family. 

5. Prioritize Balance  

Budgeting your time is just as important as budgeting your finances. Protect yourself from burnout by setting boundaries. Make time for family, friends, and personal relationships. Schedule regular windows for hobbies and special interests. Your career is not your identity. Explore ways to offload some of your stressors to dedicate time to your family, friends, and what matters to you. 

6. Seek Systems of Support  

As the largest family-owned and operated distributorship, Proforma provides Sales Professionals with the support and resources needed to fuel success without the stress. Sales Professionals with Proforma have access to proprietary eCommerce solutions, expanded product offerings, and streamlined integrations to increase sales and free up time to pursue what matters to them. 

7. Make a Plan  

Your next adventure starts with a single step. Connect with an industry expert at Proforma who can help lay out a plan for your career. Now is the time to start living the life you’ve dreamed of. 

For more than 45 years, Proforma has helped Sales Professionals like you accelerate their career paths and achieve a better work-life balance. Break free from burnout and discover how you can get the most out of life by partnering with the industry’s largest, family-owned $650M+ distributorship.