Psychological Question - Do you think sales as a profession is good for your mental health?

Is sales good for mental health?

Attached poll
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🏰 War Stories
👑 Sales Strategy
🙏 Mental Wellness
25
The_Sales_Badger
Notorious Answer
33
Account Executive
Absolutely not - that's why only the strong survive. 

To be a salesperson:


1) You have to buy in on EVERYTHING the company believes in.  Even in the gray area - never waiver from the support for your company.


2)  If a tiny part of a salesperson feels bad about taking someone's money - they won't make it.  

3)  If you can't be bullet-proof against negativity, your mental health will be fueled by misery.  

Salespeople need to have tough skin.  Understand that other people's money is your livelihood.  

Remember - top-sales rep are happy because they are making money.  Additionally, look at their significant other - 9 times out of ten, they are attractive.  Those are the sharks that thrive on sales.  

Ace
Arsonist
12
CEO
Somewhere, a deeper part of me needed to read this today. Thanks a lot!
The_Sales_Badger
Notorious Answer
11
Account Executive
I think that's the whole point of this Bravado thing.  The way everyone corresponds, I can always tell why they deserve to be a part of this.  All it takes is one person, one action, or one sentence that can refuel the "motivation tank".  

We put ourselves through hell when things aren't going our way.  We lose a guaranteed sale, we can't get any meetings, or your efforts aren't being recognized properly by upper management.  Yeah, I said it, our egos need massaging.

It's a matter of knowing how to kick the funk, or who to go to when things are going to hell.  For everyone, I'll be your huckleberry.  That's just my game.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Totally. Thank you once again!
Joy
Old School Bravo
0
AVP Sales
Yes, it is our egos that keeps us in the game - that feeling of being in control of your own destiny - that helps keep everything else in perspective. 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Most of the bad mental health stems from uncertainty so yes having that sense of control is absolutely important!
GeneralCorp
Notable Contributor
6
General of The War Room
GO OFF FAM. SPIT TRUTH
Salespreuner
Big Shot
3
Regional Sales Director
THISS!! Was very much needed to be read today
Thank you🙏🙏
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Ikr
funcoupons
WR Officer
8
👑
Tough question. Sales is one of those jobs that you cannot unplug from just because you go home from the day. I'm sure all of us think about deals, worry, and strategize on our off time. It's also a job that has a lot of ups and downs, requires a lot of interaction with other people, and requires at least some "acting" where you're putting on your sales face/voice and don't get to just act like yourself. 

If not handled well, all of the above can negatively contribute to mental health. I think this is why sales experiences a much higher degree of burnout and turnover than many other roles. 

However, sales provides a high degree of autonomy, some really exciting highs, financial security, (hopefully) the opportunity to be recognized as a top performer regardless of background, gender, race, etc as long as you're willing to put the work in, and career stability. These things contribute to mental well being 100%.

Sales success does not come easy to even the most naturally inclined and hard working salespeople. Some things that are just part of being in sales, such as working on a competitive team are highly motivating to some, and completely stressful to others. I think mental health in sales depends on two things - your fitness for the job, and how you take care of yourself outside of work.
Ace
Arsonist
2
CEO
So very well put. I think along the same lines. You never really turn off your mind when you are in sales. Somehow, you just learn to live with it
WarDaddy
2
Commercial Account Executive
I often envy those that close their computer at 5. But then I see their paycheck. Big oof. Have fun working until you die peasants. 
Joy
Old School Bravo
0
AVP Sales
having a strategy around taking yourself outside of work is the most under used lever for peak performance. 
Accidental_Sales_Guy
Politicker
8
Account Executive
It's been bad for my mental health since working from home for a year. I realize how much the "team mentality" matters to me, and it's hard to engage with that outside the office.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
You should definitely take up meditation. It has helped me a lot and a few others as well who are on the forum who talked about it in other threads.
Accidental_Sales_Guy
Politicker
1
Account Executive
I actually think that the time I've spent alone reflecting & meditating has taught me how important community is to my mental health.

In full sincerity, meditation has left me craving community more fully (even work relationships that aren't deeply personal). I think that's a good and natural outcome of making space for space, being still, etc.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Totally. You could even try different forms of meditation
softwaresails
Politicker
2
Sales Manager
Keeps me sane and I feel like it improves my quality of life because of what it provides financially. Yes, there is stress. And yes, there are times where there is more stress. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Ace
Arsonist
2
CEO
Stress is just the way to sanity
softwaresails
Politicker
1
Sales Manager
Isn't that the truth!

Hotsaw
Politicker
2
VP Sales
Being in sales mean you can't ride the highs or lows... it messes up your outlook on life! But the upshot is that it pays way more than anything else. Being paid on percentages is ALWAYS better than any hourly rate.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
True that
Adslanger1
Opinionated
2
Senior Account Executive
I know it totally is for mine. I constantly get quicker faster and smarter.
I remember the days working “9-5” punching a clock and knowing exactly how much I’m going to make that day and week regardless of my extra efforts. That was horrible for my own “mental health”.
I prefer being in control of my destiny and live for the hustle.
I understand everyone isn’t built that way so ultimately only the strong do survive in sales and I much rather stay on top of the food chain baby 💪🏻

LordOfWar
Tycoon
2
Blow it up
Short-term it is horrible for your mental health. Rejection, fear, lack of knowledge/experience all add up to feeling like you will fail which in turn leads to failure. BUT if you can stick it out long-term, invest in yourself and keep pushing to succeed it can do you wonders for your pocketbook, lifestyle and self-confidence.

The key for me is to believe in what you are selling, be it a product or service, and to believe that you will be successful. I've sold things I didn't like, or knew were not the best and failure hit so much harder. So many people stop at the first few roadblocks or failed projects yet you are always 1 no away from a win. Then 1 win becomes 2, then 2 to 3...before you know it you are rolling and people want to work with you because you are just so positive and motivated and seem to bring success everywhere.

Then you become one of those always positive, life is great people you hated when you were young and fumbling. The circle of life.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Very well put! It's about the perception and how we look at sales that matters
CastleIsland
Tycoon
2
Associate Account Director
The worst thing for your mental health in sales is:

1. Taking losses personally
2. Worrying about or tying yourself to an outcome
3. Fear of getting fired
3. Comparing yourself to anyone else (whether on your team or outside)

Treat this like Golf baby. Lower your handicap and be happy with your results and what it gives you and the ones close to you! Get better every day.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Such wise words. Wish everyone, including the younger me, read this before. Thank you so much!
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
1
Digital Business Associate
Depending on the time of year and the stress you are under I suppose. But I'm a firm believer that if you become a good salesperson you can be good at nearly anything in life.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
That is true. I strongly believe that too!
Wolfof7thStreet
Valued Contributor
1
AE
There are definitely much worse ways to make the same amount of money. That being said, I don't want to be in direct sales forever
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Makes sense
Cothrock
Catalyst
1
Account Executive
Solid solid conversation. I think it's all about how you approach it. If you get tied to outcomes you will HATE sales. If you tie your mental health to doing the right behaviors and simply getting better, it can be quite rewarding. (I sounded a bit like Tony Robbins there). It is stressful, but manageable and where else can you make this kind of dough in the corporate world without being a C-Level? 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
So true what you said
Beans
Big Shot
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Only if you're good at it.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Well, its a process
Kiona
Opinionated
1
Head of Business Development
Sales people are athletes - you have to mentally prepare for the road ahead - its not about big wins, its small steps that if followed, yield returns. 

Similar to any other type of athlete - create a weekly plan and then deliver results. Dont focus on the win losses, focus on the small wins for getting better over time. 


No one runs a marathon off the couch - you have to subscribe to a training plan and execute. 

Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
So true. Sales truly is a marathon!
cw95
Politicker
1
Sales Development Lead
I think it all comes down to how your manager and senior team is. If they are chill and understanding and also know the ups and downs of sales then great. If not, it's awful. I'd like to imagine if I managed a sales team I'd be more tolerable as I understand what goes through someones mind. 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
So true. The internal communication and soul of the org matters as much as the external factors if not more
Grignou
1
Account Executive
It's all about balance....
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
100%
Indakitchenwhippin
Politicker
1
Channel Sales
One of the first things I was ever told was to avoid riding the highs to high, and subsequently the lows too low. Which of course is easier said than done, but a very important thing to drill into your head, definitely helps mentally.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Totally. Thats a good advice
swizard
Celebrated Contributor
1
Sales Evangelist
Smash all the sales targets >>> Make SMART investments with fat commissions! >>> Build Strong NETWORK (NETWORTH) >>> QUIT the job and multiply capital! 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Ideal dream!
swizard
Celebrated Contributor
0
Sales Evangelist
What holds you back from making it a reality?
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Nothing, but there are a lot of nuances when it comes to actually doing it. I mean make smart investments is an oversimplification. Similarly building strong network. There are a lot of parts involved in actually doing these, both good and bad
Chep
WR Officer
0
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
I think most jobs take a toll and it's up to the individual to decide what is and is not worth it
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Totally but sales is unique because some people actively choose to do sales despite of the tolls it has
Money
Executive
0
Head of Sales
I think of sales as a puzzle that needs to be solved. I consider prospects as a bank of doors in front of me. Each door is different, has unique ways of opening, and a complex lock. I have a key - it can open several of the doors, but just isn't going to be a fit for all of them.

Looking at prospects as places where sometimes I'll fit and sometimes I won't, I've trained myself to let go of the stress and untether from the result. 

All of a sudden, my purpose is helping and finding where I should spend my time. Now the job is just solving the right puzzles - I find that to be a great exercise for mental health.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
I read this methodology in Ray Dalio's book 'Principles' where he talks about how he looks at life and all the elements in it as a game and he thinks in terms of moves and stuff. That has really clicked with me and whenever I face a problem or a challenge, I go in game mode and break down to problem to think of my next move. 

Good to know that it is also working in sales for you
npm55434
Catalyst
0
Business Development Representative
Absolutely, life is challenging and all about overcoming adversity. Sales helps prepare me to deal with life, helps me communicate better, helps me achieve goals, helps me build relationships. So although sales can be challenging it absolutely has benefits to mental health and other areas of life. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
That kind of challenge is needed to keep us on our toes and alert.
doodpurfect
Opinionated
0
Account Manager
In my experience, no
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
How do you cope with it?
doodpurfect
Opinionated
0
Account Manager
got into account management which is far more stable and less stress, although slightly less upside on the pay, which I was willing to sacrifice for a happier work life
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Aaah makes sense
murphmobile
Praised Answer
0
Regional Sales Manager
Mental Health is cashing in those sicc commissions bro
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
But is it worth it tho?
HappyGilmore
Politicker
0
Account Executive
It certainly can be and for me it is. Not sure I could be doing a different job where I feel challenged and can say I'm on the front lines for an organization. Mentally challenging and stimulating at the same time. Manage the lows and enjoy the wins.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
It's all about the balance!
DadFather
Politicker
0
Enterprise Account Executive
There is a reason why others call us sales people fucking savages. You gotta be one to survive in this profession 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
100%. But I was wondering about the long term implications
justatopproducer
Politicker
0
VP OF SALES -US
Yes, if you can find something you love to do. If not start your own business doing what you love. MUCH easier to sell when you have passion than to do it to just pay the bills. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Agreed. You just sell a lot better when you're connected to it
Bankable
Opinionated
0
VP Relationship Manager
Not a chance in hell. Still rather live the savage life than a brainless “normal” job 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Haha totally get it!
Firstname
Fire Starter
0
SDR
The start of the month stress is way better than the end of the month stress. So I just try to make the start feel like the end and have a shitty 2 weeks but it makes my last 2 weeks easy breezy. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Damn, that's a nice perspective
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
0
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
No, but I like money and the hours are better than being a lawyer. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Haha nice one!
ReadTheScript
Politicker
0
Sales Manager
Great teams and leaders take this into account. They may be few and far between but they're out there if you look hard enough.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Totally agree
latran94
0
AE
Sales save me mentally! 


Before getting into sales I was in academia and then worked in public/affairs lobbying. I thought these would be good choices because I'm obsessive, love to read/write, build relationships, etc. but it was awful.

Academia: I had no schedule, no strong sense of professional identity, I was living in my own head.
Lobbying: I was more involved with "reality" but most things were out of my control, which was frustrating.


Today I'm doing B2B sales. I like that I still have a great deal of autonomy but also very clear metrics at the micro and macro level: lost / won and monthly quotas. 

I also love the feeling that I can control my salary.

Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Oh you've come from a whole different world into sales. Your perspective is fresh
latran94
0
AE
So glad this community exists!  I'm French and based in France where "selling" is even less recognized as an honorable pursuit.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
There's a stereotype about it all over the place tbh. I hate it
2

In a recent survey, 2 in 5 Salespeople reported that they struggled with mental health, DOUBLE the rate of the general workforce.

Discussion
5
Is Mental Health discussed enough in your sales org?
55% Not at all
36% A little bit, but could be better about it
9% My team supports me 100% in taking care of my brain
33 people voted
21
Members only

Do you think that every workplace should have 3 paid mental health days??

Question
48
Mental health days???
59% YESSS
32% ABSOLUTELY
7% no
2% other ( comment)
148 people voted
6

Sales impact on health

Question
8