In the fast-paced and demanding world of Amazon selling, burnout has become an increasingly prevalent issue that affects sellers.
We all know that feeling! But how is burnout actually defined? (It’s been denoted as a medical condition by the way!)
Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment from work. It is one of the biggest factors for failed Amazon sellers - especially for those juggling a full-time employment with selling as a side hustle.
Here are the main causes of burnout:.
💼 Excessive Workload: Overloading oneself with an unmanageable amount of work and unrealistic expectations can lead to burnout. Long working hours, tight deadlines, and constant pressure to perform at peak levels can contribute to physical and mental fatigue.
😩 Lack of Control: Employees who are swamped by admin or feel they have little control over their sales performance or account health/seller performance metrics may experience increased stress and burnout.
💰 Inadequate Resources and Support: Insufficient resources, whether it be time, cash, prep space or support from family members, can contribute significantly to burnout. When sellers are forced to operate without the necessary resources, the likelihood of stress and burnout increases.
To address and prevent burnout, consider the following four tips:
⏳ Establish Realistic Workloads: Putting in long hours is a well-known part of establishing a new business. However, working 14 - 16 hours over long stretches is not realistic and in the end, work-life balance has to be re-established with realistic expectations about what can be achieved.
⚖️ Promote Work-Life Balance: Seek a healthy work-life balance by making time for breaks, vacations, and time for exercise and family. Recognize and respect your personal time for you to recharge and maintain your well-being.
👥 Delegate: Delegating to a trusted team member gives you room to breathe and allows you to hone in on more strategic and profitable activities that are the best use of your time, energy, skills, and expertise.
🤝 Mentorship and Support: Foster relationships with fellow sellers or mentors. Create a supportive atmosphere with family and friends where you feel comfortable venting or discussing your workload, challenges, and ideas for improvement.
By addressing the root causes of burnout and implementing these tips, Amazon sellers can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment, ultimately promoting productivity and long-term success.
