If you work in Sales Ops, you know the drill: you’re the one holding everything together. You’re fixing the messy spreadsheet, cleaning up Salesforce, answering last-minute requests, and running reports leadership depends on. You’re the glue.

But here’s the question no one asks: who supports the glue?

Burnout in Sales Ops is real but almost nobody talks about it. Because we’re not customer-facing, and because our role is all about making everyone else successful, it’s easy for the exhaustion, stress, and invisible workload to pile up without anyone noticing.

This isn’t about working less or not caring. It’s about learning how to protect your energy so you can actually enjoy this career for the long haul. Let’s walk through why burnout shows up in Sales Ops, the signs you don’t want to ignore, and some small shifts that can help you feel more in control again.

Why Burnout Shows Up in Sales Ops

Burnout in Sales Ops has its own flavor. It doesn’t always look like the clichés. Instead, it creeps in through things like:

• The invisible load. You’re the one everyone calls when something breaks but no one sees the mental toll it takes.
• Constant context switching. One minute you’re buried in data, the next you’re troubleshooting Salesforce, then hopping into a strategy call. It’s exhausting.
• High stakes, low recognition. You’re carrying the responsibility of accuracy and efficiency, but the spotlight rarely lands on you.
• The “always on” effect. Slack pings, urgent requests at 4:55 pm, never-ending reports. It feels like the job follows you everywhere.

No wonder so many women in Ops hit the wall.

The Warning Signs You Might Be Ignoring

Burnout doesn’t always show up with neon signs. Sometimes it sneaks in quietly. A few things to watch for:

• Emotional exhaustion. You feel flat, detached, or resentful, even about small things.
• Physical signs. Trouble sleeping, headaches, or just being tired all. the. time.
• Loss of creativity. Everything feels like “just another task.”
• Withdrawal. You stop speaking up. You stop caring.

These aren’t weaknesses. They’re signals. Your body and mind are waving the flag that it’s time to take care of yourself.

Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference

The good news? Burnout doesn’t always require a giant overhaul. Sometimes, it’s the little changes that help you feel more like yourself again.

1. Set Micro-Boundaries

You don’t have to flip your whole schedule upside down. Start small by defining when you’re offline and honoring it.

What this can look like:

• Blocking 30 minutes on your calendar for deep work.
• Pausing Slack notifications after 6 pm.
• Closing your laptop for lunch instead of eating over it.

Why it works: Boundaries remind both you and everyone else that your time matters. And micro-boundaries are easy to start and stick to.

2. Batch Work Where You Can

Jumping from one thing to another all day? That’s a fast track to burnout. Instead, try grouping similar work together.

What this can look like:

• Running all reports at one time instead of scattering them.
• Blocking mornings for data tasks, afternoons for meetings.
• Handling admin work in one block, not sprinkled everywhere.

Why it works: Batching helps you stay in flow, conserve energy, and actually finish things faster.

3. Lean on Templates and Automation

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every week. Use tools to make repetitive work easier.

What this can look like:

• A standard slide deck for weekly reporting.
• Automating routine Slack updates.
• Re-using saved formulas or pivot tables.

Why it works: Templates and automations cut down busywork and free up your brain for the projects that matter.

4. Build in Recovery Break

You don’t need a two-week vacation to reset (though hey, take it if you can). Even 10 minutes can help.

What this can look like:

• Stepping outside between meetings.
• Stretching instead of opening another tab.
• A quick reset ritual – hot bath, yoga, tea, journaling, scheduled nap, music.

Why it works: Breaks calm your nervous system and help you come back clearer, not foggier.

Redefining Success on Your Terms

So much of burnout is tied to how we define “success.” In Sales Ops, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be everything to everyone: available 24/7, flawless, the person who always says yes.

But success isn’t about running yourself into the ground. Real success looks like:

• Protecting your energy.
• Making your contributions visible.
• Building a career you can actually enjoy.

When you shift how you define success, you shift how you show up and suddenly burnout doesn’t run the show.

Creating Support Systems

You don’t have to do this alone. Support systems can change everything:

• Peer support. Find other women in Ops who “get it.”
• Manager conversations. Ask for clarity on what’s priority and what’s not.
• Professional development. Build skills that make your day-to-day easier.
• Community spaces. Join environments where you can learn, grow, and feel seen (this is exactly why I built SalesOps Society).

Support isn’t indulgence. It’s what keeps you in the game for the long term.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Prove Yourself

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. You don’t have to run yourself ragged to show your worth. You already matter. And the more you protect your energy, the stronger your impact becomes.

You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to set limits. And you’re allowed to build a Sales Ops career that feels energizing, not draining.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you want a safe space to practice new ways of working, whether that’s boundaries, confidence, or learning the skills that make sales operations less stressful you might find exactly what you’ve been looking for in one of workshops.

👉 Click here to learn more and get updates on upcoming trainings

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have you felt the signs of burnout in Sales Ops? What’s helped you the most? Drop a comment, send me an email, or DM me on Instagram, I’d love to hear your story.