Burnout, Breakthroughs, and Being 'the Salesforce Guy': A Journey of Self-Discovery

From Sam.

Ever felt like you're sprinting on a treadmill that just won't stop? That's pretty much how my personal journey began, kicking off with undiagnosed ADHD and a physics degree in 2012, armed with little more than a thin student loan and a dream. Fast forward to 2017, and I found myself knee-deep in the world of Salesforce, hyperfocusing my way into the role of 'the Salesforce Guy.'

But the relentless grind and constant masking of ADHD symptoms took their toll, leading to a burnout so intense, I had to hit the brakes on my career by 2023.

Now, with notmadeforthis.co.uk, I'm charting a new path of self-discovery, embracing the quirks that make me, well, me.

The Physics Degree Gamble

Embarking on a physics degree with limited resources and undiagnosed ADHD was a leap of faith. This section explores the challenges and triumphs of my academic journey.

Starting With No Money

I kicked off my physics degree in 2012 with empty pockets and a slim student loan. It was a financial tightrope walk from day one.

Budgeting became my new superpower. I learned to stretch every penny, turning frugality into an art form. Ramen noodles? They became a food group.

Part-time jobs filled the gaps. I even worked at an Apple Store for 4 of my 5 years at Uni.

Looking back, that financial struggle taught me resilience. It wasn't just about surviving, it was about learning to thrive under pressure.

Navigating Undiagnosed ADHD

Undiagnosed ADHD turned my academic journey into a rollercoaster. Focus was elusive, and deadlines felt like approaching tsunamis.

I developed coping mechanisms without realizing it. Late-night study sessions fueled by hyperfocus became my norm. I'd lose track of time, emerging bleary-eyed but with completed assignments.

Procrastination was my constant companion. I'd put off tasks until the last minute, then ride the wave of panic-induced productivity. It worked, but at a cost to my stress levels and sleep schedule.

Understanding colleagues with ADHD wasn't on my radar then, but looking back, it's clear how much it affected my university experience.

The Road to Graduation

The path to graduation was far from smooth. It was a marathon of all-nighters, last-minute cramming, and anxiety-fueled exam performances.

Despite the challenges, moments of clarity in complex physics concepts kept me going. Those "aha!" moments were addictive, pushing me through the tough times.

Group projects were a mixed bag. Sometimes, they highlighted my struggles with time management. Other times, they showcased my ability to think outside the box.

In 2017, against the odds, I crossed the finish line. That degree wasn't just a piece of paper; it was a testament to perseverance and adaptability.

Becoming 'the Salesforce Guy'

Post-graduation, I stumbled into the world of Salesforce, unknowingly setting the stage for both my career success and eventual burnout.

Discovering Salesforce Experience

My introduction to Salesforce was serendipitous. A referral from a family member, and suddenly I was diving headfirst into CRM technology.

The learning curve was steep, but my physics background gave me an edge in logical thinking and problem-solving. I devoured Trailhead modules, earning badges like a digital Boy Scout.

Salesforce's ecosystem fascinated me. The blend of technology, business processes, and constant innovation resonated with my ADHD brain's love for novelty.

Before I knew it, I was hooked. Salesforce became more than a job; it was a calling. I was on my way to becoming 'the Salesforce Guy'.

Hyperfocus and Masking ADHD

My undiagnosed ADHD found a perfect playground in Salesforce. The platform's complexity and constant updates fed my need for mental stimulation.

Hyperfocus became my superpower. I'd lose myself for hours in complex configurations and custom code. Time would fly by, and I'd emerge with solutions that impressed my colleagues and clients.

But this intense focus came at a cost. I was masking my ADHD symptoms, pushing myself to appear "normal" in the workplace. The effort was exhausting, but the results were undeniable.

Burnout and stress weren't on my radar yet. I was too busy riding the wave of success, unaware of the toll it was taking.

The Burnout Reality

By 2024, the cracks began to show. The relentless pace, constant masking, and intense hyperfocus had pushed me to the brink.

Symptoms of burnout crept in slowly, then all at once. Fatigue became my constant companion. Tasks that once energized me now felt like mountains to climb.

The realization was hard to swallow. I had become 'the Salesforce Guy', but at what cost? My identity was so intertwined with my work that the thought of stepping back was terrifying.

But the writing was on the wall. Something had to give, and unfortunately, it was my career in Salesforce.

Embracing Self-Discovery

Leaving my Salesforce career behind opened the door to a new chapter of self-discovery and personal growth.

The Career Change Decision

The decision to step away from my Salesforce career wasn't easy. It felt like leaving a part of myself behind.

I grappled with self-doubt and fear. What if I was making a mistake? What if I couldn't succeed in anything else?

But deep down, I knew it was necessary. As This LinkedIn post shows, sometimes the biggest growth comes from embracing change, even when others doubt you.

The career change wasn't just about leaving Salesforce; it was about rediscovering who I was beyond my job title.

Launching notmadeforthis.co.uk

Launching notmadeforthis.co.uk is my way of turning a new leaf. It's my platform for exploring identity beyond the corporate world.

The website's name is a nod to all the times I felt out of place in traditional work environments. It's a celebration of neurodiversity and unconventional paths.

Our Products are designed from the heart, and we hope you love them as much as we do.