More dangerous than "Burn out", "Rust out" is the syndrome of loss of motivation
Different from the phenomenon of "burn-out", "rust-out" occurs when work is not stimulating enough and does not allow for skill development.
The concept of "burn-out" has become all too familiar, especially for those working in fast-paced or high-pressure industries. However, according to experts, another even more worrying phenomenon in the workplace has emerged - "rust-out", the disguised cousin of depression and despair.
According to business coach Eddie Whittingham, "rust-out" is often caused by "moving too slowly" or "being quiet too long," while "burn-out" is caused by "running hard toward a goal." ". Both have value in the workplace, but prolonged and extreme states of either condition can cause problems.
Concept of Rust-out?
Rust-out is a familiar problem but often does not receive adequate attention. It often manifests itself in a lack of motivation, boredom with daily work, and irritation with co-workers. In contrast to the phenomenon of "burn-out", "rust" appears when work is not stimulating enough and does not allow for skill development. This can lead to feelings of laziness, indifference and depression, negatively affecting the individual's entire life.
While we can't always love our jobs, a good work-life balance is needed to avoid "burnout." However, being too focused on not being "burned out" can lead to boredom and boredom.
Notably, women with high achievements in their careers are considered the group most susceptible to "rust", and gender may be a related factor.
Why might "rust-out" affect women more?
Numerous studies have shown that women feel they have to work harder to achieve the same career progress as men. In Button-Lynham's view, it is this sense of injustice that can cause many women to experience "rust-out".
"For every 100 men promoted, there are only 86 women. Women can feel 'rust-out' when they work as hard, if not harder, than men, but don't get the job done." recognized or provided with the opportunities they deserve. This is even more evident for women of colour, where only 5% of senior leaders are women of colour, and for transitioning employees. gender, where colleagues of their biological sex earn 32% more." ( McKinsey Women in the Workplace 2022 Study)
Whittingham explains that entrepreneurs are also at higher risk of "rust-out" because of the pressure they put on themselves. "The 'rust-out' state is more common among entrepreneurs than others," he said. "It's often because they started out with good intentions to build a great business, but then discouragement sets in and they realize that all they did was create a job for themselves." - instead of building a business where they are freed from daily boredom."
When can rust-out occur?
The phenomenon of "Rust" can occur when we become content with our achievements and somewhat lose the desire to progress further. When we focus too much on avoiding burnout, we can lose the motivation we need to continue growing and working on new goals.
To avoid this situation, you need to regularly review your values, goals and dreams. From there, we always maintain the desire to go further, instead of just focusing on preserving what has been achieved.
However, an apparent deficiency is not always the cause of "rust" - stress can also cause this, as can burnout. In Button-Lynham's view, the pandemic has been a trigger for the "rust-out" trend in many people.
"I believe the pandemic has given people time to really understand what they value and what is truly important to them in life," she shares. "We're starting to value connection, family and relationships more than climbing the corporate ladder at all costs. With the rise of companies requiring employees to spend more time at the office room, people are now more adamant about what they will and will not accept."
How to solve "rust stains"?
There are many ways to manage and transform this situation in a positive way, as Button-Lynham shared. "Start with deeper self-awareness," she advises. "Spend time understanding your emotions and thoughts, identifying patterns or themes that cause this condition to appear frequently. As you gain a deeper understanding of it, it will be easier to identify it." Determine what needs to change."
She also shared: "This 'rust' situation is a lesson about your career and life, about the things you feel unsatisfied with." If you're feeling the same way, try reframing your "rust" as an opportunity - it could be just the wake-up signal you need.
