#33 - Recognizing Burnout and Rust-Out

#33 - Recognizing Burnout and Rust-Out

Feb 25, 2025

Jen Barkan is joined by Jessie Suggs, who just celebrated her four year "workiversary" at Do You Convert! And did you know Jen also just celebrated eight years?! They recap exciting Upcoming Events, including their trip next week to the 2025 International Builders' Show! This episode starts out with a new celebration of OSCs, and touches on the scenarios of burnout and rust-out, identifying it as an employee or manager, and finding solutions in an honest and genuine way. 

Tito Shout-Outs (07:15): 

  • Jen recaps our recent National OSC Day celebration, and shares a heartfelt story about her beloved pup Tito who passed away a few years ago on OSC Day, who inspired their new "Tito Shout-outs," signifying the words Top Industry Talented OSC. 
  • Their first shout-out is for Kendall Pashak, the Online Sales Manager with Hartford Homes! 
  • Kendall's proactive work and confidence has stood out, and made an impact with her management. 

    Topic of Today: Recognizing Burnout and Rust-Out (11:56): 

    • Burnout happens when you feel so overwhelmed, you don't feel in control of your day or your tasks, causing you to shutdown. 
    • Rust-out is typically an indicator that burnout is coming -- you're unable to go the extra mile due to time constraints, or not feeling motivated-driven. 
    • Self-reflection is important when going through either of the above. 
    • Looking for certain signs (as an employee or manager) is an important piece. 
    • Examples of burnout: not wanting to answer the phone, feeling consistently overwhelmed with tasks, having a hard time with coachability. 
    • Examples of rust-out: feeling stagnant with your process, not feeling excited to come to work, not taking initiative to present at sales meetings. 
    • There's no one-size fits all solution, however having honest conversations with a coach, peer or colleague will help you gain a different perspective. 
    • When you're not sure what to focus on, focus on the things you have control over. 
    • When all else fails, do the best thing in that moment for the customer. 
    • Prioritize creating time in your day for stress recovery. As an OSC, you're exerting energy all day long, and it's important to give yourself pockets in the day to take a few moments to breathe. 
    • Sometimes it's as simple as prioritizing your lunch break, and creating boundaries and margin. Being "hangry" is a real thing! 
    • Jen suggests reflecting on your favorite things about your role, and figuring out how to incorporate more of that into your day. 

    Skills Check: How Your Work Space Affects Your Vibe (35:00): 

    • Jessie discusses transitioning from a full-time office environment to fully working from home during COVID, and how your environment can play a role in your efficiency. 
    • Jen recommends having a designated, quiet office space where you can close the door if you're working from home (or the office!)
    • If you're feeling burnout or rust-out, it's ok to say something! Nothing changes without action. 




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