Burnout or 'Rust Out?

The flipside to burnout can be referred to as 'rust out'.

It can be confusing if you're experiencing similar symptoms to burnout (fatigue, frustration, lack of motivation, dissatisfaction), but aren't necessarily feeling stressed or stretched.

'Rust out' is a sign that there's not sufficient challenge or constructive stress to keep you energised, focused and productive.

An easy job doesn’t automatically mean high performance.

And being good at something doesn’t always translate to feeling energised.

High performance and satisfaction comes where there's an appropriate level of positive stress, with enough learning or challenge that's meaningful and interesting to you.

So if there's not enough challenge in doing what you've always done, even at senior levels - it may be that you need more of a stretch or to proactively change things up to keep motivated and energised.

Have you experienced this? What did you do?