First, we had burnout. Then, there is quiet quitting. Then wellbeing washing. And now? Rust-out. Because apparently we didn’t have enough ways to describe feeling dead inside at work.

You might be thinking, “Do we really need another term for feeling crap at work?” Fair. I thought the same. But hear me out…

Rust-out isn’t just a trend. It’s real. And it might be the slow leak you didn’t notice until your motivation was flat as a pancake.

Rust-Out: Not Just for Old Bike Chains (Or That Chopper Bike You Had in the ’80s)

When I first heard “rust-out”, I pictured corrosion. Like when your bike chain seizes up because you forgot to oil it. That same stuck, squeaky, grinding feeling? Yep – that’s it. Mentally, emotionally, professionally.

Rust-out is doing just enough to tick the boxes, but not enough to feel alive. You’re not overwhelmed – you’re under-inspired.

It feels like:

• Scrolling instead of starting (again)
• Pretending to care in meetings
• That low hum of apathy by 10 am
• Secretly fantasising about handing in your notice… and maybe starting a candle business in Cornwall.

Entrepreneurial coach Eddie Whittingham describes rust-out as the result of “moving too slow” or “being still for too long.” Burnout is going full throttle toward a goal – rust-out is sitting in idle, engine running, going nowhere.

And where burnout can often be blamed on broken systems, rust-out feels more personal. As psychologist Audrey Tang puts it: “Why does something get rusty? While burnout is active – trying to do more than is possible – a rusty object doesn’t choose to rust, it is left to rust by careless owners.”

Ouch.

Why Now? Why This?

Because workplaces have become semi-competent at talking about burnout – but completely clueless about boredom.

We’ve all been told to take breaks, prioritise wellbeing, and switch off. But what if the work itself is so uninspiring you need mental WD-40 just to get through the day?

Rust-out tends to sneak up on the steady, dependable ones – especially midlife women. The ones who’ve ticked all the boxes, climbed the ladder, and now feel quietly stuck.

Emily Button-Lynham, a career coach who’s lived it herself, explains rust-out happens “when the work an individual is doing is uninspiring and doesn’t stretch their skills or abilities.” It starts at work, but seeps into everything else. You feel stuck. Disconnected. Even numb.

She adds: high-performing women are especially vulnerable. You work just as hard – or harder – than your male colleagues but still don’t get the recognition, opportunities, or progression you deserve. Gender bias, still alive and kicking.

It’s career purgatory:

• Too good to leave
• Too boring to stay
• Too drained to care

Have I managed to convince you? Or maybe a quick check-in would help. Here’s a mini quiz to see if you’re quietly rusting out:

Are You Rusting Out? Take the 60-Second Test

Tick all that apply:

• I feel underwhelmed more than overwhelmed at work
• I do what’s needed but rarely feel proud of it
• I daydream about a completely different career (often)
• I’ve stopped volunteering for things I once enjoyed
• Meetings make me want to hide in the loos
• My Sunday dread has become a whole weekend mood
• I feel like I’m coasting, not growing
• I wouldn’t say I’m burnt out… just kind of meh

If you ticked 3 or more? Rust-out might be lurking. You’re not alone. And you’re not stuck forever.

Let’s keep going…

“Isn’t This Just Being an Adult?”

Sure, work isn’t always fireworks. But when every day feels like wading through wet cement, it’s not just a rough patch. It’s rust.

Rust-out looks like:

• Sunday dread (even if you WFH)
• No spark, no stretch, no joy
• Going quiet in meetings because what’s the point?

It chips away at you. Not loud enough to raise alarms, but enough to dull your drive.

And here’s the kicker – rust-out isn’t even recognised by the World Health Organization (yet). So while burnout is slowly making its way into HR manuals, rust-out remains the quiet thief.

So What Can You Actually Do?

You don’t need to quit your job and move to Bali. (Though tempting. And if you do – send pics.)

But you do need to pay attention.

1. Name it. You’re not lazy. You’re rusting out. Just recognising it is a powerful shift.

2. Audit your work life. Ask:

• Am I seen and valued?
• Is there space to grow?
• Do I feel challenged – in a good way?

3. Reignite your spark. What used to energise you? Start there. A creative project. A meaningful conversation. A new skill. Coaching.

4. Say it out loud. To a friend, a colleague, a coach. Even just saying, “I think I’m rusting out,” can be a turning point.

This Isn’t Laziness. It’s a Signal.

Rust-out is feedback from your nervous system. A gentle nudge to ask better questions, reconnect with your purpose, and redefine what success means now.

Sometimes that “meh” feeling? It’s the beginning of something better.

PS: If you’re quietly nodding along thinking, “Yep, that’s me,” – you’re not broken. You just need a little oiling.

Let’s chat. Coaching, MHFA training, or just a brew and a brainstorm about what comes next.

Question for you: What would life look like if you felt energised by your work again?

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to email me at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!