In recent years, more workers have been reporting feeling disengaged at work.
Unlike burnout, which is typically associated with being overworked and stressed out, rust-out is linked to a lack of stimulation.
"Career rust-out is a state of boredom, disengagement, and just a general feeling of being stuck in your career," Gabriela Flax said.
Flax worked in the manufacturing and tech industry before leaving her role to found a career coaching company.
Worker engagement has been on the decline in recent years. 31% of U.S. workers polled said they were actively engaged at work, down from 36% in 2020, according to Gallup's 2025 employee engagement survey. Younger employees experienced the largest decline in engagement.
Gianna Prudente, Senior Editor at LinkedIn, told ABC13 that some people facing rust-out are choosing to stay in jobs longer than they want due to current economic conditions.
"Right now, fewer people are changing jobs, so there are fewer opportunities available for those that are maybe looking for new jobs. It's kind of what we call a low-hire, low-fire environment. Fewer people are looking for jobs, and employers are now not hiring at the pace they were just a few years ago, so hiring is down 7.5% in June from 2025," Prudente said.
Prudente shared advice for people wondering what the future holds for them.
"Try to figure out how, in your current position, you can remedy it. Speak with your manager, and maybe it means volunteering for a stretch assignment, getting put on a new cross-functional project. Something that broadens your horizons in that role before you make the decision to look for a new job," Prudente said.