Bored and Burned Out

Written By: John Hoxsey
Certified Master Loan Processor (CMLP)

Sometimes you come to a place where you just don’t feel like going to work. You question why you are doing what you do, and it seems very unfulfilling. It feels like you are chained to your desk, all for the purpose of making money. You are burned out.

I think that everyone goes through phases like this. Even if you are doing something that you love, it can feel like a burden sometimes. And, I don’t necessarily think that when we feel this, it means we are doing the wrong thing and need to find something else. Sometimes it just means that it’s time for a little re-evaluating.

Not that it isn’t sometimes necessary to make a move, but often it could be that we have gotten stuck in a rut; maybe with some bad work habits, maybe we have let our attitude get the best of us, maybe we want to be more creatively using our minds but we have come to the point where we can do the job in our sleep.

This can happen in processing very easily. Many of us probably got into processing from being a loan officer first, decided sales wasn’t for us, and processing was a better fit. At first it seemed great (certainly better than sales!) But then, as time goes on, it gets so repetitive.
Maybe, instead of leaving for another processing job at a different company, where, in a matter of months, it will be back to the same repetition; maybe it’s best to stick where we are and find ways to take it to new levels.

Try re-organizing and cleaning your office. Bring in some plants, or pictures, or anything that makes you happy. Make your space fit you better. Instead of those stark white walls, bright florescent lights, and brown carpet being your only decorations, bring in your own personal touch. You will be amazed at the new surge of energy you will get just from doing this. Sometimes a simple dusting will do the trick.

Talk to your boss about putting some new systems in place. Take a walk during lunch. Redo your budget so that the money you are making can go further. Take the time to get to know the people you work with beyond just work. Sit with other departments for an hour and learn what they do. Redo some of the forms that you use to fit your work style better. Make a list of everything you are grateful for.

These are just a few ideas, and many new and exciting things can flow from here. Sometimes it’s just a matter of adding a little newness to your day, and all of a sudden your brain gets re-awakened.

So, when you are feeling burnt out, bored, and chained to your job, instead of running to something different, get creative right where you are, and enjoy a new outlook from an old space.

Remember - Your reputation is your business.

Happy processing!!

About the Writer. As one of NAMP's volunteer writers, John Hoxsey is currently a NAMP member in good standing and is a NAMP Certified Master Loan Processor (CMLP). If you would like to become a volunteer writer for NAMP, please email us at: blog@mortgageprocessor.org.