On Burnout, Mental Health, and Remembering Why We Live Here
A personal reflection on the emotional realities of working in real estate and the importance of protecting our well-being.
Dear Fellow Realtors,
We are truly living in paradise. Every day, we have the incredible opportunity to share the beauty of Puerto Vallarta with our clients, assiting them in realizing their dreams of owning a piace of this heaven. However, having been in the game for only two years so far, I have also realized that in the pursuit of these dreams, I have sometimes lost of the every paradise we are selling.
The reality of our profession is far more complicated than just unlocking doors. We work in an “always on” culture where the self-imposed pressure to work late, through weekends, and during holidays is relentless. We feel the need to remain professional in public and project constant confidence, which requires immense emotional labor — the act of managing our feelings to produce a professional outward appearance. Whether we are “surface acting” (disguising our true feelings) or “deep acting” (trying to genuinely internalize a client’s stress), the toll is significant.
When we ignore our feelings and mental health, we risk falling into burnout, a stage of chronic cynicism, emotional exhaustion, and a feeling that our mental and emotional resources are depleted. We often mask this with a “work hard, play hard” mentality, and research shows that real estate professionals have more than double the prevalance of heavy drinking compared to other fields.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not quite ready to put down my glass — or let’s be honest, my bottle— of wine just yet. But if you find yourself reaching for a drink just to “take the edge off” and it’s starting to feel like a struggle you can’t manage alone, please know that you are not alone, and you are enough. It is okay to admit we are not performing at 100% all the time; sometimes, 80% is enough to protect our well-being. We must give ourselves permission to set boundaries and reclaim our time.
Let’s make a pact to look at the sunset tonight not just as a selling point, but as a reminder of why we are here.
Take care of your mind with the same diligence you use to close a deal.
In solidarity,
Sources of Information & Support Organizations
Support in Puerto Vallarta & Mexico
•English-Speaking AA Intergroup of Mexico: A vital resource for finding English-language Alcoholics Anonymous meetings throughout the country, including Puerto Vallarta. https://aamexico.org/
•Sobriety Under The Sun (SUS): An annual 12-step recovery event held right here in Puerto Vallarta, providing fellowship and workshops in a supportive environment. https://suspv.org/
•Red Voz Pro Salud Mental (VPSM): A nonprofit network in Mexico providing psychoeducation, support groups, and resources to combat the stigma of mental illness. https://www.vozprosaludmental.org.mx/
Professional & Global Resources
•National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Mental Wellness: Dedicated resources for agents, including stress management and self-care tools. https://www.nar.realtor/safety/mental-wellness-resources-for-realtors
•988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress in the United States. https://988lifeline.org/
•Members TeleHealth (via NAR): Offers members virtual access to mental health specialists from home. https://www.realtorsinsuranceplace.com/telehealth/
