Closing Files, But Are We Actually Healthy?

A Career Rooted in Adaptation

Brittney Soles entered the title and escrow industry straight out of high school, expecting it to be a summer job. Fifteen years later, she’s built a career mastering everything from escrow operations to leadership. But along the way, she learned a hard truth:

This industry is relentless, and if professionals don’t prioritize their health, burnout is inevitable.

Like many in title, Brittney spent years pushing through exhaustion, working long hours, and sacrificing personal well-being just to keep deals moving.

"We were taught that title can never be the reason a closing doesn’t happen," she explains. "So we take on everything, no matter the cost."

But that cost, she learned, is far too high.

When Work Becomes Unsustainable

Brittney’s wake-up call came when years of overwork and stress finally caught up to her—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

"I was running on fumes, giving everything I had to my job, and I still felt like I was drowning," she recalls.

When she finally stepped back, she realized she wasn’t alone. Burnout in title isn’t just common—it’s expected.

"I started talking to other people in the industry, and so many of them were going through the same thing," she says. "The exhaustion, the anxiety, the feeling that no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. And the worst part? Nobody talks about it."

The Shift Toward a Healthier Industry

Now, Brittney is on a mission to change that.

While technology and automation are making title operations more efficient, they aren’t solving the industry’s bigger problem: a work culture that glorifies nonstop hustle with little regard for personal well-being.

"Just because we can work 12-hour days doesn’t mean we should," she says. "Title professionals need to start setting boundaries and prioritizing their health—because if we don’t, nobody else will."

She believes companies need to take a more active role in protecting their employees from burnout—not just by offering benefits, but by shifting the mindset.

That means:

• Encouraging people to take breaks
• Normalizing mental health conversations
• Creating a culture where employees feel valued beyond their productivity

Breaking the Cycle: Healthy Habits for Title Professionals

After experiencing burnout firsthand, Brittney completely changed her approach to work and life. Now, she focuses on sustainable habits that keep her energized and engaged without sacrificing her well-being.

Her advice for title professionals looking to do the same:

• Set boundaries – Decide when your workday ends and stick to it. Stop answering emails at all hours and don’t feel guilty for stepping away.
• Prioritize movement – Whether it’s a quick walk, a workout, or even just stretching, movement is essential for both physical and mental health.
• Take real breaks – No more eating lunch at your desk. Step away, unplug, and reset—your work will be better because of it.
• Surround yourself with the right people – The people around you impact your energy. Find supportive colleagues and mentors who encourage balance, not burnout.
• Advocate for change – If your workplace doesn’t prioritize well-being, be the one to start the conversation. Change starts with people willing to push for it.

Brittney also shared her thoughts on how conferences can better promote a healthy lifestyle. In her view, “When organizing work conferences, it’s crucial to prioritize both professional growth and personal well-being.” To foster a healthier, safer environment, conference planners should consider:

• Providing healthier meal options that promote focus and sustained energy throughout the day, helping attendees avoid relying on alcohol or sugary drinks to power through energy slumps.
• Incorporating wellness activities such as walks, yoga, or mindfulness workshops to help attendees recharge.
• Offering mocktail choices, ensuring that individuals who prefer not to drink don’t feel excluded or pressured.
• Including scheduled breaks for movement and mental decompression, recognizing the grueling nature of long hours and intense social events.
• Providing designated quiet or stretch areas where attendees can get fresh air and take a mental break from the hustle of the conference.
• Encouraging mindfulness and respect, reminding attendees that while conferences are valuable opportunities for networking and career growth, creating an inclusive, respectful, and safe atmosphere should always be a priority.

A Vision for the Future

Brittney isn’t just talking about change—she’s building it.

She’s launching an online platform dedicated to mentorship, professional development, and industry-wide conversations about work-life balance. "I want to be the mentor I never had," she says. "I want to help people navigate their careers in a way that allows them to succeed without losing themselves in the process."

Her goal is to reshape the way title professionals think about their careers. To create a culture where success isn’t measured by exhaustion, but by sustainability. "We can’t keep glorifying burnout," she says. "The industry isn’t going anywhere—but we have to evolve if we want to thrive in it long-term."

Brittney knows the industry isn’t going to slow down—but that doesn’t mean people have to run themselves into the ground to keep up. So she wants to remind everyone in this industry that “it’s time to invest in ourselves. Because together, we can build a legacy of ideas, skills, and wisdom that will transform the title industry and ensure it continues to evolve and thrive for future generations.”

That sounds like a mission everyone in this industry can get behind.

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Join the Movement & Stay Inspired!

Brittney is on a mission to help title professionals prioritize their well-being, build a lasting legacy, and create a healthier, more balanced industry. Scan this QR code to follow her journey, join the movement, and get uplifting encouragement along the way. Because investing in yourself isn’t just good for you—it’s good for the entire industry.

The Growth & Scale Reportis published by CloseSimple, and explores strategies for growth and tools for scaling your title or escrow company. The report emphasizes the art of balancing growth and scale, with a focus on personal and organizational success stories. It aims to share insights from industry leaders who have navigated these challenges, providing a platform for broader conversations in the business landscape.