‘It hit me harder than expected’: Former RE/MAX Malta CEO opens up about the emotional toll of stepping down

Jeff Buttigieg, former CEO and Co-Founder of RE/MAX Malta, has shared a personal account of what it felt like to step away from the company he helped build over 25 years – and how the transition sparked a silent battle with depression.

In a candid blog post, Mr Buttigieg challenged the glorified image of entrepreneurship as relentless hustle and success, instead shedding light on the emotional and mental health struggles that often remain hidden.

“Entrepreneurship isn’t always hustle and grind. Sometimes, it’s silent battles no one sees,” he wrote.

Though stepping down was a planned decision, Mr Buttigieg admits the reality of leaving the business hit him far harder than anticipated. After decades as a strategist, leader and hands-on operator, the shift to a supporting role left a void he wasn’t prepared for.

“While my mind was made up, my heart wasn’t ready for such a drastic shift,” he explained. “It didn’t go down as well with me as I had hoped, and I took it quite personally.”

He likened the experience to letting go of your child when they grow up – something painful, even when the timing is right. Despite careful succession planning and positive relationships with his business partners, including family members, the emotional weight of walking away triggered a spiral into depression.

“There were days when even seeing loved ones felt impossible. I isolated myself, slept excessively, and turned to overeating and drinking,” he revealed.

Eventually, therapy, exercise, reading, and support from his wife helped him pull through. Mr Buttigieg credits vulnerability – often stigmatised in business circles – as a key part of his recovery.

“Vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s a leadership strength,” he emphasised.

Throughout his leadership at RE/MAX Malta, Mr Buttigieg spearheaded major cultural change. He transformed the company from one driven by internal competition to a collaborative and inclusive workplace. Under his direction, the company navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with agility, embracing technology, launching a wave of webinars, and gamifying their CRM platform to drive performance.

Even as the company shrank in size, productivity per agent increased, with annual sales per agent growing from €1.5 million to over €2 million.

Still, the business success didn’t shield him from personal struggles – a truth he now believes is crucial for other entrepreneurs and leaders to recognise.

“Professional achievements don’t guarantee personal happiness. Prioritising mental health is essential,” he noted.

He also listed symptoms of depression that others might watch out for, including emotional numbness, withdrawal from social life, sleep issues, and a loss of interest in once-loved activities. By naming these, he hopes to help others – especially men – realise they’re not alone and that support is available.

Now, Mr Buttigieg is moving forward with renewed purpose. He’s backing his wife Mina’s new cosmetic venture and returning to real estate with a refreshed vision: To offer specialised, conflict-free services and better training for agents.

He hopes that by sharing his story, others facing similar difficulties will feel encouraged to speak out, seek help, and know that recovery is possible.