If waiting for grass to grow sounds more interesting than working at your job, you're probably ready to call it quits. Boredom can lead to irritability, aggravation, lethargy and lowered concentration, according to psychology professor John D. Eastwood, as reported in a 2008 New York Times article. If your job is yawn-inducing and lacks the excitement you crave, drive away boredom by injecting challenge and fun into your workplace.
Find Out Why You're Bored
If you're stuck in a boring, dead-end job, it's important to know why you're bored. For example, you might be bored because you're overqualified for the position or the job lacks challenge. Boredom crops up when you don't work with people you like or your friends at work have moved on to another job. You might also feel bored if you have a boss who lacks leadership and team-building skills or who doesn't motivate you.
Ask for Challenges
When your job doesn't offer any challenge or you're too skilled for the position, you're bound to feel bored. The job might be an entry-level position that doesn't offer any opportunity for advancement. To ward off boredom, ask your boss for extra tasks and responsibilities more suited to your skills. Volunteer to take on new projects at work. Find out whether your company regularly promotes employees to more-challenging positions. Your company might also allow employees to transfer to a different department.
Have Fun
If your job bores you, but you can't quit because you need the salary and benefits, try adding a bit of fun to your daily routine. Decorate your work space with pictures of beloved family, friends or pets, and try hanging inspiring posters or funny cartoons on your office walls. Sitting on an exercise ball at your desk might make your job more interesting, and taking a brisk walk at least once an hour will help keep you feeling invigorated. If you normally ignore your co-workers, befriending them will make your job much more tolerable.
Take a Break
If your company won't offer you the challenge you want or you're working with people who grate on your nerves, it might be time to take a break. If you have vacation time stored up, now is a good time to use it. Consider talking to a career counselor during your break if your job is truly unsatisfying for you. A counselor can help you determine whether you should find a new job and work with you to find your ideal career -- in your current company or in another.
References
Writer Bio
Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.