Maybe your role is no longer a challenge for you, you've outgrown the role and you're feeling a little underworked and understimulated. Maybe you've realised that your goals and the organisation's goals, as noble as they may be, no longer match up. It could be that there's an office bully, or an incompetent manager. So many elements could make your work experience begin to sour.
The feeling of dread usually starts at the pit of the stomach as you approach the building on foot or you see the compound in the distance from the car every morning. The feeling moves upward from the stomach toward the heart region. Your chest feels heavy as you dig your security pass from your handbag or wallet. In the elevator, you pray that you don't see anyone since the awful feeling has finally enveloped you from head to toe and there's no way you could dredge any inane pleasantries from the depths of your loathing.
And yet, as the elevator approaches your floor, since you don't want to be seen as 'the toxic employee with the bad attitude', you slap a smile on your face, walk in with your chin high, and greet each person with enthusiasm and genuine* interest.
What reason could you possibly have to smile?
1) You're keeping a to-do list, that gives you structure and direction, even if your manager won't.
When you're pretty certain that you can do your job with your eyes closed and both hands tied behind your back, having a bit of self-imposed structure can help you maintain some initiative. It will also help the day zip past, and when review time comes around you can prove you've been "super busy".
2) You've been volunteering for the social committee or other extra-curricular office activities
Maybe you're now on the social committee and you're the mastermind behind the office Christmas party, or the latest charity fun-run. In any case, getting out there socially portrays you as part of the team.
3) You've been making friends in the office
Odds are that you've got some colleagues who are also bored with their work, so you can pool your ideas on how to get ahead, try to motivate each other, beat the boredom and stay on top of the workload. It's also the ideal time for you to speak to people you ordinarily wouldn't, and build a positive profile of yourself.
4) You've been looking around for other jobs
When you're stuck in a career or work rut, it can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you're intelligent, educated and you could probably do your boss' boss' job if given the opportunity. Especially in the current economic climate, maybe those opportunities aren’t around, and may not be for a while. There's no harm in looking, though, especially if you're finding out where your skill gaps are, and how you can address those so you're prepared for your next big thing. Who knows what you might find.
Whatever you do, don't fall into the trap of letting your office boredom consume your life to the point where you start to make mistakes or offer work that you wouldn't otherwise be proud of. Several combinations of the activities above will make you look like you're showing a little initiative to get ahead. This could help you move up the ranks which will revitalise your interest and ultimately alleviate your boredom.
*fake
The feeling of dread usually starts at the pit of the stomach as you approach the building on foot or you see the compound in the distance from the car every morning. The feeling moves upward from the stomach toward the heart region. Your chest feels heavy as you dig your security pass from your handbag or wallet. In the elevator, you pray that you don't see anyone since the awful feeling has finally enveloped you from head to toe and there's no way you could dredge any inane pleasantries from the depths of your loathing.
And yet, as the elevator approaches your floor, since you don't want to be seen as 'the toxic employee with the bad attitude', you slap a smile on your face, walk in with your chin high, and greet each person with enthusiasm and genuine* interest.
What reason could you possibly have to smile?
1) You're keeping a to-do list, that gives you structure and direction, even if your manager won't.
When you're pretty certain that you can do your job with your eyes closed and both hands tied behind your back, having a bit of self-imposed structure can help you maintain some initiative. It will also help the day zip past, and when review time comes around you can prove you've been "super busy".
2) You've been volunteering for the social committee or other extra-curricular office activities
Maybe you're now on the social committee and you're the mastermind behind the office Christmas party, or the latest charity fun-run. In any case, getting out there socially portrays you as part of the team.
3) You've been making friends in the office
Odds are that you've got some colleagues who are also bored with their work, so you can pool your ideas on how to get ahead, try to motivate each other, beat the boredom and stay on top of the workload. It's also the ideal time for you to speak to people you ordinarily wouldn't, and build a positive profile of yourself.
4) You've been looking around for other jobs
When you're stuck in a career or work rut, it can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you're intelligent, educated and you could probably do your boss' boss' job if given the opportunity. Especially in the current economic climate, maybe those opportunities aren’t around, and may not be for a while. There's no harm in looking, though, especially if you're finding out where your skill gaps are, and how you can address those so you're prepared for your next big thing. Who knows what you might find.
Whatever you do, don't fall into the trap of letting your office boredom consume your life to the point where you start to make mistakes or offer work that you wouldn't otherwise be proud of. Several combinations of the activities above will make you look like you're showing a little initiative to get ahead. This could help you move up the ranks which will revitalise your interest and ultimately alleviate your boredom.
*fake
Image credits - Interest Rates (by ArtemFinland - CC- BY)
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