From Burnout to Boreout: Navigating the Spectrum of Workplace Discontent
Understanding the Differences and Finding Meaningful Challenges to Thrive at Work
Hello all!
I hope you are doing great today. This week my newsletter comes a little late, thank you for waiting!
Today, I want to share something I learned from reading the book Hidden Potential by Adam Grant! I was stunned by this psychological concept of Boreout. I have been sharing my experiences and learnings from my serious burnout (You can find here one of my previous posts about it). Still, today when I read (actually listened because I bought the audiobook) about the concept of boreout, I was like, "I'm exactly at this!".
To be able to give meaning to what I have been feeling is a relief and makes it easier to break down and decide on the next steps. It’s not that I did not know what steps to take or that I have been feeling this way, but getting the knowledge that this is a psychology concept makes it clear and easier.
I have been sharing that my current job is not my dream job, but it was an important step to rejoin the workforce after my “forced” sabbatical period of 18 months. I say “forced” because I was part of a layoff and I decided to take a break— great timing to finish my MBA, haha. So, coming back to the boreout, this past year in this job, I always knew it was not a challenge, but it was important to restart, and it gave me time and space to work on myself, do therapy, pursue personal development, and take very important internal steps to free myself from the prison that I was in my own head.
However, I feel I am in a stage from burnout to boreout. Not sure if this cycle is known or "normal," but yeah, I'm at the stage of boreout.
Burnout vs. Boreout: Understanding the Differences
Burnout: A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork.
Causes: Excessive workload, high-pressure environment, lack of control, unclear expectations, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, work-life imbalance.
Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, decreased performance, detachment, physical symptoms (headaches, stomach issues), irritability, mood swings, reduced satisfaction, sadness, and feeling of empty.
Impact: Lower productivity, increased absenteeism, higher turnover, negative impact on personal relationships and overall well-being.
Boreout: A condition characterized by boredom and lack of stimulation at work. It arises when employees feel under-challenged and unengaged in their tasks.
Causes: Monotonous tasks, lack of meaningful work, insufficient workload, lack of growth opportunities, underutilization of skills, poor management.
Symptoms: Lack of motivation, restlessness, dissatisfaction, decreased productivity, frequent distraction, feelings of wasting time, emotional distress (anxiety, depression), physical symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbances).
Impact: Decreased morale, increased absenteeism and presenteeism, higher turnover rates, negative impact on mental health and overall well-being.
Insights and Motivational Takeaways
Let’s wrap up:
Recognize and Acknowledge: Understand that feeling burned out or bored out is valid. Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward addressing them.
Take Action: If you are experiencing burnout, consider stress management techniques, establishing a work-life balance, and seeking support. For boreout, increase task variety, seek professional development, and engage with work that utilizes your skills.
Seek Challenges and Meaning: Ensure your next move or project is meaningful and challenging. This will help you stay engaged and motivated.
Prioritize Well-Being: Whether dealing with burnout or boreout, prioritize your mental and physical health. This might involve therapy, personal development, or simply taking time for self-care.
Stay Positive and Proactive: Use these experiences to grow stronger and more resilient. Look for new opportunities that align with your passions and strengths.
As for me, I’m doing some consulting jobs to help increase the challenge and feel accomplished by doing something more meaningful. There are days in my current corporate job when mid-afternoon hits, I already feel restless. By the time I get home, I just collapse on the couch with zero energy. The physical symptoms like fatigue have been my fight lately. But somehow, I am drawing strength from this and looking for new opportunities for myself.
I still don’t identify with the current job descriptions from the corporate world —about that, I am 100% sure. I am also sure that my next challenge needs to be meaningful, a challenge that I can put my heart into and make happen because that is who I am.
Thank you for being with me on this journey. Let’s continue to support each other and strive for a fulfilling and balanced life!
Also, thank you for taking the time to read and, hopefully, to contribute your thoughts. I look forward to reading your comments and suggestions!
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