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We’ve all been there. You log in, check your emails, make a coffee, scroll through LinkedIn... and then stare at your screen while your eyes gloss over. The clock seems stuck, your to-do list feels pointless, and motivation? Nowhere to be found.
Being bored at work sucks. It drains your energy, chips away at your confidence, and leaves you wondering if it’s you or the job that’s broken.
So what do you actually do when you hit that wall?
First things first: You’re not lazy
Let’s get this straight. If you’re bored and unmotivated, it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or incapable. More often than not, it means:
You’re not being challenged
You’ve outgrown the role
You’ve lost connection with what you’re doing
Or your workload is so rinse-and-repeat, your brain’s gone into energy-saving mode
This is normal. But it’s also a sign that something needs to shift.
1. Find (or Create) Micro-Challenges
If your tasks are making you feel like a robot, shake them up. Set a time limit. Try doing things differently. Add structure to your day. Make it a game.
Example: Got three reports to finish? See if you can power through them before 11am, then reward yourself with a proper coffee break. It sounds small, but building in challenges can reignite a bit of spark.
2. Ask for More (or Different) Work
Sounds counterintuitive when you’re disengaged, but asking for stretch tasks or new responsibilities can do wonders for your brain.
Approach your manager and say something like:
“I’ve noticed I’m not feeling as engaged lately. I’d love to explore any new projects or areas I could get involved in.”
This shows initiative and gives your boss the opportunity to help you grow.
3. Reconnect with Your ‘Why’
Why did you take this role in the first place? What part of the job used to make you feel energised? Is there a bigger-picture goal you’re working toward?
Sometimes we lose sight of the end goal and focus only on the daily grind. Reconnecting with the purpose behind your job can bring meaning back into the work.
4. Use the Boredom Productively
If you’ve got some wiggle room in your schedule, use it to upskill or cross-train. Read an article, take a short online course, ask to shadow someone in another department, or finally learn that thing you’ve been pretending to understand for the past six months.
This turns passive boredom into active growth while showing you’re still invested, even when the vibe’s off.
5. Talk to Someone
Whether it’s a trusted colleague or your manager, don’t suffer in silence. Boredom can sometimes mask bigger issues: burnout, disengagement, even early signs of wanting to move on.
Having a conversation might lead to new projects, a shift in responsibilities, or at least a better understanding of what’s next.
6. Be Honest With Yourself
If the boredom’s been dragging on for months and nothing seems to shake it, it might be time to ask the hard question: Is this still the right job for me?
We outgrow roles. It happens. The key is recognising it early and taking steps toward something better, rather than staying stuck out of fear or habit.
Work doesn’t need to feel exciting every day, but if you’re constantly counting down the hours and mentally checked out by 10am, it’s time to act.
Whether it’s reigniting motivation where you are, or realising it’s time to make a move, boredom is your cue that something needs attention. Don’t ignore it — use it.
And if you are thinking about a new challenge, well... we know a few people who can help with that 😉