Can't be bothered at work? Three ways to overcome boreout

Feeling tired and listless at work - even if you're only doing the bare minimum anyway? Then you could be going through the opposite of a burnout. Here's how to push your way through a bore-out. — Photo: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa

Do you keep finding yourself counting down the hours until it is time to shut down your computer and head home, desperate for something meaningful to do?

Are you always feeling tired at work, even though you're only doing the bare minimum? Chances are you're suffering from boreout. While you may arguably be more worried about sliding into burnout, boreout can be a real problem at work too.

Career coach Heidie Steinberger shares three tips that can help you turn things around.

1. Self-reflection

If you think you're suffering from boreout, the first thing to do is to engage in meaningful reflection. Try to truly understand why you feel frustrated at work, Steinberger writes in a post on Xing.

The expert recommends taking some time out of your day to actively write down what has been bothering you. Also try to figure out what motivates you at work, she says.

You need to be aware of your own needs before you can take further steps, Steinberger says.

2. Tackle new challenges

It may be hard, but next, try to force yourself out of your comfort zone, the career coach says. She recommends looking for a challenging project, even if it doesn't fit your profile.

Start by approaching your boss and ask them for new tasks, Steinberger says.

Trainings or workshops are another great way to give you new perspective and boost motivation, even if they are not primarily related to your field. What counts is that you shake up your routine, according to Steinberger.

3. Plan your next career move

If you simply can't picture a future at your current job, it may be time to consider more drastic change, the career coach says.

Actively "taking the reigns" is important when planning your next career move, Steinberger says.

If you don't want to leave the company, changing departments or applying for a different position could also be an option.

Whatever you decide, Steinberger recommends to make a plan that lays out your goals for the next six months.

Talking to friends or colleagues about their career paths is also a good way to broaden your perspective, the career coach says. – dpa