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Are You Burned Out or Just Bored?

Published Mon Apr 04 2022

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While much discussion has taken place over the years—and especially over the course of the pandemic—about burnout and its negative impact, there’s a related, insidious problem that’s just as harmful. Some experts are calling it “boreout.” A feeling of disengagement at work, boreout happens when you get stuck in your comfort zone for too long, and personal development and intellectual curiosity grinds to a halt. The symptoms of burnout and boreout manifest in similar ways, says psychologist Steve Savels. “You become irritated, cynical, and you feel worthless. Although you don’t have enough to do—or what you have to do is not stimulating enough—you get extremely stressed,” he said. To determine whether you’re experiencing burnout or boreout, ask these questions: Are you struggling to fill your day? Are you interested in learning new things? What are your professional goals? Employers, too, need to be aware of these sister symptoms and react accordingly. While some disengaged employees need less on their plate, some might need more of a challenge.

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