3 Immediate Things to do if you are Bored to Death with Your Job
and you can't just quit and move to beach somewhere...
I got into my car for the 1,820th time to head to my job. Today felt different though.
I was going to quit my job.
I had a certain sense of satisfaction running through me the whole drive in. I had been working for 7 years without a promotion. The job paid well, and I could do it in my sleep, but I had entered the twilight zone. It was a space where you were tied to a job that you could do extremely well, but the pay wasn't worth the effort. Everything you did that you had done a 100 times before became such a drag just to get through. You may notice this after being in it for years, or you may be starting to notice it now. Either way, you begin to see that the corporate ladder is a sham, and no one is looking out for you to reach your full potential but you.
Start By Taking a Sabbatical (or Mini Sabbatical)
Start by taking a break. The first step I took was to step away from the situation and try something different. It's been years later and I still haven't gone back to corporate life. I had the luxury of a working spouse and investments to live on, but not everyone has those. If you can't take a long break, start by asking for a month off, or even just a week or two. The length of time doesn't matter much, the important thing is that you try and change as much as you can in the short time you have off. After years of doing the same thing, it's time to embrace change and listen to what your heart needs.
Think about your career. Has it followed the path you thought it would by now? Even if it hasn't, has what you've achieved by now felt enough? Are you happy? Do you enjoy getting in the car and driving to work? Does the idea of quitting excite you? These are soul-searching questions, and it's important that you don't lie to yourself when asking yourself these questions. It will only hurt you in the long run.
It's important to follow your curiosity. It came naturally to you as a child, and it's time to embrace it. Take the time to rekindle what you enjoyed as a kid, or find something new. Either way, finding a new path is the ultimate goal of your sabbatical.
Network with Different People living the Life you want to live
Network with others in the area you want to be in. If you find an area you're interested in, start by immersing yourself with other people who enjoy the same thing. You can learn really fast how to do it, or you may learn that it's not what you want to do. Either way, it will be a valuable experience.
One of the easiest and least commitment required ideas you can do is take part in a book club. Find one locally or online that fits your tastes in books. A computer science type club wouldn't jive with a vampiric romance crowd, but hey, you never know.
Try your best to meet new people and find out if you vibe with them. The main objective here is not to fall back into old habits, but to meet new people and learn from them as much as possible in your predetermined length sabbatical.
Find a Mentor and a Mentee
Find a Mentor. In life, there's always going to be someone ahead of you and someone behind you on your life's path. Embrace that pattern and find someone you look up to and admire who's ahead of you by 10 years.
There are a lot of people out there looking to make a difference. Befriend them, learn from them, buy their stuff and help them achieve their goals, and they'll embrace you. You can ask for their help and do everything you can to befriend them. They'll be overjoyed to help. This could lead to some of the most important and influential relationships you can have in this life, so be patient when you find them.
The next step is to look for someone ten years behind you and become their Mentor. That relationship will help you feel fulfilled just as much as it helps them. It's a symbiotic relationship. Mentor-Mentee relationships help so much more in the long run than boss-employee ones do because there isn't any judgment or fear of losing your job . You are both free to help each other along the path. Some may say this is a debt you must pay for living here on earth, to pass on knowledge to the younger generation. And even if you aren't a parent, you'll feel the need to help pull up those below you as if you were a parent as you find true success in your career and life.
Your journey starts now. Armed with the knowledge that if you don't quit, you can never lose. If you can't find what you're looking for, at least you'll come to understand why you're feeling this intense boredom and midlife career malaise. Turns out it was just the desire to lead and be led this whole time. So start that newsletter or YouTube channel today. It's about time you did something for yourself amidst the 40+ hours you give for your paycheck they provide every two weeks. Don't give up on your dreams, because everyone else already has, and it’s up to you to see them through.
TLDR
Take a Break/Sabbatical from Work
Mini Sabbatical
Consider a temporary break to recharge
Reflect on your career goals and direction
Network with Different PeopleFind a Mentor and Mentee
Attend Social Events
Participate in gatherings and events
Expand your social circle, Join a Topical Book Club!
Find a Mentor and Mentee
Find a Mentor 10 Year ahead of your Current Path
Find a Mentee 10 Years Behind your Current Path
Start something for yourself with the help of both your Mentor and Mentee