Why Embracing a 'Boring' Job Isn't as Bad as You Think
It’s quite typical to encounter a familiar question each evening after returning from your job. Whether you're preparing veggies for supper alongside your significant other or portioning out rice at the dining table among roommates, chances are high that somebody will casually ask: "How did things go at work today?"
If you're similar to many folks, your response typically falls somewhere along the spectrum from "okay" to "good," since reality shows that most workdays aren’t these life-changing, meaningful experiences we were told they would be by career advisors.
Based on Gallup’s most recent State of the Global Workplace report, merely 21 percent of Australian employees reported being engaged at their workplace, which is marginally below the global average of 23 percent. This concerning figure highlights an often-overlooked truth: a significant number of people find themselves stuck in unexciting roles.
However, instead of seeing this as a drawback that we must immediately correct, it’s time to acknowledge that there are numerous underappreciated advantages to holding down an ordinarily "dull" position.
To be explicit, when I say "boring," I'm referring to those kinds of tasks or roles that are consistent and reliable, with clearly defined responsibilities that you perform repeatedly throughout the day until it’s time to close shop, making each day quite similar to the last.
Some may find them unappealing or dull, and after mastering the skills required, there isn’t much excitement in acquiring further knowledge. On the flip side, an exhilarating role is one where each day brings unforeseen obstacles, demanding all your effort to navigate through fresh challenges.
An additional advantage of having a routine most days is the mental liberty it provides, allowing you to engage in hobbies and side projects according to your preferences.
I frequently assist individuals in pinpointing their fundamental values within their workplace setting, which aids in enhancing their overall satisfaction with their jobs. These elements I refer to as "anchor" values to distinguish them from general work-related attributes; essentially, they consist of three or four key terms encapsulating one’s top priorities concisely.
Time and time again, two frequently cited anchors are "stability" and "family." Interestingly, these can be strong signs that an individual may thrive in a routine-oriented position.
Instead of chaos of the unknown, “stability” means you enjoy getting a steady income from a job that doesn’t mentally exhaust you, and “family” means that you want to focus on important things outside the workplace.
Several unexpected advantages can arise from experiencing mild boredom at your job. According to an Australian Community Survey conducted the previous year, approximately half of all respondents rated their stress levels as seven or higher out of ten for the past month.
However, do you know who usually experiences the lowest stress levels at work? You've got it right—those with mundane tasks they can perform effortlessly without much ado.
A further advantage of frequently repeating tasks is the mental liberty it grants you to engage in hobbies and side gigs according to your preferences. It might involve nurturing a creative endeavor that requires ample time for ideas to develop within your thoughts, or running a little enterprise to earn additional income beyond regular working hours.
It's extremely challenging to excel at both tasks when your role is filled with intense pressure and stringent deadlines.
Certainly, throughout your life, there will be moments when you'll yearn for the excitement of a role that fully engrosses you, making everything else fade away. However, it's entirely fine to appreciate the mundane aspects of work if that suits your current desires.
The next time you get back home after spending hours watching the clock tick during a tedious workday, and somebody inquires about your day, you could just say "dull" with a big, understanding smile.
Tim Duggan is the writer of W ork Reverse: The Innovative Approach to Enhance Productivity and Improve Life Quality He pens a periodic bulletin here. timduggan.substack.com
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