Burnt Out or Just Bored? Here's How to Tell and What to Do About It
Something’s Off. But What Is It?
You’re waking up tired, dragging through your day, and wondering how your job became so…meh. Maybe you're snapping more. Maybe you’re zoning out. You don’t hate your job, but it doesn’t light you up anymore either.
So what’s really going on—burnout or boredom?
Burnout Feels Like:
Constant exhaustion, no matter how much you sleep
Feeling numb or cynical about work
Being easily overwhelmed
Brain fog and reduced performance
Boredom Looks Like:
Doing your work on autopilot
Watching the clock
Feeling unstimulated or underused
Wondering if this is “all there is”
Both feel bad but for different reasons. Burnout is about being overextended. Boredom? You're under-challenged.
Why It Matters
Misreading your symptoms can make things worse. A burnt-out person needs rest and boundaries. A bored person might need a new challenge or a change of pace.
What You Can Do
1. Check In With Yourself
Are you tired from doing too much, or are you feeling stuck doing too little? Journal about your typical week. Notice what drains vs. energizes you.
2. Talk It Out
Burnout and boredom can both lead to isolation. Speak with a mentor, therapist, or trusted coworker. Fresh perspective helps.
3. Ask for What You Need
If you're burnt out: Ask for time off, reduced workload, or project realignment.
If you're bored: Seek stretch assignments or propose a new idea.
4. Don’t Shame the Pivot
Whether you need to recharge or move on, neither makes you a failure. Career paths aren’t straight lines, they zigzag.
If you’re feeling “off,” listen to that inner nudge. It’s trying to tell you something important. Whether it’s time to rest, reset, or reroute, you’ve got options and you don’t need to wait for burnout to blow things up first.
References:
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout and engagement: The flip side of the same coin?
Harvard Business Review (2021). “How to Tell If You’re Burnt Out or Just Bored at Work”
Mayo Clinic. Burnout symptoms and treatment.
Gallup (2023). State of the Global Workplace Report.