Boreout case 1: "My boss just doesn't give me enough to do"

Barbara (54):"I've been working as a clerk in a large German company for fifteen years now. They were always happy with my performance, otherwise they wouldn't have let me go from a part-time to a full-time position eight years ago.

When my marriage broke up, I wanted and needed to work more in order to be more financially secure. My boss at the time immediately agreed and was even pleased that I was now available for longer. Even when we got a new line manager a good ten months ago, I was super committed and completely willing to accept all the changes that such a change entails. But I wasn't at all prepared to simply be left out in the cold. The new guy just took one look at me and that was it. I'm probably just too old for him, who's in his mid-thirties.

Since then, I've hardly had anything to do. Many of the tasks I used to do are now done by other colleagues or by a computer program, because the department has also been brought up to a completely new technical standard. When I do get something on my desk, I try to work on it slowly so that I have something to do for as long as possible. Because I know that afterwards I'll be sitting in front of a blank screen again.

It makes me feel so stupid and useless. And of course I'm afraid that my job will be cut completely if anyone notices. So when my colleagues talk about their stress at lunch, I also moan about my long to-do list, which doesn't actually exist. I've even stayed in the office longer, working 'overtime' just to make it look like I have a lot to do.

It's all really getting me down. I hardly sleep through the night anymore, have severe tension in my neck and now have chronic back pain. I know I'm going to break if I carry on like this."

Boreout case 2: "It's always the same routines - day after day"

Katja (24): " After my three-year apprenticeship as a hotel manager in a renowned hotel chain, my boss offered me a contract for two years. I was really happy because I felt very comfortable in the company. However, when I found out that I was to work in housekeeping, i.e. as a chambermaid, my euphoria waned.
During the three years of my training, I got to know many different areas. I had the most fun working in the events department. I really blossomed there. I loved the organizational work and the direct contact with customers. Of course, it was very tiring at times, but I was never bored.

Of course, I asked my boss if I could work in this department, but there was no vacancy. So I signed the contract with a heavy heart and after thinking about it for a long time. I said to myself: the main thing is that you have a job. And maybe you can change departments later.

That hasn't happened yet, and the chances of a future change are slim. After just three months, I realized that I was getting more and more frustrated with my work. Nothing has changed to this day - on the contrary, it's getting worse. On the one hand, I'm under constant time pressure, but on the other, I feel totally underchallenged because I do the same thing every day. I miss the variety and the challenge. I feel underutilized and physically exhausted every evening.

My doctor has already diagnosed me with moderate depression. I no longer know what to do. I don't have the courage to quit and I don't have the strength to apply for a new job."

Tips & information on the topic of boreout

How can I recognize that I have a boreout?

If you feel superfluous at work and start looking for artificial tasks just to pretend to be busy. If the number of tasks you have is not enough or the tasks are clearly not challenging enough, then you are at high risk. If mental or physical boreout symptoms such as inner emptiness, sleep disorders, tinnitus, exhaustion, frequent infections, dizziness, hair loss, back pain or even depression are added to this, then you have boreout syndrome.

How can I prevent it from getting that far?

Talk to your line manager or contact the works council. In any case, it is important that you address the problem and do not try to cover it up.

What does boreout therapy look like?

If those affected have severe psychosomatic symptoms, these must first be treated with psychotherapy, physiotherapy and sometimes medication. Depending on the extent of the symptoms, outpatient, day clinic or even inpatient treatment may be appropriate. Get good advice on this.

In which professions does boreout often occur?

Those affected usually work in administrative or service jobs where a lot of work is done using software. Employees in the hospitality industry or goods inspectors are also often affected by monotonous processes and are at risk of boreout.

Are more women affected than men?

This syndrome is not very gender-related. However, women generally find it easier to seek help for psychosomatic complaints.