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Winter_Ratio_4831@reddit

Not actually stepping off the gas but before covid I accepted a position thats 100% work from home and it's not nearly as stressful, obviously, or intense as previous positions were.

So my chess game, my golf swing, my gym attendance, my music appreciation has all increased because I'm lucky enough to work from home and have a non stressful position.

Don't fill what you perceive to be boredom with more work. I would suggest trying to find other things that interest you it may not be a hobby but it might be something else that interests you.

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Technical_Glove_9655@reddit

What are your hobbies outside of work mate? By now you should have multiple.

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OneCallSystem@reddit

Ive always been a creative type. Never been bored ever except maybe in an airport terminal, and even then im drawing or writing.

I got so many interests and hobbies ill never be bored. I go hiking alot.

I have a shit job so obviously i am not even thinking about it, even when im there lol.

Never have i ever given a shit about my job.

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East-Garden-4557@reddit

Do you not have hobbies?
Get some new hobbies if your old ones aren't stimulating enough for you. Try volunteering in your community.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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I get that. I've always worked active/high stimulation jobs, I cannot be trusted to behave myself in office jobs.
Have you tried origami? It's good for keeping your hands and mind busy, and you can decorate your work space.
Puzzle books can be good for time fillers when you have to stay stationary.
With some creativity you can use random objects to make an effective drum kit, but this is not recommended in shared workspaces.
There's a lot of free workout routines online designed for desk workers.
I'm quite fond of making finger puppets out of random objects and doing silly puppet shows from behind a desk or counter.
Did I mention I cannot be trusted to behave in office jobs? 🤣

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CrankyCrabbyCrunchy@reddit

I'm with OP. Who has time for hobbies working a high stress job well over 50 hours/week? That was my work life so my hobbies were sleeping.

Now retired it's taking a while to adjust.

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East-Garden-4557@reddit

I've always had hobbies, even when I was working 12-14 hr days running a commercial kitchen 🤷‍♀️

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Extension_Excuse_642@reddit

1 - haven’t stepped off the gas, busy as ever. #2 - I’m never bored, there are always things to try, do and learn.

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Forsaken_Day_7320@reddit

50 and grafted my bollocks off since I was 22. Just exited a business with a very nice pay off that has meant I could semi retire…tried it for a week and am bored as fuck. Get treated like a trad wife at home and bored at work. Starting looking for another full time job toward end of summer.

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LunaTheLouche@reddit

In my mid 40s I was unemployed after decades in a fairly stressful job in the games industry. I just took the first random job that came along, packing CDs in a warehouse. Low responsibility, low pay. After a few years I was bored senseless, so went for a different job back in games, but a different role.

Now I’m in my 50s and I can honestly say I’ve never been happier. The work is constantly challenging but it’s using skills I was actually trained for. And despite being a lot older than most of my colleagues, I like them all. I think I’m the office dad?

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bsensikimori@reddit

Yeah, after 4 years I couldn't resist and took on a high stress mgmt position again

Hope you can find more peace than I could

Good luck

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MichaelJamesDean21@reddit

Whether you step on or off the gas doesn’t matter. We’re all going to die and nothing you did will ever matter so why worry

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I just don’t like being bored at work.

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Sauron_78@reddit

I've signed up for Datacamp and on boring days I study programming there. I want to keep the brain exercised.

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gottaeatnow@reddit

gif

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ExceptforAlice@reddit

I think to clarify, you're not bored at life, just bored at work? It makes for long days... sometimes we're just too efficient. Is there a way to expand the role without hurting yourself?

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mingus11@reddit

I downshifted back in 2012 and it was a bit too slow after working in demanding IT roles. Eventually things picked up. Now that I'm in my mid-50s, I would prefer to have less on my plate. I'm still in the process of launching kids and I also have many interests and hobbies. So, I've got plenty to do with what free time I have. I can't wait to be done working period.

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Duke-of-Glenmont@reddit

You are me, I am you. I just want to be done working. I hear people say “You’ll be bored” I have two years worth of things to do at the house before I am even close to being finished.

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b_newman@reddit

Yeah. I fill jn time writing white papers for policy proposals and updating standards and procedures. I created a whole bunch of template files as everyone in the department was freestyling documents and it all looked like crap.

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1kpointsoflight@reddit

I took a job like that at 52. After a while even that got to be too much and with some good growth in the retirement accounts and their unwillingness to let me go PT I quit 11/5/25. Everyone said I’d be super bored and whatnot but nope. I’m not bored.

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coyote_zed@reddit

I'm a couple years younger then you are, but I've been dealing with some version of this most of my life. I have adhd so I'm often times bored if I'm not challenged in some way, but due to anxiety and ptsd, I've always struggled to find a job that was both challenging and not an overload of stress ...

So what worked for me is to find things, like rock climbing and mountain biking along with musical, art and crafts hobbies. That way I'm not overly stressed from work, but I can still be challenged by climbing, mountain biking and learning how to create music, art and crafty things (which aren't as high stakes as a challenging job). A side bonus that comes from setting my life up that way is that I can almost use working as a recovery time from everything else, which helps me to still view my work time as productive ... since I'm going into it with a self imposed handicap (almost like the reverse of what is done for inexperienced golf players)

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watch-nerd@reddit

I have a seemingly never ending list of honey-do projects, yardwork, landscaping, home maintenance / remodels, car maintenance tasks to keep me busy.

And raising a 15 month old puppy with a buddy K9 sports career.

Nope, definitely not bored.

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ONROSREPUS@reddit

I am sooooo not like many of you posted in here. I can't wait to get off the gas. I would rather be bored than be stressed over worked. I can't wait for retirement.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

You like being bored at work?

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ONROSREPUS@reddit

Compared to being stressed out and barked at by a A-hole boss. 100%

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dirtybo0ts@reddit

Retired early at 47 and I’m busier now than I was when I was working.

If you own a home, there is no such thing as retirement 🤭

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

Yea, I stay busy at home. Which is why it makes it so hard to be bored at work. I sit and think of all the things I could be doing.

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dirtybo0ts@reddit

That’s why I decided to retire early. We live very frugally too so after an inheritance came in, I just said “I’m done.” I take freelance work when I want to.

Currently renovating our house myself to keep busy. #GirlPower 💪

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ONROSREPUS@reddit

Well, older home. Plus you can add if you have some property say 5+ acers.

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KerryBoehm@reddit

I’m also in IT. This right here is one of the many things which concern me with retirement. What will I do without a challenge / purpose?

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stronggirl79@reddit

Volunteer!

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KerryBoehm@reddit

That is one of my plans. Would love to build houses with Habitat for Humanity. It will definitely satisfy the purpose aspect. Unclear whether it will challenge me enought.

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stronggirl79@reddit

We have amazing volunteer opportunities at our libraries to teach people how to use the internet, how to keep their data safe, how to work with AI etc and it’s all run by IT retirees. Maybe your area has something simple. That should be challenging 😂

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RetreadRoadRocket@reddit

I am busier now than when I was working.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I am too. That’s why I don’t like being bored at work.

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RetreadRoadRocket@reddit

I don't really get bored, there was always something to think about or plan on during the slow periods when I was working. Now that I'm retired the time seems to just be flying by as we've most always got something going on here.

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OliveBadger1037@reddit

Yes. I'm 58 and work in a high-pressure research environment. Most of our clients are federal government agencies. Due to DOGE royally fucking things up last year and the continuing utter incompetence of the current administration we lost a lot of our funding and I was forced to 50% time, where I still am at today. After years of leading large teams, keeping clients happy, making sure all the work was done on time and on budget, and trying to push the frontiers of our science, I felt lost and not sure what to do next. So, I decided to relax and treat this as a glide-path to retirement, and it was the best decision I have ever made. I no longer wake up to an alarm clock and sleep as late as I want. I start work at 10am and work until 3pm and take Fridays off. I go to the gym, spend time on my hobbies, and see my friends a lot more than I used to. There is life outside of work. Try to find what makes you happy and do more of that.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

That’s great! My issue isn’t life outside of work, it’s life while I’m at work. It’s so boring.

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Rahawk02@reddit

There are so many ways to entertain myself today I don’t even understand how anyone could be bored. Every album and audiobook is available at a press of a button if I’m bored at work. Unless you have a job that doesn’t allow you to have headphones on.

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Big-Sheepherder-6134@reddit

My calling is creativity. Writing and recording music. Writing movies. Cooking. Those are my purpose in life. Been semi-retired for years and doing those things.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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Big-Sheepherder-6134@reddit

Yeah then I misunderstood.

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Adolph_OliverNipples@reddit

51 and you’re my hero.

I hope I get there someday.

Well done, my friend.

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Big-Sheepherder-6134@reddit

Thanks!

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TurboZenAgain@reddit

Totally possible. Same thing happened to me when I lost career I rock for 25 years. Had no idea what to do for 10 years. Literally just lose direction. Finally settling in 👍🏻

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

Glad to hear you’re doing better. What changes did you end up making?

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TurboZenAgain@reddit

Basically found new interest. Perhaps you could start looking into the system you're working in now. Perhaps there's an advancement to supervisory type work. Take some gardening classes while you're there online?

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LeadingResearch9528@reddit

Then start challenging yourself outside of work. Don’t let your job define your sense of purpose. Start painting. Buy an instrument and learn how to play music. Purge your closets and drawers. Organize your fridge and pantry. Do logic puzzles to keep your brain sharp. There are soooo many things to do! So many activities

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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LeadingResearch9528@reddit

Ahhhh, I misunderstood, thought you were just bored in general. Stress will kill you, be glad that’s behind you and embrace the boredom as mental clarity, like einstein working at the patent office.

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noiseguy76@reddit

LOL I intentionally got off the high-stree track after watching a couple of mid-40s have heart attack / mini-stroke from stress on job when I was in my early 30s. So keep that in mind as you deal with your ennui.

My take is you need "meaningful work," but that can take a lot of forms. Volunteering, running own business or not-for-profit, consulting, etc. Artistic expression and/or hobbies.

The other you need is some sort of basic schedule. Routine is important. Gym everyday at X o'clock. Etc.

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IkarosHavok@reddit

I’m an anthropologist, finally hit full professor, tenure all that and I spend most of my time managing my graduate students and the occasional really bright undergrad who needs some guidance. While I’m still in that publish or perish academic grind my specific area of study is pretty niche so not a lot of funding right now and there’s a moratorium on projects so all I really have on my plate are teaching duties and advising instead of actively pushing projects to completion and publishing results; then going to conferences to talk about the results and debate them with whoever in my field thinks I’m completely full of shit and talking with the ones who don’t. It’s honestly been nice to spend more time with my youngest kiddo, I’ve made it to every one of his baseball games this year and that’s pretty awesome.

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limited_instincts@reddit

Oh heeeell no. I could fill 100% of my days 100% of the time with non-work-related stuff. I keep myself motivated at the level I need. If I feel like I'm starting to fall behind on current technology I'll challenge myself to learn something. I felt behind on AI so I built a language model and patented it. I felt creatively I was lacking so I started learning to play guitar. I felt my fitness dropping hard so I now I workout regularly etc. I don't let work drive any of that.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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limited_instincts@reddit

Is it possible for you to work on personal development projects while "at work"? I am remote so I understand my situation is different and I'm in leadership but for me when things are quiet I just work on my own personal dev projects to keep me busy. I am fully supportive of my team doing the same thing. If you're in IT anything IT-adjacent should be fair game no?

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I really wanted out of IT but then this job was posted and I landed the position. I thought working in a hospital supporting the staff would be rewarding. What I didn’t know is how segregated the duties are. Im in desktop support, we just swap workstations and replace consumables. Honestly, a monkey could do it.

So I’ve lost my fire to keep learning IT because I know I’ll be fully retired in a few more years. I guess I’m in a weird place or transition phase and need to push through it somehow.

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Ok-Bar601@reddit

I’m 50 and have been a stay at home dad for five years (had kids late). After working flat out for decades and being lucky enough to get a windfall on the Stockmarket I was ready to step back so my partner could start her business.

After a while I had to get the kids into daycare so they could be around other kids and grow and then I had a lot of time on my hands during the day. Did plenty of jobs around the house painting and fixing things plus renovations. But once you’ve done all that boredom sets in. After a while I got used to it but I always had this nagging feeling that I wasnt being productive. That free time can be corrosive to your mental well-being, so I started an exercise regime and got so fit that I was in the top 10% of men my age for cardio fitness lol. Now I’m doing rideshare a few days a week and it’s been good to get back out there and earn a few bob, but also talk with people and see sights around the city.

If you can find hobbies and interests that take up your time you’re lucky to be able to do so. Because there is a lot of time to fill even if it feels like time is going so quickly in middle age. I’ve reached a point where I can work a few days a week to keep me occupied, but take time off whenever I need thanks to the gig work in rideshare driving. It’s not for everyone but I like the flexibility of it. And if I get jack of it I’ll take a few days off.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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mmpjd@reddit

You need a hobby

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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Spiritualy-Salty@reddit

Challenge yourself outside of work.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I do, I love not being at work. Work is the issue, it’s boring.

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CrazyFaithlessness63@reddit

I retired last year at 55 and I had the opposite problem, it was work that was getting boring and my life now is far more active and fulfilling. I worked in IT and there was no shortage of things to do at work it's just that most of them felt pointless and unfulfilling. I kept up with everything but my heart just wasn't in it anymore.

Since then I've been working on my own projects in a homelab setup I have and I have no shortage of things to do, learn about and play with. I still use the same planning and management methods we used at work but with all the bits I considered pointless removed, kanban for scheduling, my own GitLab server for code repository, software builds and deployments. All of my little projects even have version numbers attached. The biggest differences are that everything on my task board is either useful for interesting, I never, ever fill out a 'due date' field and if I want to go and spend the day at the beach or in the park I can.

It works for me.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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1968Chick@reddit

I took a package and retired early at 58 and I'm loving it.

I don't feel like I need to do anything.

Time to relax, read...do whatever the feck I want, when I want.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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jacklogan2972@reddit

I don't get it. 55 I can't wait to retire.
Gym - 1-2 hrs/day
Read a book - 1 -2 hrs
Play hockey- 2 hrs
Learn to play golf - 2-4 hrs
Go Hiking - 2 hrs
Maybe take a college course.
Play some video games for a change.
Go play in a poker tournament once a week.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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tirdfergasom@reddit

I’m 53 and ready now. Hopefully just 5 more and I could follow your schedule minus the hockey. Knees are shot.

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stueynz@reddit

Congratulations!!! You’ve hit the post-ambition phase of your career.

Now your task is to rebuild yourself without reference to what work you do.

I’m a 60yo, model train engineer, Bagpipe player and member of my local Lions Club.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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TylerDurdenEsq@reddit

I retired from a high stress job precisely so that I could live a life of boredom. There’s definitely an adjustment but I highly recommend it. Perhaps you should ask yourself what’s really causing your reactions

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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AnnOnnamis@reddit

Each person handles the last mile before retirement differently.

Some people are happy to coast to the end. Others not so much.

Some people have concrete plans about what to do with themselves. Be it spend time taking care of grandkids, others start a new business. Some do volunteer work, others want to travel.

Others have no idea what they’re going to do with their time.

Others continue part-time just to keep sharp or feel useful.

All told, an important determining factor is financial security. It’s hard to retire if you don’t have enough saved up.

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TylerDurdenEsq@reddit

That’s fine, to each their own. I am only (1) conveying my experience and (2) suggesting greater self-knowledge because sometimes there are non-obvious reasons behind one’s thoughts that, if better understood, would lead to a different choice

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Dynamiccushion65@reddit

I do think a year in therapy should be required to at least get a self awareness point. I agree with your view point. Being reflective and then saying I can choose something knowing exactly why is refreshing! You can’t run from yourself

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Pippi-ki-yay@reddit

I'm 55 and am the math in the hopes I can retire in the next six months or a year. I am burnt out beyond belief. My dream job of 5 years ago is now an absolute stress filled nightmare. I just want to work in my garden and bake shit.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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stronggirl79@reddit

I work almost exclusively with people that are retired. We have this goal our entire lives of not working but that’s not retirement should be. The people I see that are retired and are thriving are the ones that stay busy. Start a sport you’ve never tried, pick up a hobby, and MOST of all start volunteering and giving back to your community.

Find niche volunteering opportunities that suit what you love. Animal shelters, local museums, parks, hospitals etc are always looking for volunteers. I even have a client that volunteers by helping restore old steam locomotives! A dream he had since he was a kid but never had time to do it.

Retirement isn’t a time to stop working. It’s the time of life when you start doing what you love instead of what you have to do. Giving back to your community is so rewarding. It gives you back what you put in ten fold.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think my post was a little confusing. I stay busy when I’m not working. Plenty of projects and hobbies. It’s my job that’s extremely boring. There’s nothing to do all day and it’s driving me crazy.

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NeonPhyzics@reddit

Got laid off last year. Have a ton of money and three rent houses

I refused to work in office. Just got on a remote job doing something that takes a about 20% the effort of my former job

Now I get paid, use my investments to fuck around with computers and AI tools and I also help my wife with her business by making unhinged marketing videos and testing her websites

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plnnyOfallOFit@reddit

retired a few years back, moved to a 55+ community. senseless bored.

Mind, as a Poor, wasn't like I was in a swank country club doing white glove world travel, so?? I was just "not working".

anyway I UNretired & took on a whole new vocation that's "satifying" vs rat race. I work again, but can moderate time at work vs time w fam/home etc

AMA

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brains_and_tits@reddit

Unfortunately, I am working harder and longer hours now, at 55, than I ever have before. I am exhausted

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mooyong77@reddit

I think your nervous system hasn’t downshifted yet so you are still expecting high stimulus. Give it some time

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EggSpecial5748@reddit

I can’t even relax on the weekends, I have no idea what a slowed down career or even retirement might look like.

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naphman@reddit

Hmm see I’m unfortunately using work 10hr days as a release from my life at home that tends to be 29hours of family go go go go. Oh I’m 50 this year too.

FYI I love my family and doing everything for my Son - however if ‘relaxing’ at home I feel guilty not doing more ‘with’ them - so work is the ‘release’.

I stepped away 2 years ago to less stress/involvement but drew myself back to the old spot and now bare minimum days are 9 hours.

Don’t get me wrong - I’d be bored too without it. I can’t stop doing/thinking or even reading emails and responding at all hours of the day / on days off and before going to bed.
I can understand the thought however, that 10 months elsewhere I couldn’t stand myself - and became resentful of all the others saying ‘oh you do too much….slow down, you can’t keep doing that many hours things/tasks’.

Hard thing to work through the head - no resolve here, but I understand where you are at.

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redcrow2010@reddit

I have a collection of guitars a few harmonicas a banjo and hopefully soon - a trumpet. Throw in a vigorous fitness plan and there is no time to be bored.

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Oiggamed@reddit

Learn how to play the piano.

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trUth_b0mbs@reddit

this is why hobbies and keeping an active social life is important.

if you have slower paced work, enjoy it; recognize that work is a means to an end -- it affords you the life style you have/want.

my husband and I can't wait to retire in the next few years; we have so much planned that we want to do - travel, do more home projects, hang/travel more with friends

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parkerhalem84@reddit

I stopped working 3 years ago and is living a quiet and peaceful life. To occupy time, I have taken up drumming (with an electronic drum kit so that I don't annoy my neighbours), looking up recipes from different cultures and cooking them and learning other languages. I also dog-sit for my neighbours if they have to be away for a few days.

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Both-Basis-3723@reddit

I found ceramic very consuming. You are used to working hard, now play hard

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johntwoods@reddit

https://i.redd.it/g7cvq2oi8m4h1.gif

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Both-Basis-3723@reddit

Haha exactly

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cheesewindow@reddit

I left a high travel engineering / automotive job a couple of years ago as it was really getting too much. I’m 51 now and in an engineering job that is very boring but pays ok and I go home at 4pm.

Some days are difficult to just not leave with boredom but I’ll keep going as it is much better on my health. I get a lot more exercise in every day.

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nakedonmygoat@reddit

I downshifted at 50 to a job that wasn't 25-50% meetings, and where I could leave at 5 pm. I had become burned out in my more intense roles. I often had to work late and put in some time on the weekend, or even on vacation. I had no bandwidth left over for weekend family and friend events. I couldn't even get time away for a friend's memorial service.

Being able to just go to work, do my job, and go home at 5 was a godsend. I was quite content to wrap up my final 5 years in a lower-intensity job and then retire. Life is more than just what we can contribute to someone else's bottom line.

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stonetowned@reddit

Same here but I think I’m happier. 56 now and between 30 and 50 I spent all my time travelling, lots of airport lounges, BA gold card and nice hotels in Dubai but then COVID hit. Same stress but without the benefits. Now earn lots less but have a life at weekends and stop work at 5:00pm every day.

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Automatic-Evidence26@reddit

Nope

As an introvert I worked a wonderful two and a halfI worked a wonderful two and a half years at home until I was forced out on medical disability

I don't miss the IT stuff at all sure problem solving was fun playing with new computers all the time was kind of cool I sure as hell don't miss the commute

I missed the conversations with some of the people

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snarlywino@reddit

The short answer is yes, your identity became tied to your career. You are a work-a-holic by nature and you are not alone. Please, if you can’t make that adjustment yourself sooner than later, see a therapist. This will change your life for the better in the long run. Embrace your downtime. Learn a job related skill, or doom scroll Reddit at work like I do now. Whatever you do. STOP making your life about your work.

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Expensive-Site-8443@reddit

L

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johntwoods@reddit

I mean, yeah, sure, when you put it that way...

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rogueconstant77@reddit

Did this three years ago. Old job paid more and had greater responsibility but was so stressful and my manager was not someone you could trust.

We were only 2 people in my team, now they replaced me with 2 people and hired 2 more for growth.

Old manager is now sick with stress.

Every Thursday the entire office now has to make cold calls to get new business in.

So glad I got out in time!

I recently interviewed for a similar position at another up-and -coming company. Could probably get a big pay increase but would have to be a one man army again. Don't think I can do it, happy where I am now. It pays a little less but the stress level is so much lower.

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BaBaDoooooooook@reddit

You seem to be searching for purposeful actions, and maybe your last job was it, and now this new one is making you feel a void in your everyday. Life is a series of trade-offs, value the less stress, but go seek something non-work related that can keep you purposeful.

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Ignominious333@reddit

Decompress and reevaluate in 6 months. It's too fresh still.

Work on seeing the high stress and pace as a negative stimulus but you're trained to perform under that stress. Look up hurry sickness. See if it applies to anything you do in your life. Do some things slower. Intentionally being slower can really show you where you put unnecessary stress on yourself.

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GoodyOldie_20@reddit

Great advice and think I suffered from this. Not retired, but took a much slower pace with both job and personal life and feel so much better.

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faust0matic@reddit

Hobbies for sure. I went from fast paced work ; roofing, then sheet metal fabrication for office furniture to aerospace manufacturing. It was a huge difference. I made that move in my late 20s. It took someone taking me aside and explaining that quality was the most important factor. I understood they wanted quality parts and I wasn’t having issues with the tight tolerances. My issue was going from cranking out 1K-2K parts a day to 5 or 10. I knew why it was a slower process…more complex parts etc, but something in the back of my mind was panicking because at the end of the day it didn’t look like I’d done much. It took awhile to adjust.

Back to hobbies. Some people work to live and some people live to work. I am not my job. My job pays for my life and i have hobbies. Sometimes my hobbies pay for themselves as a side business. I sculpt, I paint, I build models, I make art. I do a lot of mixed media stuff and found object art. I also fabricate parts myself on several machines. I run two different lasers, a 3D printer, and a manual lathe/mill combo. So, theres plenty of problem solving going on just with my hobbies. For the last 30 odd years I have moved around in aerospace manufacturing from sheet metal fab to machining to systems installation to tool room/power tool repair and maintenance. My job is much more relaxed these days. I let my hobbies challenge my brain.

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tragiccosmicaccident@reddit

That sounds great, I'm with you on the slowing down thing. I've got a new job and a new manager, he's already told me that Patience is the best approach. I've had urgency beat into me for the last 30 years, it's been hard to get used to.

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GoodyOldie_20@reddit

I can relate. Almost 30 years rushing, stressed and putting out fires. Now I am on the opposite side. New job, not much is urgent, inbox is quiet, nobody uses instant messenger, day ends promptly. Funny thing is, I don't miss one thing about the old job and almost seems like it never existed. I thought I would care about how things and people are doing, and I don't. Nor do they. Win-win.

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RevolutionaryGoat808@reddit

I think you need time to adjust. Your nervous system is currently underwhelmed.

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crispycritter17@reddit

Wow, I feel like I’m in the opposite boat. I’m 55 and it’s time to get serious and get to work. I don’t know if I should be excited or terrified.

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tragiccosmicaccident@reddit

I understand exactly what you mean.

I've been in the process of doing the same thing for the last 5 years or so, just recovering from some crazy burn out and the loss of my business.

I'm not bored, but I've spent a lot of time lately optimizing my life, making things easier on myself and my daughter, working on my health, that kind of thing.

I really struggled financially after my burn out, but I was able to keep the house and take care of what was important.

My sense of urgency to rebuild all of that is greatly diminished. It wasn't worth the toll it took on my life.

I've been pretty lucky in that I got a job at a company where the culture values people and your time off is sacred. The work is not overly challenging but it's something I want to learn to do well, and I give it my full attention while I'm there.

My new strategy is to do well at my new job, rebuild my investments and work smarter not harder based on the lessons I learned. I'm at a new company and in a place where I can work happily for the 15 or so years I have left.

If you're still feeling that urgency why not look for a hobby that pays you? My brain isn't gonna let me off easy either so I'm looking for something that I can put a little hustle into but will still enjoy doing.

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Mueryk@reddit

I switched to a much lower stress role. The lack of stress was stressing me out for a while. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough and was going to be caught up in layoffs if they were to come.

Took me a while to get past that(if I even have really)

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Adventurous_Bad_3421@reddit

It’s time to put your energy into your actual life. Not the one you spend making money for other people and living off the change they throw at you.

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Front_Farmer345@reddit

I went from 60 hrs a week back to 4 days 40 and got into managing kids sports to stay busy.

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rink_raptor@reddit

Disc golf.

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CrankyCrabbyCrunchy@reddit

That's me. I worked 60-80 hour weeks for decades and recently retired. With that much work, who has time to do anything else but sleep, eat and work?

Now I have lots of time to myself and it is taking a while to figure out how best to spend my time productively. I likely also need to be ok with not being 'productive.'

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hdhdhgfyfhfhrb@reddit

Listen to audiobooks and walk often. Pure bliss

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South_Call_922@reddit

Find things to challenge yourself at home

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TibbieMom@reddit

I’m becoming an expert at sending boredom GIFs to my husband from work lately. I also stepped back and am happy to no longer be responsible for people and programs. I’m easing toward retirement in about 18 months and finding it’s an odd mixture of boredom, relishing having some projects that are interesting but not all consuming, and wanting to work some but not work 40 hours a week.

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curiousme123456@reddit

Takes a while to reconcile with it. 57 M here. Did crazy corp thing up to 3-4 years ago with good coin. looking now for last go around but will not go back to that grind. Enjoy the quality of life now ….takes a bit to stop identifying yourself with work which of course usually equates to talking about work a lot when ur not at work and enjoying having that identity when you meet people. After a while you don’t care.

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mstermind@reddit

I haven't stepped off the gas at all, but I'm being more efficient where I put my feet.

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MissMac79@reddit

Oh gosh I could have written this. Not sure whether I’ve made a mistake or not tbh. There is something gratifying about being stretched and working quickly through the day. Maybe it is addictive

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Few-Lingonberry6695@reddit

Left a position last year and “downgraded” to a reasonable pace and expectations from my superiors. My work is still meaningful just the extra bs stress of uncaring and over demanding superiors is gone.

I took the extra time I “found” and developed actual hobbies. I now build aquariums, garden, and maintain my yard. So I’m not bored - just redirected the extra time in to things I can enjoy.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I have plenty to do at home. Lots of hobbies! Im talking about work, it’s soooo boring.

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Few-Lingonberry6695@reddit

Gotcha. Is it boring because you know your job cold? You may have just found a level of peace because you can do your job well - thats experience working for you.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I think it’s just the workload. Maybe 5 tickets a day between 3 people. No projects for a couple months. Just slow really.

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Dynamiccushion65@reddit

Why don’t you spend time looking at processes and looking at AI programming/automation. Clause is so awesome….Do your adventure planning at work. Find a way to learn new languages so that the day goes by quicker. So many things with a cell phone in your pocket that you can do.

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Few-Lingonberry6695@reddit

Now I have a different take for you - in both of my positions the IT department was/is in my chain of responsibility - that sounds like either an over staffed or under used department.

You’re bored because you can do more.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

Exactly. It’s a large hospital and my boss is in another state. They have to know but it’s laid back and they really just need so many people to be adequately staffed. DR or BC maybe?

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Few-Lingonberry6695@reddit

That makes sense. Doesn’t stop you from being bored. I’m not sure I could go another 10-15 years at the pace you are describing - even if the pay was good.

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Full_Security7780@reddit

I relish the boredom of a slower pace job. It leaves me so much more time and energy for the other things I love to do.

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Dangerous_Prize_4545@reddit

I think maybe you're not doing it right. I left a lucrative, high stress marketing job about 5 years ago for one much easier even though it's very public facing/customer service oriented. I actually told my former boss at the new job it was the easiest job I've ever had in my life. (Pretty sure I highly insulted her. Did not mean to.) I took a really steep pay cut but could afford it based on the former one allowing me to stockpile money and cut back on pedicures. BUT I can actually enjoy my life now. When I leave work, I leave it unless I choose to look at my phone or send a supportive message to my team while I'm out. I can go to concerts whenever I want for the most part. For the first time in years, I was able to go on vacation and completely check out and not feel guilty or be made to feel guilty. I can run and workout. Most days, unless I go in late, I leave when it's daylight and can do things. And I stopped drinking except for a few a year since its not a social job and I'm not drinking to unwind. I see friends more. I'm able to visit my family more.

Sometimes I miss the money or rather being able to not think twice about splurging but overall I'm happy with the trade off.

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Street-Avocado8785@reddit

Yes, winding down is challenging for me as well. Boredom is a struggle. Lately I’ve started digging deeply into American History. I enjoy learning so it’s been fun. I am also planning a trip to Japan, so I’ve been reading about Japanese History and culture.
I was always a type A go getter so not having a mountain to climb is different. At the same time, I am really enjoying the summit. I worked hard to get here.

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KimBrrr1975@reddit

I did, but for me it was the right choice. I can now challenge myself in areas that I enjoy instead of the massive stress of work that I didn't. I challenge myself at the gym, in my writing, and even in what I read. My work is now just a job and not my identity, which has always lived outside the work/career realm, and now I have a job where I just work and come home without bringing work with me. And my time is truly mine.

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Dynamiccushion65@reddit

The goal is to plan and execute something novel every week. I have a falconry moment planned, a trip to Eastern Europe planned, etc. every week something novel and also I chose to get into learning new languages so my travel is augmented. New restaurant with unique food - and new cocktails to learn. I feel I look forward to finding “the new” every week and time then goes by quickly thinking about it planning then enjoying it…

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jaimonee@reddit

Wait...you can't blow past falconry like that....please....what is the falconry moment?

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Dynamiccushion65@reddit

Just google falconry experience in United States and it will give you ones close to you. Some let you do it with owls hawks etc - on my bucket list! And I’m finally doing it!

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OldCrustyE76@reddit

21 years in the military. I've had two jobs since I've retired. Quit both. The with was supposedly high paced, high stress, and described as efficient. They were both none of these. I found myself bored daily and when I tried to do more I was told it's not my job. I offered assistance to improve processes. Again, it's not your job. Now I'm sitting at home spending most of my days 3d printing and doing random woodworking.

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PositiveStress8888@reddit

I'm in IT also, it's a double edge sword, leave the responcibilities behind and nobody is going to call you.

You have to find some other way to keep you busy. This is the exact reason I'm not retired yet, I want to be able to have a hobby before, but I'm so busy I have no time for hobbies.

You have time now, find so something.

I saw an article, during covid, guy left his job got a sprinter van and he drives around and make appointments to sharpen knives , lawnmower blades, you name it, said he's never been happier. No matter what it is, find something you enjoy.

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Blue_Cloud_2000@reddit

My husband went on sabbatical for 3 months. The first week he slept in, read some books, went to the gym. Then he cut down and dug out the root system of a Bradford pear, dug out and removed 10 giant boulders from the yard, replaced the starter and the motor for the automatic windows on the car, demoed and rebuilt the wood stair rails to the backyard and signed up as Cub Scout lead.

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schmearcampain@reddit

You gotta find something else to do. Channel that energy into something fulfilling. Pick up a sport/activity. Learn a skill. Set goals. It’s way more fun than working.

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CreatrixAnima@reddit

I’m not retired, but I do have a lighter schedule in the summer because I only teach one class at a time in the summer. That means that I have time to do things, and I’ve made it my goal to go on two “adventures“ a week. Adventures are things like hikes in local parks, trips to museums (I went to a planetarium last week), and activities that interest me. I want to do all of those things where you make a mosaic lamp. Sometime this summer, I’m hoping to do that. I like wildlife centers, and they tend to be free so I will probably go to one of those in the next week or so. There’s also a historical museum a few towns away that I’ve never been to and I would like to go there. There’s a new museum of African-American history near me, and I’d like to go there as well. So those are some of the places on my list for the summer.

Because I am still working, I’m still doing some work too… Things to make my life easier in the fall. But I’m also trying to be healthier and go on walks, and watch less TV. Last summer, I did a lot of embroidery, and I’d like to do some more of that this summer. All of these things do tend to keep me from being bored.

I recommend learning something. You’ve always wanted to learn. I will also spend some time cooking this summer… I’d like to keep a lot of frozen meals in the freezer so that I always have something good to eat even when I’m exhausted!

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Ok-Commercial-924@reddit

Retired 2 years ago mid 50s, we bought a small, old, run down farm. We have been cleaning and refurbishing the house and property. It is in the mountains near lakes and skiing, also near great gravel riding trails.

It keeps us busy, we are learning new skills. This week we dug 350 ft of 3ft deep trench for water lines from the well. We have refurbished the kitchen and 2.5 baths and 2 bedrooms, doing all the work ourselves.

We have no time to be bored.

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niff007@reddit

Out of work for 16 months. I was good for the first 10. I have a shit load of hobbies but started getting bored. Starting a new job this week. Weirdly looking forward to it.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

Good luck on your new job!

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niff007@reddit

Thank you!

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midlife_dadpulse73@reddit

I feel ya! I was a Master Tech with GM dealerships for my 32 yr career...solved problems GM couldn't figure out, taught new techs, had an easy time communicating with customers helping them better understand what was going on with their car, and generally busted my ass from bell to bell for that 32 yrs.

Switched industries and went to component rebuilding for CAT. It was sweet for 3 yrs. Got BORED AF! Now, I am back in the shop as a tech on machines now. Couldn't do the mundane rebuilding ahit day in and day out anymore, it was driving me to insanity. So happy busting my ass again! I know my body will give out eventually, but I'm taking advantage while I still can. Ill go teach when its time to step down. That'll fill a want I've had for a whole now...technical teacher.

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Square-Wing-6273@reddit

I have three weeks left at my job. But with the craziness in my personal life right now, I won't even be able to think about being bored for quite a while.

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Imyourhuckl3berry@reddit

Same here, I went from a high stress environment with virtually no work life balance to one that’s way more relaxed and emphasizes balance with a heavy lean to the life side of that and I feel like I’m bored, things are too slow, there is not much advancement opportunity and the tough thing is with this market and I figure my age it’s hard to get into something more exciting.

Friends all say I should be happy I get to enjoy my hobbies, and while I do appreciate some of that along with the steady income, it’s still just not the same

I hope eventually I can get back into a place that’s smaller and faster paced but am just holding on while I see how things shake out in the market and waiting for the right opportunity

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Brilliant-Opening695@reddit

All I want to do is shelve books at the library......I'm so over demanding, high pressure, TOXIC work environments that I can't wait to retire. IF I can retire!

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newwriter365@reddit

I slowed down in my career five years ago. I accelerated my focus and intensity on my hobbies, traveling and home maintenance projects that I can do.

I work to live now and it’s awesome.

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BCsinBC@reddit

This is what is keeping me working. I crave the rush of the high stress work.

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concerts85701@reddit

Thought we were the last generation that was good with being bored? /s.

OP - took me a year + to decompress into my low stress job after a high stress/pace burn out.

Now I’m figuring out the new situation, where to push and where to get some more things to do etc.

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Bad-job-dad@reddit

Yeah. A lot. I fucking hate the routine im in too. I feel stuck monotonous loop.

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creeva@reddit

When I’m not met with tech problems at work - I have tech challenges of my own to deal with. When I want to relax with problem solving on creation - I used to do with LEGO. The last couple years I get my creativity and problem solving out in Minecraft, like LEGO but without the mess and searching for the right piece.

My Lego murals have been static for the last couple years.

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whateverhappensnext@reddit

Shifted my overload from work to other things of interest. Work is paying the bills now and going a little deeper into the stuff at work I find interesting, or if someone wants me to solve a problem that will make their life easier I'm happy to help out.

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Hippiechic0811@reddit

Yes, I left a high stress job that I both loved and hated for a real easy job. I loved my coworkers and boss but got bored in about 18 months. I know have a medium stress job working with amazing people. Hope you find what you are looking for.

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Rhusty_Dodes@reddit

Not me. I'd rather do just about anything than work. I have too many interests to ever get bored. The more time I can spend with my wife, dogs, hobbies, and friends the better.

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lando-hockey@reddit

I did. I had to scale up the 6 figure business I started as I was working 2 hours a day. I was mentally super bored and I hated it.

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Peneroka@reddit

Now you’ll have time for the things you always wanted to do. Go ahead and do that - time is running out!

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romancandle@reddit

Do it till you’re satisfied—whatever it is.

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CarmeloTronPrime@reddit

I found excellence in what I do and enjoy work problem solving. When I help solve all my teams problems, then I move to have conversations with other people to find out what problems they have and if they need any assistance solving their problems. I understand the boredom bit.
I got to my position by getting out of my comfort zone and learned to like being out of it. Maybe you need to find something that interests you that pushes you out of your comfort zone since you have a less stress job. Figure out what calls to you and pursue it, hobby or work or whatever.

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quantumsparq@reddit

Ya. I built a division that was sold. Came back to corporate HQ. Bored as fuck.

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TreaclePerfect4328@reddit

Im 51. Was a bodyguard 20+ i gave it up and became an industrial maintenance technician i love it. Way way less stressful than keeping celebrities and other idiots alive. I fix stuff its not life or death. I enjoy part 2

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

The bodyguard job sounds cool but I’m sure it is demanding.

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AnnOnnamis@reddit

Being the bodyguard has certain romantic benefits.

gif

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TreaclePerfect4328@reddit

Mostly rock and metal bands. Brutal travel and a lot like summer camp

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More_Ship_190@reddit

I have found it to be ok. I have started working on diet ,health and hobbies fulltime. All at my pace.

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Practically_Hip@reddit

Fuck IT. The it is IT

Drive a school bus. Help kids. Live life in the real world. Best job I’ve ever had. Every single day.

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doubleohzerooo0@reddit

57 here. Went through all that about 12 years ago.

Moved from AZ to PNW for health reasons. Now live in a small, podunk town. Things are much slower and I have less reponsibilities with my current job.

I tapped into that boredom by leaning into my hobbies: bonsai and pottery. My backyard bonsai is now a small bonsai nursery. I now sell my pottery and bonsai trees at the local Farmers Market.

I have a much more active lifestyle now. Pottery, bonsai and Market keeps me busy and engaged. I have multiple communities that I'm now a part of (pottery studio, bonsai club, market planning, customers, family)

Did I mention I have a wife and 5 kids?

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kittycat_34@reddit

I am and I am loving it. I work from home though so I can find plenty to occupy my free time. I am 53 and hoping I can coast til 63 and then retire. The job market and rise of AI is making me nervous. I am aggressively trying to pay off my house so if I do lose my job we can survive on just my husband's pay.

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Andovars_Ghost@reddit

I’m bored out of my fucking skull most days. I miss being ‘in the shit’.

Meaningful work has been hard to find. Even volunteering has been absolute bullshit. Too many are about, money/numbers/publicity, and not enough about actually fucking doing something.

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RetroactiveRecursion@reddit

56 and was planning to be bored the next 10 years, but just had a large complex multi-year project dropped in my lap. Sigh. Oh well. Maybe it'll go quick.

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Admiral_Ash@reddit

I recently quit IT for a lower stress job however I discovered lower stress does not equal less work. I'm busier now than I ever was but I love the work so much it doesn't bother me. As for retirement, I have several hobbies I've got queued up ready to go for when that day comes.

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JBalltheway@reddit

Downshifting is not how we were originally built.

Remember to be kind to yourself during this time.

Enjoy these next few seasons :)

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aburena2@reddit

When I was planning my retirement my wife said to me “I can’t see you stopping.” My response was I wasn’t planning on stopping but slowing down. I wanted to go from 100mph to about 55. Segued into a part time job and next year plan to slow down even more. Each transition was/is to something I enjoy doing.

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SageObserver@reddit

Long story but I had to retire at 57. Have a nice pension and I’m financially secure. I looked forward to downshifting and being able to stop and smell the roses but after a few months, I was bored silly. I needed a challenge so I started a small business that keeps me occupied.

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supershinythings@reddit

Whenever I found myself with extra cycles at work, I looked around and found things that needed doing but were not getting onto lists or spreadsheets. Then I’d do them.

We had a UI that was not scaling with additional items. I found the bottleneck, moved the code out of the browser onto the server, than completely refactored it to remove unneeded info, tracked problem elements, sorted it in order of worst to best, then sent THAT to the UI. The UI guy deleted all their cruft and suddenly what took 10 minutes now took a few seconds, and it was sorted much more usefully.

When our bosses were out of town I wrote code to switch the propriety auth framework of a back end to one that was free license. Magically when we got squeezed a month later, I already had the code ready and working.

I wrote automation code to identify and prune ephemeral VMs from our AD servers.

And it just goes on. I automated a bunch of ad-hoc tasks that used to take me 4 hours into something that took 10 minutes, plus it validated the package, created manifests, and generated md5sums; no one did that before.

Just look around and find something that takes too long, or needs multiple steps that can be automated individually, and start quietly coding yourself out of a job - except don’t tell anyone you’re doing this.

You can do this metaphorically if you aren’t actually writing code. You can find things to do, refactor things, reorganize things. You don’t have to be bored just because the pressure is off. Find ways to amuse yourself at work by doing things that would never usually get done because management is blind to the problem.

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GettingOffTheCrazy@reddit

So damn bored.

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Commies-Fan@reddit

Challenge yourself elsewhere. Where it actually matters. Thats work. It means fuck all. I will never sweat not being challenged at work. It should be everyones goal.

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paperbasket18@reddit

This is how I feel. I’ve been stressed to the point of burnout at work and kinda bored at work (current situation) and I can tell you I much prefer the latter.

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Texy@reddit

Get a Kindle and read some books at work

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VRTravis@reddit

Yeah, also IT guy, left a job as an installer of a major backup company, different customer every week, installing their new backup software. To an admin, where I look at tickets and close simple tasks all day.

It's boring as fuck. I think I am in the mode that, I do this 10 years and retire.

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_Go_With_Gusto_@reddit

It sounds like you've always been immersed in the business side? Solving problems, big stress constant work, it all fits the bill. If I'm right about that, I highly recommend focusing more time on building and mentoring. If I'm wrong about your past work you can stop reading.

It's unbelievably satisfying to build a team that's competent and is loyal. I've recently started doing it and it gives far more satisfaction than being the guy that fixes everything.

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ttkciar@reddit

There is no shortage of interesting problems in the world needing attention, and there is no need to have them imposed upon you by your employer.

A well-stocked mind need never be bored. Just pick a problem which holds your attention, and chew on it to your heart's content.

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Techchick_Somewhere@reddit

No. I’m loving it but it’s financially painful. I’m trying to psych myself up to return to fulltime chaos in the fall. 🫩

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Haunting-Ad-8029@reddit

I'm in a similar situation. Was at one company for just over 18 years, then was laid off.

I landed a job with a state agency, and things move much different in the public sector. The pay is a little less, but there are set hours, you're not supposed to work over 40 hours, and a pretty great group to work with. Benefits are pretty good.

I probably have enough money saved up that I don't have to work, but would rather be safe. And I need something to do anyway.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

That’s exactly where I’m at. I could retire tomorrow but if the market tanks, Im screwed.

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Haunting-Ad-8029@reddit

I was rather foolish, and most of my 401k was in company stock. I've been gradually moving it out, into more stable funds. When the Iran thing started, it did drop a little, but not too bad. Would have been much worse if I hadn't done that.

My new goal is 10 years of state service. That will give me a little pension and medical benefits for life. Plus the other money I have socked away.

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CoolFirefighter930@reddit

I got so many projects I might never get done.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

Projects at work or home? Im saying Im board at work. I’ve got plenty of things to do at home.

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CoolFirefighter930@reddit

At home .I love the ability to work more at home and not so much at actual work .

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mistwire@reddit

I feel this so hard 🤣

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CriticalCurrency5725@reddit

Starting in my late teens, I have been a roadie for a punk band, journalist, veterinary assistant, sous chef, restaurant manager, corporate trainer, corporate administrator, construction supervisor, summer camp administrator, a baseball umpire, literacy coach, English professor.

I am currently working with a millennial artist to produce a series of "Gen X Fairytales" comic books. I think we just call it, "getting bored and moving on," but the millennial artist thinks we suffer from "generational ADHD." She might be right. LOL

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wegotthisonekidmongo@reddit

I'm north of 50 and am in scramble mode. I never thought my life would wind up this far back. Struggling sick and afraid after a life of nightmares. I'm getting tired of it all to be honest.

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Sitcom_kid@reddit

I don't think I'll ever not be an interpreter. I switched to overnights to slow it down physically. there is less volume in the middle of the night. but when the volume happens, it's the same job. after 41 years, I just don't know if I could do anything different. I guess I'm set in my ways.

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AcanthocephalaDue715@reddit

I’m actually feeling the opposite, I got my self the prep chef position at a reservations only outfit and work like 30-35 hours a week and actually enjoy having time to do the things I love

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Fabriciorodrix@reddit

Not me. I started a family late. I'm 52 and I have a 9-year-old boy. We have lots of fun together. I'm still very healthy and physical. I took up skateboarding again after COVID. I'm having lots of fun. My job was kind of getting boring, so I found an aspect of it that I really liked which was leadership development. I took some courses in coaching and that allows me to bring in these new skills to my old role. I'm stretching as an artist in my free time. Basically, in my 40s I let my work fade from being my focus and have filled my life with other interests. I'm having the best years of my life so far.

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7eregrine@reddit

58 with a 16 year old. 🍻

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

That’s great! My home life is full and healthy, it’s nu job that’s super boring.

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FrankParkerNSA@reddit

Yes. This is the solution to this problem: r/overemployed.

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wild-hectare@reddit

certainly something I'd consider in OPs scenario, but even as an IC I can't make a dent in my backlog

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FrankParkerNSA@reddit

As a fellow IC, I recommend you Increase your rates. If you have too much work your rate is too low.

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wild-hectare@reddit

individual contributor not contractor

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FrankParkerNSA@reddit

Gotcha.

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breakingb0b@reddit

I was hitting that point and discovered coding and automation with ai. Now I feel I’m moving faster than ever. I’m also learning a new language and learning to play an instrument. I’m pretty much cognitively full up.

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BoisterousBanquet@reddit

The is interesting. I was recently laid off from my high-stress, high-salary IT job and my current inclination is not to go back. I want less stress, more stability.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

Yea, I thought all jobs in IT were stressful. This one is not. I probably do 5 minutes of work in an 8 hour day. It’s painful, I don’t like it.

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BoisterousBanquet@reddit

That's a bit extreme. In my case I'm in an at-will state and got put in the hypergrowth startup world. And I'm really good at it TBH. But there's zero sense of stability or security. Decisions made on a whim that affect me deeply and personally. I can't keep subjecting myself to being a terminally laid-off high-performer.

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shitposter1000@reddit

Will be 57 and have recently done this.

Went from high stress VP level role to independent contractor responsible for only one portion of our team function.

My calendar used to be packed 7-8 hours a day with meetings. Then work and team management on top of that. Stress was ridiculous and I was done.

Now I have maybe 3 or 4 meetings a week and get most of my work done in an hour a day.

I told spouse that this feels like retirement. Not bored but definitely can see it setting in, so am taking courses to not let skills get stale. Will see if I can take this job to retirement.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

That’s my exact problem. The rest of the day I just sit at my desk with nothing to do. It’s miserable.

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shitposter1000@reddit

I WFH so I have to balance my idle time with pretending to be actively engaged (that yellow teams indicator is my nemesis).

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TheOtherElbieKay@reddit

Why don’t you find something to do outside of work? A hobby or a volunteer opportunity. A passion project. Think outside the box.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

Im plenty busy outside of work. It’s nu job that’s painfully boring. Maybe 15 minutes of work in 8 hours.

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The_Pharoah@reddit

I used to work in Big 4 (accounting). First job outside of chartered was in govt (state). Started looking for another job within 3 days. Was gone after 2.5 weeks. I realised I function on a bit of stress and challenge. I do my best work when working with others that are good at what they do AND have a drive to improve. The people I interacted with in govt were IMO walking zombies. Devoid of any life (career wise) and were just there to do their 8am-4.30pm. The whole office was a literal ghost town at 4.31pm.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I can relate to everything you said!

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funzys@reddit

Can you consider devoting time and energy to a side business or other project separate from your regular job? I am striving to do this because it will be something I can do when I downshift.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

Im thinking about asking for a reduced work schedule to do something like that. Not sure they’ll go for it.

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cocobear114@reddit

I feel ya. I went in a sorta weird direction the last few years, I was managing a team of 7...I was getting bored as the 'grunt work' and the day to day was done by others. company has gone thru a flattening...several of my reports left, there was 'no budget' to replace them. now we're a team of 3. by necessity im back to doing the grunt work, actual deals. the faster pace and being in the trenches is much more my pace tbh. i get antsy if i have a slow day! i get it. i think you're probably a type A personality, driven by acheivement. no easy answers, hobbies aint it cause i bet they seem frivolous and somewhat pointless. i have no answers!!

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some_one_234@reddit

I spent 30 years in the startup medical device industry working a lot of long hours. The last company (2020-2022) really burnt me out. After a year break I joined a large company but soon realized that I am not cut out for the big company environment and quit after less than a year. Now I do consulting work with a few companies working around 10-20 hour a week and love it. Luckily I saved enough to have a nice retirement when I decide to go that route but I will never go back to the 40+ hour a week grind.

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Clembert-Hamlamp@reddit

Test drive a different challenge outside of the work environment, maybe even something you can briefly reference while you're there

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KC_experience@reddit

I’m still in the same role as I was, but had multiple burdens taken off of me when my leader and I moved into another group of responsibilities. I had Product Manager roles, two different systems admin groups, and Product ownership for one of those groups with 23 direct reports total.

Now that the product manager and 7 of those sys admins were left behind, I have so much free time compared to what I had before. It was 8+ hours of meetings each day and more responsibilities than some officers in my organization.

I’m feeling better and not as stressed and able to focus more on the current team and what we need to do to enhance the services we offer and being a more attentive / present leader for 16 people I still have.

All the work was meaningful and it still is, but before it was just too much work doing the work of three people.

(I took over for one person leaving for another group and shortly after that another person left and that work came to me and two years later I took the on the entirety of another team that was being led by an AVP level leader. So when I say the work of three people, I’m not joking.)

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BelatedGreeting@reddit

Time for meditation—where being bored is doing something!

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CSILalaAnn@reddit

I retired almost 3 years ago after a 30 year career. I am supervising my daughter's online homeschooling. I am bored senseless!!

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talladam@reddit

I'm in my late 40s, and a short version of my story is: In 2021 I left the hospitality industry after roughly 23 years. 20 of those years were in long term care (support services), the rest was institutional food service and standalone restaurant cooking. The long term care place was a large facility and I often had way too much on my plate because I was able to fix things, solve problems, etc. I took a long hard look at my responsibilities, my stress, and pay. I compared all against my coworkers....I left.

It was at least 6 months of PTSD and worry once I left. I gradually got easier. You start to forget responsibilities you once had, names and faces fade, all the insanity dulls. I look back and wonder how I did it for 20 years. It was 20 years of surviving, and now it seems like a lifetime ago.

I miss some parts of my old job, but my new job is way less stressful and a fraction of the responsibility.

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PGHxplant@reddit

The opposite, honestly. Transitioned to a chief of staff role at major university research institute after decades of working in very different fields. I spend my days constantly solving problems and making big decisions. There’s just enough stress to keep it challenging, but the mission is so rewarding and the people are so fantastic I couldn’t be happier with my third act.

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Secret_Computer4891@reddit

I went from the IT job to a warehouse job. I am mentally bored, so I try to scratch that itch by learning a language, reviving some mentally challenging hobbies I sidelined during my career, and maybe starting some kind of home based side hustle.

I've also gotten into travel, thanks to my newfound boring, flexible warehouse job. I'm mitigating the costs by finding the right set of travel cards, and racking up SUB miles while I figure which cards are keepers. Planning the next adventure is also something I enjoy.

I could retire, but am not largely because I need something to do. I, more or less, enjoy what I'm doing and it provides a bit of income to help fund this newfound travel bug.

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Yummy_Castoreum@reddit

Be careful what you wish for. I was so bored at my job that I'd started looking into other careers or getting a master's. Then last week they told me I'm the only one in my unit who will be keeping my job. That means I'm absorbing four other people's jobs. Six if you count the two who had already left. It's a government job so I will get a $0 raise and the same title in exchange for the added responsibilities. FML.

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lundah@reddit

I was fortunate enough to find a local government job 4 years ago that’s busy enough to keep me from being bored, but not so busy I burn out on it. No budget for overtime, so on the rare occasions when I have to work late, I come in late or leave early the next day. Plus I’ll get a modest pension when I retire. I could have 3 offers tomorrow making 20-30% more, but I’d also be working 60 hours a week. No thanks.

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islandbeef@reddit

My wife's been an elementary school teacher for over 33 years and will be retiring in 3 years (at 60). I'm wondering how she will transitioning from high stress to low stress. She tells me she's looking forward to it. To her it will be like a never ending "summer vacation".

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rem1473@reddit

My job used to be more physical. I'll never say it challenged my body. It's not like I ever came home physically exhausted. After turning 50, doing the physical side of my job is becoming increasingly challenging. I'm happy I'm no longer the one climbing into the trunk of cars, crawling under desks, and going up ladders any longer. I've been able to transition to roles that utilize my expertise and experience. Im now able to let the younger guys do the physical side, while I'm doing the technical work and troubleshooting.

I might be "off the gas" on the physical work, but my foot solidly on the floor on the technical side. Trying to help the young ones learn the trade.

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LetOwn2777@reddit

I am 50 and was in very high stress jobs back to back with horribly toxic teams. I am now in my passion field, passion work and thus far (since August) its been weird because I'm 'waiting' for something to happen. My partner continues to tell me because of the passion field, work and back with a C suite leader I trust VERY deeply that maybe I'm just finally not bleeding stress (and it's so weird). I have peaceful Sundays (haven't had that in IDK how long) and feel genuinely good about the work and knowledge I bring. It's weird per your post, I do feel like I am not going 110mph. I'm not traveling every 2 weeks across country and having to "work a room" the minute I land.

I am adjusting. It's just weird.

I am leaning into more of my passion projects (outside of work) as well. Photography has always been a huge passion so I'm actually seeing improvements in my work there too based on NOT going 110mph.

Lean in friend. It's peace.

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Matt90977@reddit

It takes time to adapt. Its natural. I suggest Patience.

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OkLife7773@reddit

I am so bored now... having dangerous thoughts on how to add stress and excitement back to my life. I miss the grind and adrenaline...

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SirMellencamp@reddit

Im as busy as I have ever been in my life working in IT

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WarrenKB@reddit

Back in my young days, a wise old man said to me when I asked if he got bored at an easy job he had “ I don’t get board, I get grateful”… wise words…

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VixxSynn@reddit

Oh my goodness, so much yes. I had to “medically retire” at 51 and am now actively looking to work again because I am so flipping bored all the time. Hobbies, excessive sleep, excessive tv, etc have not filled the void the same way that working does — I suspect partly due to social interaction for me. Yes, my brain longs for some reliable stimulation that is not Words With Friends.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I stay extremely busy at home with hobbies but work is boring AF!! Makes the day feel like a week. Im struggling.

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VixxSynn@reddit

It’s different for everyone.

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esp735@reddit

Not bored, but I find fa lot of things are boring. Going out to shows, movies, tv, etc. Stuff that I would have found amazing after a couple of whisky and gingers. Now it's like, "Nah, let me just finish this bowl and pontificate on reddit!"

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Pristine_Giraffe7941@reddit

I can relate. My whole career involved managing a caseload of people (special Ed teacher, voc rehab specialist, care manager for the elderly and disabled). My daily work involved coordinating services for others and it was very stressful at times.

I moved into a care management support specialist role in January and I no longer have direct contact with clients. Definitely an important role but not as busy or stressful. I find myself being bored most days but then I remember the stress of finding nursing home placements, dealing with mental health admissions, etc and I'm thankful I'm bored.

I'm 55 and I hope I can coast to retirement from f this role in about 10 years.

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AlwaysTheNewb@reddit

Same, retired from the military to a middle management corporate position in defense contracting. Their “fast paced” environment was a slow day in the military, but I’m good with it.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I work for a large hospital. It’s cool working with doctors and nurses, but it’s incredibly boring. Exactly how I would think government jobs operate.

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Stereo_Jungle_Child@reddit

Retired from a bar job in a dive bar in a toxic waste part of town that I had been in for over 20 years.

I thought that carrying a gun all the time at work and dealing with drug dealers and overdoses and homeless insanity and street crime and bar/street brawls night after night were just a part of regular life. It's amazing what you can get used to.

It's only after I got out of that environment for several months that I realized JUST how toxic that work environment was to me. Sure, life is more boring now, but I don't have to worry about getting stabbed all shift long or having someone OD on heroin/fentanyl in the bathroom every other day and dealing with cops and EMTs constantly.

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NecessaryStaff9544@reddit

Worked in corporate settings for almost 20 years, took a couple of years off, now I work in a passion industry. The pay sucks, the benefits are non-existent, but I’m enjoying what I do. The new position is fast-paced and fairly high stress, so I don’t feel unproductive or like I’m not challenged. Just productive and challenged in significantly different ways than before.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

I love fast pace and challenging, this is the exact opposite.

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NecessaryStaff9544@reddit

I wish you luck, sir. I just happened upon this opportunity when a friend was like, “Hey, X is hiring, you like that shit.” And off we went.

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Artistic-Milk-3490@reddit

Wow, I'm (55) literally struggling with this right now. Been in my new role since September and I'm bored AF. Now I'm looking for more challenging roles.

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utvols22champs@reddit (OP)

It’s tough. I spent Friday afternoon watching UT college baseball. I don’t even like baseball!

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syndactyl_sapiens@reddit

My job used to be much more challenging. It’s easier now since I’ve solved most of those big challenges. I’m bored now because of my own competence, but I do miss some of the challenge now.