I really understand how you feel. I get very bored on jobs myself. I once had a very boring job that I really detested, yet I also wanted to keep it, as I really didn't want to look for another job, and the economy wasn't quite as bad as it is now. I looked at the stack of papers that I needed to categorize as to what type of legal document it was, and thought to myself, now since I love to fix things and make things right or correct things how can I relate to this stack of boring legal documents. I thought if I could only relate to it like I was fixing a copy machine or any other type of machine that this might work for me, So I related to this stack of documents and thought, all I need to do is fix this stuff, so that it can be ready for warehousing, or scanning the materials. If you could somehow maybe relate to the reports as people depending on you to help them with their policy, or their accident record, or whatever it may be. If you enjoy people contact or customer service it might work to treat the reports or policies as people. I know I had a very rough time also, I kept daydreaming about where I would rather be, etc. but at the same time, I knew I had bills to be paid, that I needed to keep the job. However, I was relieved a few weeks later my job responsibilities were reorganized and sent away somewhere else. I also understand though, that the more you try to focus on something, the harder or more difficult it becomes, but don't be too hard on yourself. Also, can it be broken down into smaller segments? Can you take a break every once in awhile? Even a small break to walk around the block or make a short phone call may make a world of difference. Be glad that your employers are working with you, some places just don't understand, at least mine didn't.

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Hi,

I've got the same problem!

It's not that I'm not appreciating the fact that I'm lucky enough to have a job at a stable company with good benefits. It's just - the repetative actions are boring and I loose focus easily. Also the fact that there's not a lot of people interaction is terrible.

I also find that my office are more than usual a mess. It's irritating me to bits but I don't have the energy to start cleaning up.

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Definitely take breaks. Never skip a break. Maximize human contact time on your break. Can you go outside during your break and take a walk or some other activity to break the monotony? Discuss the idea with your boss to increase your break schedule to offer more frequent breaks since the job tends to be a bit "repetitive" (may need to offer to add 30 min. or so to your work day). Perhaps you should do physical activity during your breaks.

If you have your own office and privacy, take a two minute break every 30 minutes. Stand up, walk around, jog in place, do some type of physical activity (get something you enjoy in the room like shooting hoops in a toy basketball goal, hitting a few golf balls, etc), or other activity you enjoy. This short pseudo-break can be your reward for staying on track for 30 min. Setting a quiet timer (no ticking to distract you) may help to remind you to get up and move around.

Are you allowed to listen to music or audiobooks on a headset? Can you do this and still concentrate on the job at hand?

Separate the daily tasks into segments. Pace yourself to complete X# of jobs/segments by Break 1, lunch, break 2, end of day. Make it like a competition with yourself and the work. Who will win (i.e. finish by your self-appointed time, or will the work win and take longer than you thought).

Brainstorm other ways the job can be accomplished. Is there a way to make it more interactive? Can it be done more efficiently? Can this job be bundled with another, more interesting responsibility? If you come upon on a good idea, share it with your boss. Employers love employee who are innovative and efficient. If you prove yourself valuable, you may be able to be moved to another position in time that is more satisfying.

Just a few suggestions, good luck to you.

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Hi Mel...I hear you...and how. I'm also an insurance underwriter. I've been in the job for 3 years and I've been treating for anxiety for about 5 years. I am just now realizing that it's ADD that I'm dealing with. After 1 year working at the Home Office, I had a chance to work remotely from my home. I'm not doing a bad job, but it takes me many more hours than most of my co-workers to get the job done. I just cannot stay motivated during all those hours sitting and reviewing cases on the computer. Others in my position are better able to have a work/life balance because they can concentrate and get the work done. I spoke with an ADD expert who suggested that I try setting a timer to see how far I can get in a specific time frame. I'm going to start Monday. I'm going to set the timer for an hour. It will ding at 10 minutes left and again at 5 minutes left. Then I get to have a short break (timed again) as a reward. Maybe this would work for you.

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Timer is great idea but b cautious of an hour for anything that's long time for anyone with ADD; Also break your to do list into very simple 5-15 min tasks and write about 5 at a time on index card or dry erase - it's alot less overwhelming --- and if it's condusive to your job jump from one task to another b/c you're less likely to get bored -- just don't let it be confusing; I do not want this to sound unsupportive I realizde how difficult today's job market it, it's why I'm going back to get another degree and nursing license at 28 anbd also why I went from wonderful salary, home etc to making 10$/hour.... HOWEVER, I was so desperate for ajob after my son turned 1yr I took a $10/hour job at a hospital on a medicine unit so I am right n middle of all the hussle and bussleof a nursing station and for first time in my life I LOVE MY JOB AND I'M GOOD AT IT..... I say this b/c I never ealized how much my ADD was negatively affecting my office jobs prior to this - although i was very good at them, I struggled alot and I was exhausted everyday trying to keep focused on simple yet long an dmundane tasks; my job now has no task that takes more than 5 minutes; never a slow / dull moment; day flys by and i'm constantly seeing different people, doing different things and it has made a huge difference in my life; Again, I realize not everyone has this option but if you do consider thqat your job is as important as your home and family; have a happy life

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I read your starting post. I learned something about myself. I typically do the type of legal work that offers no human contact. And I wonder why I can't keep those jobs. LOL Thanks for your question dude. These threads really help me connect the dots. BTTW I love underwriters. They are cool dudes. But most are as charismatic as watching cheese mature. lol And congratulations that they are working with you. Try to be patient. Try picking a new focus point. Not just surviving the day and your career unfolding in one long mindless numbers comparision; how about figuring out what type of job would be better for you. Or saving up a year's salary. And do 2 things at once: That always helps me survive work boredom. I get more efficient in my job and I feel good b/c I'm doing something else which has my real attention. But my advice comes with a caution. I keep losing jobs and have been working as a steady temp for about 4 years. Maybe its not your path.

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