In 2020, I hit a wall. Years of relentless pressure as a Practice Manager and Partner in General Practice had pushed me into burnout. Every day felt like a marathon I wasn’t equipped to run. Yet, at the same time, there was this nagging sense of monotony—an unsettling boredom that seemed entirely at odds with the stress I was feeling. How could I be overwhelmed and disengaged at the same time?
It turns out that burnout and boredom can share a surprising overlap in how they feel. For those working in General Practice, where the stakes are high and the days can be either frantic or repetitive, this paradox might feel all too familiar.
Burnout and Boredom: A Shared Experience
At first glance, burnout and boredom seem to be opposites. Burnout stems from “too much”—too much stress, too many demands, too little time to recharge. Boredom, on the other hand, comes from “not enough”—not enough stimulation, purpose, or engagement. But when you dig deeper, the two can feel strikingly similar.
How Burnout and Boredom Overlap
1. Emotional Numbness
In burnout, emotional exhaustion can lead to a sense of numbness—you’re too drained to care. Boredom, too, can create a sense of emotional detachment, where tasks feel meaningless and life lacks excitement.
2. Loss of Motivation
Burnout can sap your motivation because you’re overwhelmed and depleted. Boredom does the same because you’re under-challenged and unstimulated. As a result, staff motivation can also plummet in environments where burnout or boredom takes hold, creating a cycle of disengagement that affects the entire team.
3. A Sense of Being Stuck
Both burnout and boredom can make you feel trapped in a cycle you can’t escape. Whether it’s the weight of endless demands or the monotony of repetitive tasks, the result is the same: disconnection and frustration
The Counterintuitive Reality: Being Burnt Out and Bored
In my own experience, burnout and boredom weren’t mutually exclusive—they coexisted. The constant grind of managing endless administrative tasks, solving problems on the fly, and dealing with the emotional toll left me exhausted. But at the same time, many of the tasks I was doing lacked meaning. I wasn’t being stretched or challenged in a way that felt purposeful. I was busy, but I wasn’t fulfilled.
For many in General Practice, this paradox is all too common. The sheer volume of work might make you feel overwhelmed, yet the repetitive nature of some tasks—or the lack of time to focus on bigger, more meaningful goals—leaves you feeling disengaged. When staff motivation is low, this cycle can have a significant impact on both individual and team performance.
Addressing the Problem
Whether you’re dealing with burnout, boredom, or both, the solution lies in recognising the issue and taking steps to address it. Here are some strategies that helped me—and that might help you too:
1. Pause and Reflect
The first step is acknowledging how you feel. Are you burnt out, bored, or both? What’s causing those feelings? Is it the volume of work, the nature of the tasks, or something else entirely? Taking time to pause and reflect can help you identify the root causes.
2. Reconnect with Purpose
Both burnout and boredom often stem from a lack of alignment with your values and goals. Reconnect with why you do what you do. In General Practice, the “why” is often about helping people—but that purpose can get lost in the day-to-day grind. Reassessing your goals and finding ways to align your work with what matters most to you can reignite your motivation.
3. Delegate and Automate
One of the key lessons I learned during my time as a Practice Manager was the importance of letting go of tasks that didn’t need my direct involvement. Whether it’s using technology to automate administrative tasks or delegating to capable team members, freeing up your time for work that truly matters can reduce both burnout and boredom.
4. Seek External Perspectives
Sometimes, we’re so deep in the day-to-day operations of our practices that it’s hard to see a way forward. This is where an external perspective can be invaluable. A third-party consultant or adviser can help identify inefficiencies, offer fresh ideas, and provide a roadmap for change. Having someone who isn’t entrenched in the system can bring clarity and actionable solutions.
5. Focus on Continuous Improvement
When I discovered quality improvement methodologies, it transformed how I approached work. Instead of reacting to problems, I started focusing on proactive, measurable changes. Engaging your team in identifying areas for improvement can create a sense of shared purpose and help alleviate feelings of monotony.
6. Take Time to Recharge
Burnout can’t be solved without rest, and boredom can’t be cured without stimulation. Both require a balance of work and downtime. Prioritise time to recharge—whether that’s through hobbies, exercise, or simply stepping away from work when you need to.
The Role of Leadership in Tackling Burnout and Boredom
As leaders in General Practice, it’s crucial to recognise these challenges not only in ourselves but also in our teams. Creating a culture where staff feel supported and valued can go a long way in preventing burnout and boredom. Encourage open conversations about workload and wellbeing, and provide opportunities for staff to grow and develop in their roles.
Final Thoughts
Burnout and boredom might seem like opposites, but they’re two sides of the same coin. Both can leave you feeling stuck, disengaged, and unfulfilled. The good news is that by recognising these feelings and taking proactive steps—whether through delegation, reconnecting with purpose, or seeking external support—you can find a way forward.
In 2020, burnout forced me to step back and reassess everything. Today, I’m grateful for that experience because it led me to build something new—a life and career that align with my values. If you’re feeling stuck, know that change is possible. It starts with acknowledging where you are and taking that first step toward something better.
Low staff motivation can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to face it alone. Visit our dedicated Staff Motivation Page to explore actionable strategies and discover how our expertise in leadership and process improvement can support you in fostering a motivated, resilient, and high-performing team.
