Hi! I’m Peter, CEO of Kickresume, and these career-related stories caught my attention this month — and might catch yours too.

Remember boredom? That peculiar sensation where you're itching to do something, but can't quite pinpoint what. 

Boredom has become an endangered species.

Let's face it: we're terrified of being bored. We're the generation that would rather watch paint dry on YouTube than actually sit in a quiet room with our thoughts. 

But what if I told you that embracing boredom could be the best thing ever for your brain AND career? (Of course, it's not just me who says that, there’s also neuroscience.)

Boredom can make you more productive, says science.

The thing is, it's critical for brain health to let yourself be bored from time to time, according to neuroscientist Alicia Walf.

But..why?

Basically, boredom gives your brain a much-needed chance to relax in a world that's always trying to grab your attention and keep you busy. 

These moments create the perfect environment for your brain to hatch creativity, new ideas, and innovation, says Walf.

Researchers of University of Central Lancashire reached a similar conclusion. This study compared the creativity levels of participants who undertook boring or non-boring tasks prior to a creative task. Amazingly, they found that engaging in boring activities can lead to greater creativity levels afterward.

The unethical work hack

As it turns out, boredom isn't just a brain break – it's a secret brain storm!

And that's something we can apply to our day-to-day lives. Yes, even at work.

So the next time you're stuck at a problem or a big task you've been dreading, take a time out and just be bored. Try not avoiding it as soon as it creeps over. 

And for those who feel like being openly bored at work wouldn't fly, there's an alternative: Simply switch to mundane tasks like attending meetings, organizing documents, or data entry. 

Seriously! There’s another study by researchers of Pennsylvania State University that confirms that! 

These tasks, too, prompt your mind to be more ready to think up creative ideas and solutions. 

I mean…take Archimedes, who discovered the principle of buoyancy while taking a bath. And it's no secret that Einstein was working as a patent clerk when he began to develop his groundbreaking theories. Even Sir Isaac Newton was chilling under a tree when he ‘discovered’ gravity! 

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Random piece of career advice that actually works

What is the best place to be bored? At the comfort of your own home, of course. 

If you're one of the few people who still cannot enjoy the benefits of working from home or were unsuccessful in negotiating remote work in the past, here is what you do:

1. Investigate remote work options at your workplace. Does your company offer any remote work arrangements at all?

2. Articulate your value as a remote worker. Did you work remotely during Covid? How did it go? Tell your boss all about it.

3. Nail the negotiation. Choose the right time and practice the points mentioned above. 

Here is a remote work negotiation pitch example: 

“As you’re aware, I’ve been working from home one day a week for the past two years. Throughout this time, there’s been a noticeable difference in my productivity as I haven’t had the stress of a daily commute. I also feel more motivated in my work as my focus has improved and allowed me to pay more attention to key tasks.

I’m interested in transitioning to a fully remote work setup for the foreseeable future. I greatly value my time in the office and my colleagues, and of course I would still attend any meetings or other events in-person as required. I will also continue to work the same hours, and will be contactable during the workday.”

Want to discover 4 more tips? Check out the full article: How to Negotiate a Remote Work Setup With Your Boss (7 Tips & Pitch Example)

While I hope you weren't bored reading this, it's okay if you were. You know, creativity and all… 

Still, as a reward for reading till the end, here's a 20% discount on Kickresume Premium. 

Catch you later!

Peter