{
  "id": 4839595,
  "title": "Kündigung: „Ich langweile mich zu Tode in meinem Job“ – Die Gefahr der inneren Kündigung",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/kundigung-ich-langweile-mich-zu-tode-in-meinem-job-die-gefahr-der",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-01T10:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/karriere/kuendigung-warum-viele-mitarbeiter-trotz-unzufriedenheit-in-ihrem-job-bleiben/100244699.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Johanna Kohler, a 36-year-old marketing executive, finds herself in a frustrating situation: \"I get bored to death at my job.\" Each morning, she turns on her computer, hoping for updates but rarely receiving any. Instead, she creates her own workload. This routine is causing Kohler significant stress. She typically thrives in challenging environments, but lately, the monotony of her current position is wearing her down.\n\nKohler has been actively seeking a new job since the beginning of the year, but despite her impressive references and extensive experience, she hasn't found a suitable position. Her current employer, however, is not a viable option for her financially, as quitting without another job in hand is not feasible. As a result, she continues working there, feeling increasingly dissatisfied and demotivated.\n\nThis scenario is increasingly common among employees on the job market. Although Germans remain relatively change-resistant, a survey conducted by the job portal Xing earlier this year revealed that over a third of the 3,400 respondents intended to change employers. However, only 8% have concrete plans to do so. The primary reason given by three-quarters of those surveyed for staying at their current job is job security, while only 39% value their employer's appreciation. Career expert Stefanie Bickert, from the job platform Indeed, notes that safety has become a much more significant factor in recent times. \"In difficult times, we prefer the familiar, even if it may no longer be beneficial to us.\"\n\nBickert highlights the challenging job market due to a shrinking job market in the second quarter, with a 3.9% decrease in job offers compared to the previous quarter. The number of layoffs has also increased, making it an unfavorable time for job seekers. Bickert warns that quitting without securing another position carries a higher risk than in previous years. She emphasizes that individuals should only leave their current job with a clear plan for their next career move.\n\nFor Johanna Kohler, this is a new and challenging situation. She has previously changed jobs, not because she was forced to but because she sought new challenges. Initially, she enjoyed her role and had significant responsibility, managing a 20-person team and reporting directly to the management. However, changes occurred at her current employer. The company was acquired, its culture shifted, and mobile work policies were revoked. Kohler's authority was reduced, tasks were taken away, and she found herself with little to do. She began applying for multiple jobs, but few received any response. Kohler started doubting her value, feeling that her qualifications and achievements held little weight. Many of her clients, who are now managers, are experiencing similar struggles, particularly in medium management within the industry. According to a recent exclusive analysis by market research firm Civey, 40% of companies downsized their middle management positions in the past year.\n\nThe fear of unemployment is pervasive, leading many to remain in unsatisfactory jobs. This creates a vicious cycle: scarce job opportunities make the search more difficult, and the lack of positive responses diminishes self-worth, making potential candidates believe they won't find better options elsewhere. Thomas Rigotti, an organizational psychologist and director of the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, refers to this phenomenon as a \"workplace log-in.\" He explains that the psychological distress of remaining in an unsuitable position is not necessarily the result of the job itself but rather the feeling of having no alternatives. Boredom and self-doubt arise as employees grapple with their inability to change their situation. Studies have shown that the well-being of individuals who desire to change jobs but are unable to does in fact decrease.\n\nRigotti warns of a dangerous feedback loop. Helplessness reduces the willingness to actively seek alternative solutions, and the lack of change further reinforces the helplessness. The impact of this situation is significant, as individuals may begin to underestimate their own abilities and believe that no better opportunities exist.",
  "summary": "Aus Angst, nichts Neues zu finden, verharren viele bei ihrem Arbeitgeber, obwohl sie unzufrieden sind. Im schlimmsten Fall kündigen sie innerlich. Experten zeigen Auswege auf.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Handelsblatt",
        "title": "Kündigung: „Ich langweile mich zu Tode in meinem Job“ – Die Gefahr der inneren Kündigung",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/kundigung-ich-langweile-mich-zu-tode-in-meinem-job-die-gefahr-der",
        "published": "2026-08-25T11:04:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}