GMMichael
Guide of Modos
This. Just because you're not the GM anymore, it doesn't mean that you can't help the other players feel special (a GM job). Interact with other PCs in-character, cheer/jeer the acting character as necessary, pass notes/tokens/hand signals. Keep that immersion up.I used to get bored and stopped playing. Then I was reading acting advice and came across a good tip: Focus on the other characters. What they're doing and saying. Get involved with the party, rather than focusing on just what your PC is doing.
The mention for taking up one or more Player Jobs is a far second place, but it's there.
@Retreater, I know you're not trying to criticize your GM, but if combat ticks away like clockwork every time, something needs criticism. Let the GM know you're burning out before it's too late, and tell him/her why: you dread the combats. Give a suggestion on what can be done...
- Less combat, please! If the virtual world isn't making combat shine with its big assets (improved visuals and automation), then less fighting might be the solution.
- More chaos (please)! What if each player can introduce their own complications to the fight at the start, and get commensurate XP bonuses for overcoming them?