Essentially boring occupation (8)

I believe the answer is:

drilling

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'essentially boring occupation' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'boring occupation' is the wordplay.
'boring' becomes 'drill' (I've seen this before).
'occupation' becomes 'ing' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'drill'+'ing'='DRILLING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drilling that I've seen before include "Boring; sowing seeds" , "Boring; training" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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