Workaholics work hard but it is to the exclusion of most other things in life. Rest and play are words that do not exist in their vocabulary and relationships can suffer as a result. Like hard workers, workaholics achieve great things but it is usually at a cost to either their own emotional well-being or it is detrimental to their relationships.
Workaholics are considered gifted, charismatic and competent, and most of them are all driven. They tend not to recognize their limits and often take on more work than is possible to accomplish. Workaholic individuals might rise early and stay up late and often working 10 to 16 hours a day. Others may work a regular eight hour day, but pack in the rest of their time working compulsively around the house or volunteering. In reality, workaholism is self-abuse.
What is Workaholism?
Some people prefer to work even after everyone left for the day. Workaholic individuals do not want to prove themselves as being more productive or sincere to the job, they simply can't stop as this is a serious addiction called workaholism.
If an individual is constantly preoccupied by work, chances are they may be a workaholic. Compulsive overworking can be as self-destructive as other compulsive behaviors such as gambling, overeating or overspending. Workaholism can negatively impact physical and emotional health, create enormous emotional turmoil (i.e. anxiety, panic attacks), and it can also damage family relationships. This form of self-abuse can wreak havoc on the workaholic.
In Anne Wilson Schaef and Diane Fassel’s book, The Addictive Organization, they describe a workaholic as an individual who has a compulsive need to work because it provides a tangible reinforcement of self-worth not found elsewhere. A workaholic individual gradually becomes emotionally crippled and addicted to a compulsive drive to gain approval and success. The enjoyment and meaning may no longer exist in their work but the workaholic keeps going because he or she prefers working to anything else in his life. When there is no work to do, restlessness, unhappiness, and feeling uncomfortable are commonly experienced.
Most experts will agree that working hard to achieve things brings satisfaction. However, when a person becomes so focused on work that happiness, hobbies and family life become smothered and disappear, then it is a major problem.
Workaholic Symptoms
According to Workaholics Anonymous there are questions individuals can ask themselves in order to determine whether or not they suffer from workaholism. The following twenty questions are from Workaholic Anonymous:
- Do you get more excited about your work than about family or anything else?
- Are there times when you can charge through your work and other times when you can't?
- Do you take work with you to bed? On weekends? On vacation?
- Is work the activity you like to do best and talk about most?
- Do you work more than 40 hours a week?
- Do you turn your hobbies into money-making ventures?
- Do you take complete responsibility for the outcome of your work efforts?
- Have your family or friends given up expecting you on time?
- Do you take on extra work because you are concerned that it won't otherwise get done?
- Do you underestimate how long a project will take and then rush to complete it?
- Do you believe that it is okay to work long hours if you love what you are doing?
- Do you get impatient with people who have other priorities besides work?
- Are you afraid that if you don't work hard you will lose your job or be a failure?
- Is the future a constant worry for you even when things are going very well?
- Do you do things energetically and competitively including play?
- Do you get irritated when people ask you to stop doing your work in order to do something else?
- Have your long hours hurt your family or other relationships?
- Do you think about your work while driving, falling asleep or when others are talking?
- Do you work or read during meals?
- Do you believe that more money will solve the other problems in your life?
Recovering From Workaholism
Like any other addiction, a workaholic must admit that he or she has workaholism. Once recognized, there are steps to take in order to overcome this affliction. Visiting Workaholics Anonymous is a good start as there are many resources and support at this website.
Learning how to accept, prioritize, relax, balance various activities, and re-learning how to let go and have fun are tools that are necessary in the recovery process. With determination and support, any workaholic can re-discover the joys life has to offer.
Sources:
Canada Focus on the Family: Understanding Workaholism by Michele Langmead.
The Addictive Organization (1988 Harper Collins) authored by Anne Wilson Schaef and Diane Fassel.
OneIndia: Workaholism Causes and Consequences by Saneesh Michael.
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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