The Philippine Online Chronicles

You may not know it but you could be a workaholic. Go over the following statements and see if any of these apply to you.

• I don’t have a problem bringing work home or on vacation.
• The only activity I enjoy talking about is my work.
• My work makes me happier than anything else.
• I think that relaxing is a waste of time.
• My family and friends are resigned to the fact that I work a lot.
• I’m happy and energetic at work, but disconnected and weary at home.
• I’d rather take on more work than assign it to someone else because it might not get done.
• I don’t mind working long hours.
• I worry when I’m not at the workplace and often check in to see how things are going.
• I dislike work disruptions.
• I don’t mind if my family and friends are disappointed when I can’t attend to them because of work.
• I work even when I’m engaged in a family activity like dinner or a day out.

While the drive to excel and passion for a job is admirable, a person who relates to most of the lines above may have a work addiction. A workaholic is defined as someone who has a compulsive need to work that is disrupts his relationships with others. Simply put, if work matters more to you than your relationships with family and friends, then you may just be working too much. You could be a workaholic.

Signs you’re working too much

How else do you know you’re turning into a work addict? One sign is getting easily upset over small things. You find your patience getting tested by situations like waiting for your order at a coffee shop, waiting for the traffic light to turn green, trying to weave through pedestrian foot traffic to get to work. The lack of control makes you jumpy and ill-tempered.

You may be working too much if you don’t mind spending more hours at work each day and have trouble leaving. “This can wait tomorrow” or “Tomorrow is another day” are lines that you don’t live by.

Missing out on social events because of work is another sign. Balancing a work day with family events like a parent-teacher conference or a night out with friends could be difficult. However when you find yourself absent too many times, and your loved ones are getting used to the idea that you won’t be around for such events, then you may be working too much.

If you find yourself avoiding family and friends so you can get work done, then you are also working too much. Shutting yourself out from people who are not connected with your work, whether it’s not answering their calls or dodging social plans, just shows that work always take top priority. Concealing from your loved ones that you’re working is also a sign. Sending business-related text messages under the table during a family dinner or taking a peek at your office email during a social event are some examples.

Sometimes you may be feeling sick or tired but are still compelled to work. If you’re aware that you lack sleep, lack exercise, spend too long a time in front of the computer, and have a bad cough or cold that won’t go away but still carry on working, then you’re a work addict.

The Making of a Workaholic

A workaholic tends to be a perfectionist, one who has the need to control, or a combination of both. Workaholics feel that they can get the job done better than others, and so don’t mind taking on more than their share of work. Because they’re perfectionists, some workaholics find it difficult to get to their next task. Micro-management could be one manifestation of this. Others get a rush out of stress and so are drawn to high-pressure jobs.  One who works too much may be trying to get away from an unpleasant relationship or a negative situation at home.

Risk Factors

There’s nothing healthy about being a workaholic. Working too much is stressful. With stress comes a slew of physical problems like heart disease, sleep disorders, anxiety, eye strain and other visual concerns, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neck and back pains. In some cases, working too much can lead to overdependence on caffeine and worse, substance abuse.

The hazards of being a workaholic aren’t limited solely to the worker though. With loved ones feeling neglected, relationships can become strained. Marriages can get threatened and relationships with  children can suffer.

Working too much can also lead to burnout. This is the point when the stress becomes so overwhelming you begin to feel demotivated, tired and feeling helpless. It can lead to further physical and emotional stress.

Work hard or work smart?

While a hard worker is commendable, difficulties take place when one cannot stop working and only values himself through the work he does. In an article on Psychology Today, therapist Bryan E. Robinson shared, “A hard worker will be at his desk, thinking about the ski slopes. A workaholic will be on the ski slopes thinking about his desk." How can you ease up on being a workaholic?

Ticking off things on your to-do list may give you a high, but becoming less achievement-motivated might be healthier for you. Enjoying work is not bad at all, but reflect on things outside of work that motivate you to excel. Could it be your family, your pet dog, a hobby? Framing your drive for excellence within this perspective can help take off those blinders you’re wearing. There is more to life than that day job, and you just might re-prioritize your to-do list once you’ve reflected on that.

Work on a schedule. Stop working by a certain time and stick to it. Step out of the office. Avoid entertaining business calls as much as you can. Stop yourself from checking your office e-mail or checking up on work. The fact is a work-related to-do list doesn’t end so might as well take the evening to rejuvenate, then get started on the list again tomorrow.

Learning how to relax is key in leading a healthy, happy life. As a workaholic, you may find activities like taking a nap or even just walking around the block a waste of time. However, your body and mind will work most efficiently when they’ve rested well. Take a break. Give in to relaxation. Schedule a massage for an hour. Go to the gym. Watch TV. Do something you enjoy. You’ll feel more balanced afterwards.

Being a workaholic doesn’t necessarily make you more productive or efficient at your job. It also offers no benefits at all to your health or to your family relationships. So before you end up alienating yourself from your loved ones or end up with burnout, step back from your work desk and take a deep breath.  While work is a part of life, do remember that there’s more to life than just work.

Photo credits:  Untitled by wakingphotolife, c/o Flickr. Some rights reserved. “rushing back home” by luke chan, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved. “Work Life Balance?” by Communications Workers of America, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved

Toni Tiu is a recovering workaholic. She tries to keep things in perspective by placing a picture of her family on her work desk and getting regular massages to de-stress. Toni is a strategic planning consultant and contributing writer. For parenting, home and living stories, visit her personal blog at WifelySteps.com.