5 Signs You May Be a Workaholic

We live in a short attention span multi-tasking world. Thanks to the wonders of the digital age, our work follows us everywhere we go. We do not have to be in the office to answer e-mail or attend meetings. It almost seems like we are developing into a workforce of workaholics.

Are we?

According to the Oxford Dictionary a workaholic is “a person who compulsively works long and hard hours.” Do you qualify?

Here are some warning signs:

1. You feel uneasy or anxious when you are not working. In other words, not working stresses you out.
2. You have no life balance. Work is always your top priority. You neglect family, hobbies, friends – even your health.
3. You have no “free” time. Worse, you look for ways to free up more time for work related activities.
4. You don’t own the problem – even when others have pointed it out to you.
5. You are not happy. And, working more and harder does not help.

While there is not generally accepted medical condition for workaholism there is a clear difference between being a “workaholic” and just “working hard”.

Loving what you do, being passionate about your career and being driven for success are not necessarily signs of being a workaholic. However, if you put work above all personal and family matters and are all consumed by it you could be a victim of work addiction.

If you are wondering whether you are a workaholic – here’s a quiz you can take: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/quiz-are-you-a-workaholic#quiz-are-you-a-workaholic

If you are afraid a friend or a loved one is a workaholic, you may want to consider an intervention.

Work can be great. It can support us, fulfill us and even define us. It should not dominate us.