What Does It Mean to Be a Workaholic?
Before delving into a topic like workaholism, it’s important to clarify what it’s not. You see, lots of folks are living in situations where they have to work exorbitant hours to make ends meet. Such workers are not addicted to their job and unable to detach from the workplace. For the most part, they have no choice but to put in those kinds of hours. Therefore, it’s not as simple as saying a workaholic just “works too much.”
A workaholic involves a complex dependence on work. While workaholism is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is a serious condition that frequently requires intervention.
Signs That Someone Might Be a Workaholic
Working compulsively even when it is not needed
Working compulsively even when it negatively impacts their life and the lives of others
Using work to avoid dealing with issues like relationship problems, grief, financial trouble, and more
Sacrificing healthy needs (food, sleep, exercise, etc.) in order to work more
Work-related fear of failure to the point of paranoia
Getting defensive when asked about working so much
Being obsessed with work and work-related topics
Personal relationships suffer because of work
Getting agitated and stressed if stopped from working
Workaholics in the Digital Age
It can be a little tricker today to discern when someone has become obsessed with working. Modern technology has led to far more people always being “on the job.” Especially for those who work remotely, the lines have been blurred like never before. This means it is harder:
To quickly and effectively recognize workaholism before it has progressed
To prevent workaholism from becoming more accepted
Being a Workaholic Can Be Hard on your Physical Health, Too
Studies on the topic have found that the rumination common in workaholics often leads to:
Sleep disturbances
Depression
Isolation and loneliness
Anxiety
Chronic stress
In turn, chronic stress is known to be a risk factor for elevated cortisol levels and high blood pressure. From there, the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and diabetes increases dramatically.
Vital Steps Toward Recovering from Workaholism
If you feel you are unable to turn off your need to work, there are ways you can address and manage the problem before its impacts get too serious. For example:
Accept the Need for Change
The key to recovering from workaholism is recognizing its existence. There is no need to feel shame. Anyone, under the right conditions, can become a workaholic. Move past the stigma and accept the need for change.
Set Strict Boundaries for Yourself
This might be your biggest challenge, but it is non-negotiable. Make a firm schedule for working. Ideally, this would include:
Daily start time
Daily stop time
Lunch break
One or two other short breaks
Choosing at least one day a week when work is off the agenda
Boundaries like this will slowly wear down the fear of what happens if you rest. You will learn that efficiency is not measured by hours. There are smarter ways to work than choosing sheer volume.
Create a Post-Work Schedule Every Day
It doesn’t matter if the activities are something big like going to an event or something personal like exercise or journaling. Workaholics like a structured routine so this is a hack that acknowledges that without feeding into the obsession.
Social Time
Make plans with friends and family and put them on your calendar. Translation: No matter what “comes up” at work, these plans are carved in stone.
Therapy Is a Proven Path
Connecting with an experienced counselor is a giant step toward healing from workaholism. If you find that work is disrupting your entire life, I invite you to reach out today for work-stress therapy.