By Candace Schoner
There is no shame in wanting to climb the corporate ladder, succeed in a chosen profession, and/or start your own business. However, these goals can come at a high cost to your mental health and every aspect of your life.
According to a recent New York Times article, almost half of all Americans consider themselves to be workaholics.
Workaholics are completely obsessed with their work, and have difficulty limiting the amount of time working despite the negative consequences such as damage to their relationships or health. If not managed properly, ‘workaholism’ can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
In a paper called “Beyond Nine To Five,” a team of top researchers looked at the effects of workaholism. They found that workaholics fall into two categories: Engaged Workaholics and Non Engaged Workaholics. The result of long days and all-nighters was profoundly different depending on their passion.
According to a study of 2,000 employed Americans, researchers found that 28 percent of “workaholics” in the U.S. say they work so hard out of financial necessity.
“I used to be a classic workaholic, and after seeing how little work and career really mean when you reach the end of your life, I put a new emphasis on things I believe count more. These things include: family, friends, being part of a community, and appreciating the little joys of the average day,” says Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial since the effects can be so wide-reaching. Workaholic’s are so focused on meeting their professional career goals that they may forget the importance of balancing work with real life responsibilities such as family, friends and leisure activities.
Psychological characteristics can play a crucial role in whether or not someone becomes a workaholic. Experts say that perfectionists, narcissists, or those with low self-esteem may be prone to an obsessive devotion to work. They may also lack hobbies and tight social connections.
Similar to other addictions, a person may engage in the behavior unaware of its negative effects and may use work as a way to avoid dealing with emotional issues or personal matters.
9 Signs you may be a workaholic:
- You think about work 24/7
- You contemplate how you can free up more time to work.
- You spend much more time working than initially planned.
- You avoid taking vacations or time away from work.
- You ignore advice of others to cut down on your time spent working.
- You work in order to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and/or helplessness.
- You become stressed if you are prohibited from working.
- You forgo hobbies, social engagements, and/or exercise because of work.
- You work so much that it has a negative impact on your health.
Psychotherapist and author, Amy Morin, says the best way to combat a work addiction is self-awareness. She suggests monitoring the time you spend working and taking notice when your work life is creating problems in your personal life. She also recommends practicing disengagement, taking regular vacations, and setting healthy boundaries to prevent becoming a workaholic.