A work addiction can be considered as an obsessive-compulsive disorder that manifests itself through self-imposed demands, an inability to regulate work habits and an over indulgence in work to the exclusion of most life activities and relationships. Some people do not consider a workaholism a real problem as it seems so different from someone who is addicted to a substance like alcohol. However if we take a closer look we can see some similar patterns:
Has a physiological underpinning
It is progressive in nature
Workaholics experience a preoccupation about work
Experience withdrawal symptoms
Has a “high”
Life becomes unmanageable
So how does one know when they are addicted to their work? Well you can ask yourself these questions:
Are you always in a rush?
Do you play the control game?
Is nothing ever good enough?
Are relationships around you crumbling?
Do you produce work in binges?
Are you restless and people have told you “you are no fun”?
Do you experience a natural high at work?
Are you impatient and irritable?
Do you believe you are only as good as your last accomplishment?
Do you think about work all the time ?
It might appear to some that their work has become their life and some people might feel the complete opposite. Like every addiction it is serving a purpose and usually it is a coping mechanism for something much deeper and unresolved. Regardless of whatever the reason maybe, it always good to take a step back from any situation and analyze it.
I hope you enjoyed this April blog and if this is an area you are wanting to explore please contact me.
