Do you find it difficult to take a break from work? Are you constantly thinking about office deadlines, even when you’re not at the workplace? When friends or family try to get you to hang out, do you find yourself telling them you’re busy with work-related tasks? If you answered yes to any of these questions, there’s a possibility that you are a workaholic. In this post, we will look at 10 ways to tell if you are a workaholic and share some tips on how to break the habit.
1. Your thoughts revolve around work
If work is the main thing on your mind, both during and outside of work hours, it’s a sign that you are a workaholic.
Whether you’re planning the next day’s work on Friday night, wearing earphones to listen to business podcasts during your free time, or checking your work emails just before sleeping, you’re exhibiting workaholic tendencies.
2. Excessive Time at Work
Do you find yourself working extended hours, including weekends? Do you prefer spending leisure time at the office? Are you hesitant in taking breaks during work hours or taking time off altogether? These are all warning signs that you could be a workaholic.
3. Relationships Neglected
If your job is causing a significant rift in your relationships, it’s a telltale sign that you’re a workaholic.
Do you have trouble keeping up with family or friends? Do you ditch your social life for your workload? If yes, then it’s time to address your work obsession.
4. Boundaries are blurred with technology
With modern technology allowing us to work virtually from anywhere, we may struggle to keep our work and free time separate.
If you find yourself perpetually answering business emails or calls after your work hours, then you have a challenging time drawing the line between your job and your personal life.
5. Difficulty relaxing or decompressing outside work
If you can’t relax when it’s time to unwind, you could be a workaholic.
Do you feel restless when traveling because you’re away from your business and computer? If you’re unable to detach from work tasks or switch off, it’s indicative of a work obsession.
6. A sense of guilt or anxiety when you’re not working
If you repeatedly feel like you’re slacking off or feel guilty when you’re not working, then you would likely classify as a workaholic.
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Putting work first perpetually can cause you to experience feelings of anxiety and guilt when you’re not working, which can make taking time off difficult.
7. You prioritize work over your health
Is your work schedule hindering you from meeting your basic needs for sleep, nutrition, and fitness? If you consistently sacrifice your well-being to labor, then you’re putting yourself at risk for burnout and health problems.
Prioritizing your job over your health or yourself, in general, can indicate work addiction.
8. Compulsion to perform rather than enjoy a job
Workaholics are always focused on getting things done and achieving objectives. They don’t take breaks often enough to enjoy life or work. The need to perform becomes an addiction.
It can lead to depression and a feeling of isolation, as it’s hard to understand why you can’t find happiness from work.
9. Distorted Perception of Accomplishments
A workaholic can experience a distorted perception of their achievements. Some could believe that work is the only way to feel good about themselves or gain a sense of control over their lives.
This over-reliance on work could cause them to feel empty once they meet their targets.
10. Leave is Difficult
The thought of taking a vacation or calling in sick can be excruciating for workaholics. Not taking a break even when they deserve it can cause a reduction in productivity, which will eventually lead to burnout and health issues.
Conclusion: The importance of working to live and not living to work
Now that we have covered the ten crucial workaholic signs, it’s up to you to determine if you classify as one.
It’s crucial to find more balance in your personal and professional life so that work doesn’t become the singular focus of your existence. If you need help breaking the habit, consult with a mental health professional or speak to a trusted colleague.
Remember, life is too short to devote your free time perpetually enslaved to your job.
