We all know people can become addicted to certain substances, like alcohol or drugs, but there is another addiction: work. Some call it the addiction of the century, while others simply try to understand how a person can become addicted to work. The facts are workaholism had been around for more than 45 years, but the modern environment took it to another level.
As technology evolved and we can now work remotely, from our mobile devices, being a workaholic is easier than ever. Moreover, the work environment changed and now we are expected to be available on our free time, the deadlines are incredibly tight and there is always someone better than you, ready to take over your job. All these are supporting workaholism.
But how do you know if you are a workaholic or you simply work hard? Here are the signs to look for!
When you are always the first one in and the last one out
One of the signs of an addiction is being always close to the object of your addiction. For a workaholic, this means being the first one to arrive at the office and the last one to leave. Some say that working longer than your peers is simply a sign of a hard working person, but if you also check other points on this list, you may be a workaholic.
Not being able to take a break
One of the main characteristics of workaholism is the inability to cut off from work. Just like an alcoholic can’t quit drinking, a workaholic can’t stop working. To put it in other words, a workaholic is someone who dreams of working while being on vacation, opposed to most people who dream of being on vacation, while working. This permanent state of stress worn out the body and can damage your health. This is also why workaholics need therapy, because they can’t stop thinking of work.
You have one of the workaholic’s diseases
Doctors managed to identify a series of diseases which show up frequently on workaholics. These are gastrointestinal problems, headaches, weight issues, irritability and insomnia. These are the result of a workaholic’s bed habits, which include skipping meals and relying on junk food and fast food for a living, working during the night and not getting enough sleep and skipping exercises.
You have no social life
In fact, a workaholic doesn’t have a personal life to start with. If your friends and family complains they never get to see you, it’s time to reconsider your work habits. A workaholic’s family is the first one to feel the effects of hos addiction, because the addicted is never available. This is why most workaholics are divorced or singles, as can’t have a real relationship, because they are always at work. They miss the important family gatherings and may have troubles with their family members because of this. When you have kids, they will suffer from your work addiction, just like an alcoholic’s kids suffer from the alcohol addiction.
All in one, if you recognize these symptoms, do ask for help and get therapy before you are dragged into the depths of work addiction.
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