Lets take a look at some of the more serious signs and effects of workaholism. Workaholism is a thief. Here are a few of the things that workaholism can rob from us. Workaholism steals your mind You can rarely think about anything else or concentrate on something else beside work. The focus of your mind is on problems and issues at work. You may be good at problem solving on the job, while problems in the rest of your life are ignored and continue to mount. A clear sign of work stealing your mind is something I call Sunday Night Syndrome, which is becoming anxious about and dreading work before the weekend is even over. Workaholism steals your presence Work keeps you away from those you love and those who love you. You are usually not there and miss out on important events, whether it's as simple as dinner or as big as a birthday party. Consider these line from the song "Cats in the Cradle" by singer-song writer Harry Chapin: "A child arrived just the other day. He came to the world in the usual way. But there were planes to catch and bills to pay. He learned to walk while I was away." If this sound painfully familiar, you might be a workaholic. Even when you are at home, you are only present physically. Your mind and heart are at work. Workaholism steals your identity The definition of who you are is completely organized around your job. As a result, so is your self esteem, self confidence, etc. You are what you do. Workaholism steals your significance Your meaning in life comes only from your job. This blocks any connection to family, friend, faith, or anything else greater than yourself. Workaholism steals your health Stress induced illnesses, ulcers, headaches, heart attacks, panic attacks. Sounds like a nice menu from which to choose, doesn't it? Workaholism steals your priorities While you may say something different, your choices and actions say that work is the most important thing in your life. Your gravestone will read "He/she was a great worker" not "He/she was a great dad/mom and husband/mom and friend." Workaholism steals your energy Most if not all energy is spent at work. All the other people and important areas of our life get only the crumbs. |
