Are you a workaholic?

Are you a workaholic? I know without hesitation that I used to be when I worked as a lawyer in the City of London. I would get into the office early and leave later than most people. Even when I got home I would not switch off. I embarrassingly once got contacted by the company that provided our management software, as I had been the only lawyer in the United Kingdom to log on during Christmas Day and they wanted my permission to mention it in an article! It is fair to say I received some ridicule from colleagues who saw the pice when it was published….. Honestly, like any addiction, I miss it and some days, I still feel that urge coming back. 

Workaholism isn’t about how many hours you work—it’s about your ability to disconnect from your job. Arguably, it is a survival mechanism that deals with insecurities or the need to be successful. To help determine whether you might be a workaholic, read the following statements and rate the degree to which each one describes you using the following scale: 1 = never true; 2 = seldom true; 3 = sometimes true; 4 = often true; 5 = always true.

1. I work because there is a part inside me that feels compelled to work.

2. It is difficult to stop thinking about work when I stop working.

3. I feel upset if I have to miss a day of work for any reason.

4. I tend to work beyond my job’s requirements.

5. Vacations are uncomfortable, and I feel guilty for taking the time off.

Add up your total score. If you rated any of these items a four or a five, you have some workaholic tendencies. But if your total score is 15 or above, you’re displaying significant signs of workaholism. I can help you to find different strategies to help you find balance.