Do you feel guilty if you’re not working “long enough”?
Do you skip lunch and routinely shut off the office lights at night?
Are you glued to your phone or laptop—even on your days off?
You’re not alone. A 2019 survey of 2,000 U.S. workers reported that 54% prioritize work over personal life, 46% feel pressured not to use vacation time, and 45% skip lunch during the workday. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with workaholism—a persistent difficulty stepping away from work.
Workaholism vs. Healthy Engagement
Let’s not confuse diligence with compulsion. Working hard and being actively engaged are healthy. Workaholism, by contrast, is a compulsive pattern that crowds out rest, relationships, and recovery. Researchers attribute work addiction to a mix of emotional, behavioral, motivational, and even genetic and childhood factors.
The Real Costs
What’s the price tag of constant overwork?
- Sleep loss and reduced recovery time
- Crowded-out relationships with family and friends
- Neglected hobbies and recreation—the very outlets that protect performance
- Burnout, which can derail careers you’ve worked hard to build
Some research even suggests that marriages with a workaholic partner face a significantly higher risk of divorce. In short: when work takes everything, everything else pays.
Are you a Workaholic?
If you’re wondering whether your patterns are tipping into work addiction, consider the Bergen Work Addiction Scale (BWAS), developed by researchers at the University of Bergen. It’s a brief self-assessment that can help you reflect on whether work is taking a toll on your health or relationships.
A Healthier Future
If this resonated, start small:
- Protect basic needs: sleep, movement, meals.
- Set boundaries: block true off-hours and defend them like a meeting with your CEO.
- Reinvest in relationships: schedule people time the way you schedule projects.
- Ask for help: a coach, counselor, or healthcare professional can help you right-size work’s role in your life.
Your career is a marathon, not a never-ending sprint. Sustainable success comes from smart effort, not constant effort.
Shelley Maley, PHR, CCSP | Dreamcatcher Career Coaching, LLC | (610) 663-0585
www.Dreamcatchercareercoaching.com