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How to Recognize Work Addiction and Shift to a Healthy Hustle
Don’t be a ‘work martyr’
It can be hard to spot a workaholic, especially in a culture that applauds the devotion to getting things done and a “go big or go home” mentality. But loving your job and being emotionally dependent on it are two very different things.
When you’re no longer in full control of your actions and behavior, it’s a sign of addiction. In fact, when American psychologist Wayne Oates first coined the term workaholic 50 years ago, he defined it as “the uncontrollable need to work incessantly.”
Engaged or Obsessed?
What separates being engaged from being obsessed? Motivation.
If you have a passion for what you do, find that become enjoyably absorbed in tasks, and can delegate effectively, you are most likely an engaged worker. On the other hand, if you feel an internal compulsion to work — particularly overwhelming emotions and negative thoughts — you might be a workaholic.
While some variations in definitions exist, workaholics generally exhibit these three traits:
- They feel compelled to work due to internal pressures.
- They persistently think about work off-hours and across different settings.
