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7 Warning Signs of Workaholism: How to Identify It in High Achievers 

Workaholism is a fairly new term that emerged only in the 1970s. It was offered by psychologist Wayne Oates in his book Confessions of a Workaholic. The doctor used it to describe an unhealthy addiction to work and compared it to substance addiction. Work obsession may seem not so bad; however, workaholism goes beyond hard work. It is an uncontrollable desire to work which often affects health and personal relationships. So, how to identify this harmful state and stop it before it is too late? This is what we will break down in this article.

What workaholism IS, and what it isn’t

Being busy is often glorified in today’s world. Is that so great to work without stopping? Possibly, working hard makes sense, but only until it brings undesirable consequences. Workaholism isn’t just working extra hours; it’s an unhealthy obsession with work, where taking a break feels like failure. It leads to stress, burnout, and personal neglect. On the other hand, working hard means finding balance—knowing when to focus and when to rest. Everyone should understand this difference to stay productive and healthy. When does work cross the line? Read on to understand when it’s time to stop and avoid the negative effects of workaholism.

Warning signs you should not miss

Here are red flags that signal a critical situation:

Success without satisfaction

You may have a lot of achievements at work and meet ambitious goals one after another. People consider you successful. However, you do not have that feeling of satisfaction. It seems a new milestone is not enough, and you are looking for the next challenge. This endless pursuit can lead to burnout, as workaholics rarely take the time to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments. Research shows that this constant dissatisfaction is linked to stress and diminished mental wellbeing.

Work becomes your identity

Have you ever admitted that your job becomes your entire sense of self? It is easy to check if this is so. Try to define your worth. If you believe it is only your professional role and accomplishments, it’s no good. You must be able to describe yourself outside of your work. Over time, this focus can ruin your personal identity and leave no room for hobbies, relationships, or other interests. Psychologists warn that such dependency is devastating for a person.

The trap of working hours

Workaholics often compare success with how much time they spend at work and not the actual results they produce. They may stay late at the office or take on additional tasks to prove their dedication. Have you ever found yourself in such a work rhythm? This approach is not productive at all, as studies show the opposite result from excessive hours. Quality of work drops when you are tired, and the obsession with “more hours” can seriously affect the final results.

Strained relationships

Your work obsession affects your family and friends. Workaholics always prioritise tasks at the cost of the time with loved ones. Missed family events or canceled plans become routine, and emotional connections weaken over time. Partners and children often feel neglected and unimportant. Unfortunately, you will not achieve emotional health without a balance between work and personal life.

The health red alert

Workaholism harms physical health. Fatigue, sleeping issues, and frequent colds signal your body is under serious stress. It leads to more serious conditions – hypertension, digestive issues, or heart diseases. Researchers say that workaholics often ignore these symptoms. If you notice something is wrong, make sure to visit a doctor and review your working schedule. Early actions will save you from unfortunate consequences.

Inability to disconnect

Have you ever noticed that you think about work, even during downtime? Workaholics cannot forget about pending tasks, deadlines, or future projects. This inability to mentally disconnect does not allow you to disconnect. Studies have shown that proper rest and breaks boost productivity and creativity. However, workaholics often feel guilty when they have to leave the office for too long, and this only contributes to the cycle of stress and exhaustion.

Rest becomes a guilty pleasure

For workaholics, rest is associated with a shame. A break, a vacation, or even a simple relax after a long day may be accompanied by feelings of guilt. They consider it as wasted time that could be better devoted to work. This mindset only worsens the overall situation and reduces productivity in the long run. Only good rest can break this pattern.

How to break work addiction?

If you have noticed workaholism creeping into your life, it’s time to make changes before it impacts your wellbeing. Here’s what you can do:

  • Set boundaries. Create clear rules about when work starts and ends each day. Don’t check emails or respond to work-related messages during personal time.
  • Practice mindfulness. Spend a few minutes daily on deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These habits help you relax and break the cycle of constant work-related stress.
  • Prioritise self-care. Remember about hobbies and time with loved ones. Self-care will restore balance in life.
  • Use technology to help. Tools like time trackers, CRMs, or finance management software can stop you from overworking. They keep you accountable and help you manage your day better.
  • Look for support. Talk with family and friends about how you feel. They can help you overcome difficulties.

When to seek professional help?

If you are experiencing severe symptoms of workaholism, do not hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can help you overcome your addiction to work. You may start with the following online resources:

  • You can find remote specialists on therapy platforms Priory or UKCP.
  • Find guides for dealing with anxiety and stress on Every Mind Matters and similar websites.
  • Use applications like Calm or Headspace for mindfulness exercises to reduce stress.

Conclusion

Workaholism should not be ignored. Unhealthy work obsession affects your health, relationships, and overall happiness. Constant stress and inability to disconnect signal that it’s time to act. Workaholism can be overcome with a set of effective strategies described above. Do not put it off! Start building your healthy work-life balance today!

Author: Brooke Webber – freelance writer

Photo credit: StockCake

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