Mark writes:
I have a problem that is kind of work related, but more to do with my family. I love my job and my company seems to really appreciate me. My problem is that my wife complains that I am simply not home enough and calls me a workaholic. She keeps making comments like, “I think you love your work more than me.” That’s not true, but I have been known to forget some dinners and other stuff when I am deeply involved in a project at work. I don’t know what to do. Any thoughts?
The Career Doctor responds:
Because of a number of factors — part societal, part financial, and part technological — many people are working harder and longer than ever before. Add a longer commute for some workers, and you have a situation where you could be away from home more than you’re there… and that sounds like the situation you face.
But are you a workaholic? Loving your job and working hard at it does not make you a workaholic. But when your job begins to consume you and becomes your main reason for being, then you need to distance yourself from the situation and take a hard look at yourself. You must strive for a balance between work and life.
How do you know if you’re a workaholic? If you find most of the following statements to be true, then please seek help.
- Just about all my friends are co-workers.
- Most of my conversations, whether at home or at work, revolve around .
- I don’t have any interest nor time for hobbies.
- I am working more hours than I ever have in the past.
- If I do take vacation time, I always check in with my employer regularly.
- My family complains that I never make time for them.
- The more I work, the more money I make, and thus the better I can provide for my family.
- I have not taken a sick day or personal day in years — or ever.
- I almost always take work home with me.
- When I do spend time at home, I can usually be found in my home-office doing work.
Learn more about workaholics in this article published on Quintessential Careers: Are You — or Someone You Know — a Workaholic?
Are you a workaholic? Take the full quiz, found on Quintessential Careers here: Workaholics Quiz: Do You Focus on Work Too Much?
