Recently in Work-Life Balance Category

Genevieve writes: What effects will having a job have on my teenage children?

The youngest is 14 and gets up very early before school to do a paper round and the other two children (aged 16 and 18) work in pubs at the weekend and some weeknights.

I’m worried about their education, health, etc.

Please tell me what I should and shouldn’t expect to happen.

The Career Doctor responds: Just about all the research I have ever seen supports the idea that part-time employment for teens can be very beneficial in building important time management and life skills. These part-time jobs help teens experience and prepare for the workplace, build a sense of self worth and pride, build and strengthen money management skills, and develop key time and project management skills.

As long as their grades or social lives do not suffer, these part-time jobs all seem like great experiences for your children. I would stress that you make sure your children know that you expect school to come first and that any sign of weakening grades may result in the loss of their jobs.

One final note. While I certainly do not consider myself a prude, I would not really want my teens to be working at a pub. Besides the sometimes long and late hours, I think that kind of environment — and even sometimes the clientele - is not the best for teens who are transitioning into adulthood and trying to establish their personal and moral compass.

Roxanne writes:

I took the workaholics quiz you have on your QuintCareers.com Website and it said that I was in danger of overdoing it. Unfortunately, I have a boss who does not believe there is anything but work and more work. In fact, most of us in the office never even take all our vacation time for fear of what might happen. So, I guess I want to ask what should I do? Should I be concerned? Or is my boss right about all of us being a lazy society?

The Career Doctor responds:

I’m not surprised that your boss does not believe in workaholism; I am, however, disappointed. Workaholism can be described as when work becomes the sole reason for a person’s existence above more important things (such as family and friends). Please note — this definition is much more than someone who is a hard worker.

Being overworked can obviously lead to job burnout and dissatisfaction, but more importantly, workaholism is not something to take lightly because it can lead to very serious health and relationship issues.

In my mind, there are two types of workaholics — those who do so of their own free will and those who are forced by circumstances to do so. And given the changes in the workplace over the last decade — the massive layoffs and downsizings, the focus on efficiency — many workers are working longer hours, performing the work formerly done by two people.

And as you mention in your office — and confirmed by national studies — a healthy percentage of U.S. workers do not take their full allotment of vacation time, either because they feel pressure not to do so or because they fear they will not be seen as loyal to the company.

But vacation plays a critical role in helping maintain a balance between work and life. Other tips for reducing workaholism: when you do go on vacation, don’t bring the work with you; start an exercise program (after clearing it with your doctor), schedule time for family and friends, and find a hobby or volunteer.

And if your work environment is so bad, take some vacation time to plan your next job or career move.

For more information, read this article published on Quintessential Careers: Are You — or Someone You Know — a Workaholic?

And for those of you seeking balance between work and your personal life, read this Quintessential Careers article: 10 Tips for Getting Your Work/Life in Balance.

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.

1. Just about all my friends are co-workers.
2. Most of my conversations, whether at home or at work, revolve around .
3. I don’t have any interest nor time for hobbies.
4. I am working more hours than I ever have in the past.
5. If I do take vacation time, I always check in with my employer regularly.
6. My family complains that I never make time for them.
7. The more I work, the more money I make, and thus the better I can provide for my family.
8. I have not taken a sick day or personal day in years — or ever.
9. I almost always take work home with me.
10. 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?