Is it possible for dedication and drive to go too far?When does someone cross the line from being a hard worker to a work-obsessed person?Everything else in the life of a person who works all the time takes a back seat if you know them.You can help your friend or loved one by learning how to identify a workaholic.
Step 1: Take a look at the person's work week.
He might work more than 40 hours per week.He doesn't have time to do anything with you or other people.Work is the top priority for a lot of people.He misses out on things like family dinners, walking the dog and getting a good night's sleep.Relationship problems might be something you notice.He usually doesn't show up at his friend's birthday party or school play.It can take time to build strong relationships.He devotes all of his time to work.
Step 2: He has an attitude towards money.
He believes money is the key to a better life.A person over emphasizes the importance of money.He might say he'll be happy once he gets a promotion.It's not enough when he gets the promotion.He's trying to climb the career ladder.Someone might compare himself to wealthier people.He might want to outdo his neighbor.He's not satisfied when he buys it.Money is used to fulfill needs.Everyone needs money to keep a roof over their head, to put food on the table and to provide for themselves and their loved ones.Money doesn't help anyone meet other important needs such as self-esteem, love, belonging and self fulfillment, even though it helps meet the basic needs of survival and safety.People don't go to their deathbed to wish they worked more or had more money.A person with a lot of work can't keep this in perspective.
Step 3: The person might seem distracted.
A person is so focused on what's happening at work that they don't even take a day off.He can't stand to be away from his job.He isn't enjoying anything when he's on vacation.A person with a lot of time on his hands is fixated on what he needs to do once he gets back to work.There is a difference between a hard worker and a workaholic.A hard worker takes a break.He wishes he were back at work when he takes a day off.A hard worker is very focused.
Step 4: He might take on too much.
A person who works hard is usually a perfectionist.He thinks no one can do a better job than him.The person rarely asks for help as they take on a lot of responsibility.There is a problem with this approach.Humans need help when they make mistakes.The person might say he hates working in a team.He doesn't want you to help make dinner.He tells you you're doing the wrong thing.He's difficult to please and hard to work with.The person underestimates the time it takes to do something.He ends up rushing to get everything done since he doesn't like to ask for help.This situation is not beneficial.Nothing gets done well if you take on everything.He starts to get things done late.A person wants to control everything.He sees work as a reflection of himself.It gives his self-esteem a boost if he takes on a lot of responsibility.He wants to be the go-to person for everything.If something doesn't go his way at work, his self-esteem will plummet.Being able to control everything is not a myth.He doesn't have control over many things.
Step 5: Do you know if he checks electronic devices?
There is a line between personal and professional life.The person sneaks in another email or message.His life balance is thrown off by checking his work email and working on projects outside of business hours.He might get anxious if he can't see what's happening at work.He snaps at you if you ask him to put his phone down.If he can't check on his email at work, his world will end.It's a sign that the person is a workaholic if the idea of being without his electronic device makes him anxious.
Step 6: He likes discussing what he likes.
Is work the only topic he brings up when you're having a casual conversation?Does the person tune you out when you talk about topics unrelated to work?He hasn't spent any time developing interests or hobbies unrelated to work if work is his sole focus.He is defined by work.A lot of people feel like anything unrelated to work is a waste of time.Work is important, but it's not the only thing that matters.A person feels better about himself when he develops other interests and hobbies.
Step 7: Look for a burn-out.
Constantly working can take a toll.Burn-out is when a person is exhausted from working.Burn-out makes it hard for her to deal with ups and downs.She may be impatient with you and others.The person overreacts to small things.She might get angry with you if you ask her a simple question.The person is holding a cup.She can only hold a certain amount of water before it spills over the sides.The person is only able to handle so much before she has to let things go.She has no room for family, friends or herself if she fills her cup with nothing but work.
Step 8: You should watch out for signs of anxiety.
She feels a lot of worry.Hearing the phone ring or going out to public places are things that people normally wouldn't do.The person says that she dreads going to work or that something bad is about to happen to her.She may experience episodes of panic where her heart beats fast.Sometimes she feels like she's having a heart attack.She may shake or sweat during anxiety episodes.A big event such as a test or presentation can cause normal anxiety.A person with an anxiety disorder feels nervous most of the time or has intense feelings of panic that come out of nowhere.
Step 9: She might experience sleep problems.
She might say she only sleeps for a few hours a night.A person who works and sleeps at the same time.Lack of concentration and fatigue can be caused by sleep deprivation.A good night's rest improves energy, motivation and overall well being.Approximately every 90 minutes, there are four phases of sleep.She can't cycle through all the phases if she sleeps for less than seven hours.She is tired and sluggish the next day.
Step 10: There are signs of depression.
A person who works too much is at risk for depression.If the person loses interest in things she used to enjoy, or withdraws from people, that's a sign.A change in eating patterns is one of the symptoms.She might not want to get out of bed or be sad.Depression is more than sadness.Everyone has a day where they are down.Depression can be felt for days, weeks or months.
Step 11: Look at her relationships.
She's disconnected from her friends and family because she spends her time working.People start to dislike her.When his child draws a picture of his family, he leaves his mother out.Since she never shows up, her friends don't bother to include her.Being a busy person leads to a lonely existence.The impact of work on her relationships is different between a hard worker and a workaholic.A woman neglects her relationships.She makes time for her family.
Step 12: Discuss what you've observed with the person.
He will deny what you're saying.Denial is a defense mechanism.The impact of a person's actions is protected by denial.The person sees the positive aspects of his behavior and denies the negative ones.Either he ignores the problems caused by his work obsession or he blames others.He might blame his spouse or partner for the problems in his relationship rather than seeing his part in it.Tell the truth about what you've seen.Don't judge or criticize.You could say, "Lately, I've noticed that you're working a lot more than usual."When we're out to lunch, you are on the phone a lot and you don't seem to be sleeping much.Don't say, "You're crazy for working so much."You have to work.You can't force the person to accept help if he's not ready.He will need time to think about his actions and decide if he wants to change.Try to bring it up again later.He might be ready for change eventually.
Step 13: Help the person prioritize.
He can come up with a plan if you help him realize life isn't about work anymore.He has to change how he spends his time.A good way to evaluate how he spends his time is to write down everything he needs to do.The urgent, important and not important tasks should be categorized..The person needs to write down all of the tasks that need to be completed in a day.He includes his job tasks, chores, activities with family and friends, pet care, and self-care such as sleeping, eating, exercising, hobbies and relaxing.He doesn't place everything in a particular order.He should include everyone in his list.He divides his list into three categories: urgent, important and non- important.There will be consequences if he doesn't do the task that day.If he doesn't pay his phone bill, his service will be cut off.Important things can have long-term consequences.He needs to strengthen his parent-child bond by going to his child's school play or by exercising so he can stay healthy.There are no immediate or serious repercussions to non- important tasks.It is possible to wait until another day since no one will be hurt by sweeping the floor.He should spend at least 75% of his time on important tasks.He can change the tasks that are taking up the most time.Every work email is treated like it's urgent.He checks his email all day and into the night, regardless of the request.He only responds to work email when it's truly critical and only checks it three times a day.
Step 14: It's a good idea to make an electronics-free pact.
Ask him to get rid of his phone, laptop and tablets.Hold him to an electronic-free time every day.It will help the person resist the temptation to check-in on work and instead spend time with his family.There are fun activities for the person.It will allow him to make the most of his time.If you want to get coffee, walk the dog.There are activities that encourage face to face communication.
Step 15: Help the person get the help they need.
Help him connect with a support group if he has tried to change but is still stuck in his work-obsessed ways.Professionals and peers can help him balance work and life.Workaholics Anonymous is a free program with support groups all over the world.People are trying to work less and enjoy life more.They support each other through a 12-step program.