ARE YOU A WORKAHOLIC?

Addictions therapist, Candace Plattor explores why being a workaholic is a form of addictive behaviour that needs to be addressed.

Social workers are essential, notoriously busy, and key to supporting vulnerable people with their problems. But what are the pitfalls of a social worker who is also a workaholic? While it might seem to promise some perks, there is always a cost associated with any addictive behaviour.

OF COURSE THERE ARE BENEFITS... Money

Naturally, the price of working hard sometimes means more money ,and a climb up the career ladder at a faster pace. More money and praise for doing a good job really builds selfesteem, but as you climb the career ladder, more work naturally begins to fall on your shoulders, and if you’re a workaholic, it may become harder to maintain the level at which you’ve been working long-term.

Respect

People often “respect” and look up to the workaholic for all they accomplish and achieve in such a short period of time. It’s so important not to confuse “strokes of ego” from other people with “healthy validation,” as this often leads to feelings of self-esteem but no real self-respect.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Being busy is approved of in our society. However, the workaholic usually doesn’t have time to look at what the deeper issues are that are eating away at them. As a society, we still validate “busy, busy, busy” and “give, give, give,” so naturally a busy persona may be formed as a coping mechanism to get by in life.

SO, WHAT ARE THE PRICE TAGS OF BEING A WORKAHOLIC?

Resentment

Workaholics tend to feel a lot of resentment, especially if others around them aren’t working as hard as they are. When left unacknowledged, resentment only grows bigger.

People Pleaser

A workaholic is usually a people pleaser - they don’t want anyone to get upset with them, and the most important thing they want to avoid is conflict. This means that other people, including bosses and colleagues, may try to take advantage of the workaholic and give them even more work to do, knowing that they will say ‘yes’ and get on with the job - no matter how this might negatively affect the workaholic’s sense of well-being.

Burn-out

The workaholic’s physical, emotional, and mental health is likely to suffer, as their working life continues to intrude on their personal life. This could lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and/or depression, due to a lack of vitally important selfcare on a regular basis. Relationships can suffer too, as partners, children, and friends notice their absence. As well, because they are so busy, they often reach for fast food and junk food, and may resort to alcohol, drugs, excessive shopping, and other addictive behaviours to try to alleviate their feelings that life is passing them by. Illnesses can often be a by-product, which in some cases become lifethreatening for the workaholic.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ALLEVIATE WORKAHOLIC TENDENCIES? Face it head on

Lower the bar and keep your work expectations realistic - especially if you’re a perfectionist. As a people pleaser, you might feel you can’t ask for a raise in pay - but you can. The trick is to learn ways to work smarter, understand that delegating work is not a weakness, and ask for help when you need it.

Start doing what feels good

Plan in advance to spend time with people you enjoy being with, and take part in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Prioritise muchneeded downtime on a regular basis.

Self-discovery

Once you decide to give up your workaholic ways, you may find that your deeper work will begin —so please be gentle with yourself as you embark on your amazing journey of self-discovery - and remember to reach out for help when you need it.