As smartphones and modern technology mean more and more people are working ‘out of hours’, workaholism is becoming a serious problem for some.
Whether you’re isolating yourself from friends and family or neglecting essential self-care, it might be time to ask yourself if YOU are a “workaholic.”
While Sherwood screenwriter James Graham opened up about attending ‘Workaholics Anonymous’ because of his ‘addiction’, MailOnline looks at the common signs you’re addicted to your work too.
Workaholics will use the hours they should be sleeping to complete work-related tasks (stock photo)
Lying to loved ones
If you lie to friends and family about “stupid” things, like what time you wake up in the morning, or whether or not you’ve eaten, it could mean that you’re addicted to your job but feel too ashamed to admit it.
Neglecting self-care
Working hard and achieving goals can be an important act of self-care.
However, if you neglect daily tasks such as eating, showering and sleeping, this could mean you are a workaholic.
Workaholics will use the hours they should be sleeping to complete work-related tasks or make progress on projects.
Workaholics may also put healthy chores like cooking and exercising out of their minds, or opt for convenient junk food options instead of good meals.
Sabotaging relationships
Whether romantic or platonic, relationships can take a huge hit if they aren’t given the time and energy needed to nurture them.
Workaholics tend to put work tasks ahead of the people they love, often canceling plans to stay in the office longer or returning to projects as soon as they get home.
Low self-esteem and problems with intimacy
As screenwriter James Graham explained, a workaholic’s self-esteem comes in large part from their working life, which leads to problems with relationships and intimacy.
If your self-esteem and validation come primarily from success in the workplace, your overall opinion of yourself can drop dramatically when things aren’t going well professionally.
“All my self-esteem, all my validation, all my happiness and joy came from my work and I didn’t allow myself to believe there was room for anything else,” Graham explained.
You don’t dress properly
If you’re too busy rushing to be the first one in the office to iron your clothes or check the weather forecast, it could mean you’re a workaholic.
For example, if you forget to wear a coat in the middle of winter, it could mean that you are too wrapped up in your work to think ahead.
If you are the first person in the office and the last to leave, it could mean you are a workaholic (Stock Photo)
Intense fear of failure
If you constantly worry about your work performance or put in extra hours for fear of failure, it may mean you have become a workaholic.
The inability to switch off after a stressful day at work and the fear of not performing well enough can take a toll on a person’s mental health.
Be the first to arrive and the last to leave
If you find that you are the first person to arrive at the office every morning but are still the last to leave, it could mean that you are spending too much time at work and not enough time on other important aspects of your life.
Multitasking
If you’re constantly juggling multiple tasks at once, it could mean you’ve become too addicted to your work.
Thinking about work while doing other things
If you’re thinking about work while you’re driving, spending time with friends, or falling asleep, it could mean you’re thinking about it way too much.
Take work to bed or on vacation
People who are addicted to work will often continue to perform their tasks from bed or even when they go on vacation.
For example, if you’re working on your laptop when you should be reading a book by the pool, you may be a workaholic.