Workaholism: Hazards and Benefits

Rodney Dangerfield used to say "I get no respect!" As a workaholic, I get plenty of respect - but very little sympathy.

"Well, it's your own fault! Just stop working so much!" people say. I wish I could. I wish it were that easy. God knows I've tried.

My mind locks on a problem to be solved or a task that needs doing - and it won't rest until the problem is solved or the task is finished, beautifully. "Good enough" isn't in my vocabulary.

I try. I put things out without editing sometimes. I send memos without worrying about the consequences all the time. I even give advice off the top of my head.

But digging into research and solving hard problems gets my juices flowing. It's an ego trip. I admit that freely.

So why then do I want sympathy? Isn't what I'm doing fun?

Yes and no. Like Jim Carrey in the Mask, sometimes I just want to say: "Somebody stop me!" Pick me up by my armpits and drag me out to dinner or a movie. Make me take a walk. Force me to go to Walmart, or a park. Anything to get me away from the computer and my restless mind.

Workaholics are obsessed. That's no secret. And sometimes we're darn proud of it. But if you've ever seen a worn-out, bleary-eyed person who has lost all reason and is no longer productive - but still can't stop - then you know it's not all fun and games.

And we're killing ourselves. We eat fast food, most of us don't exercise, and we don't have friends. We don't have a life. We've forgotten HOW to have a life.

So please! Have a little sympathy. We're a little crazy and we know it. But even the smallest human kindness or attention is appreciated, believe me.

"Stop and smell the roses." Indeed!

Now just what is a rose again, remind me?

Jennifer Blair is a recovering workaholic who struggles daily to have a life.

She'll be speaking at the "Time for Me" retreat: http://www.NoTimeForMe.net