A workaholic, colloquially, is a person who is addicted to work. This phrase does not always imply that the person actually enjoys their work, but rather simply feels compelled to do it. There is no generally accepted medical definition of such a condition, although some forms of stress, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder can be work-related. Although the term "workaholic" usually has a negative connotation, it is sometimes used by people wishing to express their devotion to one's career in positive terms. The "work" in question is usually associated with a paying job, but it may also refer to independent pursuits such as sports, music and art. A "workaholic" in the negative sense is popularly characterized by a neglect of family and other social relations.
Workaholism in Japan is considered a serious social problem leading to early death, often on the job, a phenomenon dubbed karōshi.

Workaholics Give Until it Hurts

Posted On Monday, May 25, 2009 at на 6:16 PM by admin  

Workaholics often see themselves as overly responsible, overly generous, overly dedicated, and totally self-sacrificing. They experience themselves as unappreciated martyrs.

The truth is, all of their sacrificing is self-serving. Workaholics have a need to control the universe, because they were raised in an out-of-control environment. In their family of origin, workaholics learned the lesson that what you do is more important than who you are.

Thus, workaholics feel they have value only when they are accomplishing something. They do not feel valued just for being themselves.

So by working harder than anyone else, workaholics hope to be valued, respected, and appreciated. This is rarely the case. Puzzlement or indifference is far more common. This can result in the workaholic becoming resentful or self-righteous.

Workaholics also suffer from a lack of identity. Ask a workaholic to tell you what they want in life, and they are stumped. Absolutely clueless. Their core identity is their work. "I am what I do." But the sad truth is, they are NOT. Outwardly, workaholics appear focused and strong. Inwardly, they are lost and empty.

But there is hope. The road to recovery begins with admitting that one is a workaholic and accepting that one's family of origin was not nurturing. This can be hard to accept, but is key.

Then finding people who accept, value, and care about the workaholic for who they are - as they are - takes time, as trust is slowly rebuilt.

In the end, happiness and even spontaneity can return, as workaholics experience the care, support, and nurturing they missed as children.



Autor: Jennifer P Blair

Jennifer Blair is a recovering workaholic who struggles with these issues every day. She's speaking to other workaholics (recovering or not), codependents, and just plain frazzled people who never take time for themselves - at the "Time for Me" retreat in March of 2009. http://www.NoTimeForMe.net We'd love for you to join us.


Added: May 25, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)