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.

Workaholic - A Term or a Real Condition?

What is a Workaholic?

A workaholic is someone who is addicted to work. This does not necessarily imply that a person enjoys their work just that they feel compelled to work. Although there is no generally accepted medical condition, a workaholic is often linked to forms of stress or an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The term "workaholic" tends to carry a negative connotation, although it is sometimes used to express a devotion to one's career in positive terms. In the true negative sense, a workaholic is known to neglect their family and other social relations. Workaholics live for their work, spend extra hours at work and often take work home to complete. Work becomes their sole reason for existence.

Causes of Workaholism

Workaholism could be caused by three factors:

1. Society. With downsizings and consolidations in our current society, Americans are working more hours per week. Studies have shown that as many as 40 percent of employees forego their vacation time for fear that they may not have a job to come back to if they take time off.

2. Technology. The onslaught of emails, instant messaging and cell phones makes it more and more difficult for employees to disconnect from their work environment.

3. Money. Americans in general are driven to earn more and more money whether this is due to a desire for materialistic pleasures, or because we simply must work hard to earn enough money to support our families.

Regardless of the reasons, being a workaholic can lead to a serious condition that can result in the decline and destruction of a family, as well as serious stress-related health problems. Keep in mind that someone who works hard is not a workaholic. Rather, a workaholic is someone who only thinks about work. It is their sole reason for being and the only thing that makes them happy. Workaholics have no personal time and are not able to functional well outside of a work environment.



Autor: Hilary Basile

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

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Added: June 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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