Are You a Workaholic?

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‘Workaholic’ is an easily misunderstood and misinterpreted word. An obvious reason for it is the implication that the second half of the word- ‘aholic’ triggers. Yes, you guessed it- a sort of an addiction. While most addictions are bad, this one doesn’t prove to be as bad as long as you know where to draw the line.

Working hard is a necessity for every being. From a student who has to work hard to get good scores to an adult who has to work hard to earn for the sustenance of his family, working hard is inevitable. It is also encouraged in Islam.

“Man will not get anything until he works hard” (Quran, 53:39)

Abu Hurairah narrated: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him said: “By him in whose hand is my soul, if one of you were to carry a bundle of firewood on his back and sell it, that would be better for him than begging a man who may or may not give him anything” (Sahih Bukhari, 140)

Yes, working hard is important and when it is complemented with talent, it can take you places. Along with the quality of working hard, a person with a certain undeniable and unusual drive or passion is what gives him the title of a workaholic. If you think you are a workaholic, there would be either an internal or an external motivation that would make you one. These motivations could be anything ranging from an aspiration to be competent to physical deadlines set for you. Over a period of time, you get habituated and working will come easily to you.

If you’re looking for some consolation as a workaholic, the following pros may give you some relief:

1. At the end of the day, when you think of the number of tasks you were able to complete, the number may prove that your hard work was worth it.

2. You must’ve heard of the saying that goes- “Self-help is the best help”. Being a workaholic, you might be the one who is willing to take on the responsibility of a task that everyone pulls back from. Therefore, making yourself the more reliable person of the lot.

3. One of your traits would be that you don’t put off things for later. Owing to this, you frequently experience the joy that comes with finishing a job well before the deadline.

4. If you are consistent, you will notice an improvement in your work ethics, your time management skills and even an uphill climb in your career graph.

Regardless of the benefits you are reaping from it, workaholism has to be constantly kept in check. If it crosses the line, there could be consequences. Ask yourself the following questions:

● Do you feel guilty when you are not working?

● Do you instantly pick up your phone every time you hear a beep?

● Does it seem natural to you to use your phone at family gatherings or even at the dinner table?

● Do you easily get irritated when you work in a team?

● Have you found yourself distancing from family and friends?

● Are you getting less sleep and feeling stressed?

● Do you feel there’s a halt in your progress and rewards even though you are working hard?

If your answer to any of the above questions is a yes, then it is high time that you take a step back and take a breather. Analyze the time you are devoting for your life outside of work and maintain a balance between work and life. Ask yourself if the work you are heading to is really worth missing the family event. Cut down on the voluntary work you have signed up for. Tell yourself that you can step out of a task with as much ease as you jumped into it. Accept the fact that you cannot be perfect and you don’t need to constantly chase perfection.

Remember that there are countless other people who are struggling to maintain a work-life balance. If you do find the middle point between the two, then you are one of the few that people look up to.