Workaholics Woe: How to Break the Addiction

Why are we so obsessed with putting in a 50-, 60-, 70-hour workweek? What is so important at the office that we have to get there early, leave late, and forego our lunch period? What does it say about society that there is a Workaholics International Network and a Workaholics Anonymous?

If you find that you're obsessed with work, think and talk about it endlessly, and feel that you're defined by your job, you may be a workaholic. If so, then you need to read further.

Are You a Workaholic?

It used to be that when prospective employees were asked during the interview process to name their weaknesses, they often relied on that old standby of being a workaholic; someone who would work hard even when they knew they should cut themselves some slack. It was considered both a strength and a weakness, so you weren't endangering yourself by suggesting it.

However, employers have now learned that being a workaholic is not a good trait. Although, arguably, it's better than being a liar or thief, it doesn't make for good employees because it generally means that the workaholic is cutting corners somewhere else. For instance, they might not get adequate sleep, exercise or personal downtime.

According to Randall S.Hansen, PhD, "workaholism can be a serious condition that can lead to the decline and destruction of families, as well as to serious stress-related health problems. When work becomes the sole reason for being -- when it becomes the only thing we think about, the only thing that truly makes us happy -- then it is time for some sort of intervention."

You are a workaholic if:

• You don't (or can't) separate work and home life.
• You do work-related tasks at home in the evenings, weekends, and in bed.
• You are only happy when you're working.
• You allow work to take precedence over all other activities.
• You become upset when anyone suggests you cut back on work.
• You miss family gatherings or regularly show up late due to work.
• Your social life is made up of only work-related activities and events.
• You either don't take vacations or, if you do, you take your work with you.

If this sounds like you, you are most likely a workaholic or are on your way to becoming one. If you're still wondering where you stand, take this quiz for a little more insight.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle

If you earnestly want to break out of the cycle and regain your personal life, you have to first admit you are a workaholic. Once you have done this, you can move forward. Next, you must choose to separate your work from your personal life. That means leaving work at work, whether it is at the end of the day or at any other time. Here are four actions you can take:

• Leave the office everyday at a predetermined (and reasonable) hour.
• Turn off your cell and PDA once you leave for the day.
• Don't bring work home with you at night or over the weekend
• Don't take work - hard copy, computer, cell, PDA -- with you on vacation.

Finally, you have to actively build balance back into your personal life. That means planning time to do something other than work. Below are four helpful steps:

• Set your alarm a half an hour early so you can get up and workout (or maybe just see the sunrise).
• Ask a friend to keep you on track by showing up and taking you somewhere - even just for a walk - and don't discuss work.
• Get a pet so you're forced to go home to feed and walk it.
• Spend personal time with people other your coworkers.

Being a workaholic is harmful for you and for those around you. Once you recognize your addiction, you're in a better position to begin the road to recovery.