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Anonymous workaholics are more common in this country (and others) than they ever were before. Here are some facts about them and dangers.
Workaholics are becoming more and more common today. Many people are so bent on success that they’re willing to sacrifice parts of their lives in order to achieve. For some, it is a desperate drive that leads them to ignore their social lives, and may even cause physical health problems. This is because many will do anything they can to get the work done and get ahead. They are perfectionists. When all of these things commence, and the hours get longer, they are labeled workaholics.
Some workaholics are fanatics, while others are simply trying to provide for their family in the best way they know how. Either way, they are usually avoiding something. The stereotype in men who work long hours, trying to make money for their family, not knowing any other way to provide for them. Emotional needs of oneself and others are often ignored. Though this stereotype is not always correct, it does happen. Some do not question the behavior of workaholics, as it is considered very good to succeed, and those who sacrifice for success are usually looked up to.
Fanatics may rise early and stay up late everyday, trying to get in as much work as possible. They may ignore their natural need to eat and sleep, and they will be under great amounts of stress, even if they don’t recognize it. It is completely denial, and it can have a negative effect on health. The person may develop something of an eating disorder (stemming from ignoring the body’s needs). Ulcers and heart problems are also possible.
Someone who works long hours, avoids friends, does not do things for vague excuses (“I have things to do…”), whose health seems to be failing but denies it is probably a workaholic. They may also take on as many projects as they possibly can at a time. These people don’t know how to stop, or what else to do with themselves. To them, with their perfectionist habits, the only way to make anything worthwhile is to give their all. They take the saying “Anything worth doing is worth doing right” to heart.
While some people can do this without harming themselves, others cannot. Anyone who is not only putting off social engagements (which, in itself can add to stress levels, escalating the problems) but things that are necessary for life (as mentioned earlier, eating and sleeping) needs help. This is a condition that is much more serious (depending on the extent) than most people realize.
Working all the time also means that the individual does not get to experience the finer points of human interactions. Most contacts will be business related. Taking time out to spend with friends and family may help, but most workaholics are convinced that they’re doing their best, and there’s nothing wrong with the way they live their life. Indeed, depending on how they go about it, there may not be. If it is seriously threatening any aspect of their life, then it is unhealthy and needs to be stopped. Workaholics have an illness, just like schizophrenics or those with bipolar disorder. It simply manifests itself in a different way. |
