Workaholism

As some of you know, I have made it my mission this summer to relax. My sixth book just came out (The Meg and Other “Shark” Stories”) and I am eager to explore my writing and art without the pressure to one day publish it. I’m trying new hobbies like Diamond Art, creating my own books by hand and learning ASL (American Sign Language) while doing activities like brainteasers, collaging and piano. I want this summer to be fun while I develop skills both new and old. I want to hang out with my boyfriend. I want to see friends. I want to be with family (today’s my Dad’s birthday and my mom’s is Wednesday so I’m giving them a shout out).

I’m not good at taking breaks from “being productive” and cranking out books. In fact I sometimes feel downright guilty when I’m relaxing. I want to change that this summer. I put in down in writing in my journal as a goal. You may be a workaholic too which can sound like a positive thing but really it’s just a hazard that will railroad your physical and mental health and your relationships. How do you know if you are a workaholic? I have designed this quiz below. Answer F for frequently, S for sometimes and N for never (this is the way I’ve designed my astrology quizzes).

1. Do your work priorities sometimes eclipse important family events such as weddings, birthdays or even funerals? ________

2. Do you have no time for a romantic partner or a social life?_________

3. Are you addicted to your job even though it stresses you out?________

4. Do you dream about your job (ex. Coming in late, forgetting a deadline)?________

5. Do you spend more time in your office than you do anywhere else?___________

6. Do you keep putting your passions on the back burner for somewhere down the line that will probably never come?____________

7. Do you frequently cancel plans so you can get more work done?_________

8. Do you have trouble thinking beyond your current job?__________

9. Would you choose a promotion over spending more time with people you care about?______

10. Do you do best under pressure?__________

Each F is 2 points. Each S is one point. For each N don’t add any points.

0-5 points: You scored little on the workaholic scale. This is not necessarily a bad thing but our jobs do demand at least a certain amount of attention. Make sure you reflect on where you are in your career and where you want to end up.

6-10: You do have your workaholic tendencies but you are able to squash them when you see them emerging. Family, friends and hobbies are important to you. You understand it’s not all about work but sometimes you just can’t help but get caught up in corporate competition. Just remember what truly matters in this life and you will continue to strike the work-life balance.

10-15 You are dangerously on the verge of becoming a grade A workaholic. There is nothing wrong with working a little overtime or picking up some extra shifts but your job is your sun and you revolve around it, ignoring all the other things trying to get your attention. There is so much more to life than work and hopefully you learn that sooner than later.

16-20: Your whole life is work. It is one dimensional, stressful and bare. If you have a marriage or family, they only serve to get in the way of your job. You can’t remember the last vacation you took. When you’re sick you tough it out and schlep yourself to the office. You want every possible promotion you can receive. You live for performance reviews. But at the end of the day, you have no one who can celebrate with you. 

What if I don’t “work”? Well I technically don’t “work” either even though I’ve published six of the eight books I’ve finished. No one is paying my salary. I live off my parent’s generosity and that enables me to develop my gift and passion as a writer. However, I do sometimes feel like I’m missing out. It can be lonely every day to work from home, particularly when I have no coworkers. That’s why I make an effort to do  things outside of work like poetry slams where I can meet new people and strengthen old friendships. Remember work and money definitely have their place in our lives. But they are not the only things. Keep this in mind and enjoy the summer.