Nov 21 2008
Is being a workaholic the only way to get things done?
It might seem like clocking crazy amounts of hours at the office at the expense of family - even children - for weeks on end is the only way to get ahead in a flailing economy, but experts say workaholics are harming themselves more than progressing their careers.
Working 100 hours a week is often rewarded by a company - with many employees gaining and cashing reward certificates etc. for no leave taken in a gazillion odd years. Do you really want to be seen as someone constantly attached to their mobiles or blackberry’s - never an arms reach away from the office - Constantly stressing over every minute or large detail?
Experts say workaholics are driven more by an internal need than an external one. To be honest workaholics often don’t really put out much more production or efficiency than they would have had they stuck to an 8 hour day, and an x amount of holidays pattern, allowing themselves to recharge and bounce back stronger and faster than ever.
They may appear to be working for that 18 hour day but it’s likely they aren’t focused, and often put out mediocre performance once their bodies and brains check out for the night (5 hours earlier). Nobody appreciates or aspires to burn out - so don’t kid yourself into thinking you’re being a role model - or more productive - you can’t check out of life completely for work, that in itself will hamper your stability in the workplace.