I am a Workaholic

My name is Amy, and I am a workaholic…Sound familiar? If so, you are not alone. One out of every three Canadians identifies themselves as a workaholic. The International Labor Organization estimates that health problems related to work stress cost employers worldwide more than $200B per year.

Some psychologists have determined that people with this title have an addiction, and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada says there are five stages to achieving work life balance. Unlike the road to conquering some addictions, the first step isn’t admitting you have a problem; it’s not even knowing you have a problem.

The struggle stage: You just know that you feel out of kilter, out of control.

The juggle stage: You begin to understand what's missing and try to develop tricks and techniques that allow you to create a sense of control in your life. 

The Work-life balance stage: You begin to complete your responsibilities, you feel a balanced sense of control, but only for today because you have no energy to look any further.

The work-life integration stage: The difference here is you can get everything done at work AND you have energy and resources for career planning, career development and personal growth. You know where you are and where you are going.

The work-life harmony stage: You finally have a sense of control of all aspects of your life.

A workaholic has been defined as “a person whose involvement in work has become so excessive that it disturbs or interferes with his bodily health, personal happiness, interpersonal relations, and social functioning."

Do you want to be that person for the rest of your life?