In this post, we will cover the workaholic definition, how workaholism degrades quality of life, and finally, how you can help yourself and your spouse if you believe they are a workaholic.
Workaholic Definition
Workaholic Definition
The term workaholic is thrown around very often. For example, someone with long hours or someone who loves their job can be labeled a workaholic when they don’t fit the criteria. So what is workaholism, and how do you know if your spouse has it? Psychologist Wayne Oates first described workaholism in his work Confessions of a Workaholic: The Facts About Work Addiction. He defined workaholism as “the compulsion or the uncontrollable need to work incessantly.” Since then, our understanding of workaholism has grown to include not just the hours spent at work but also a person’s attitude about and mental preoccupation with work even when they are not physically at work. So a workaholic has a constant preoccupation or obsession with work that is problematic for their own well-being or the well-being of those around them. In addition, a workaholic displays an uncontrollable urge to spend their time and effort working beyond what is expected of them.
Workaholic Evaluation
Workaholic Evaluation
Someone with a strong work ethic isn’t necessarily a workaholic. Likewise, a person that is required to spend long hours on the job is also not automatically categorized as a workaholic. However, an individual that cannot separate themselves from work, especially work that is not required of them, and allows their work to take priority over all else, would likely be considered a workaholic. If you aren’t sure if you or your spouse fits the workaholic profile, use these questions to evaluate your situation. Considering these ten questions can give you a better sense of whether you or your partner may be a workaholic. Often workaholism has been an ongoing problem for a substantial amount of time before the individual receives a wake-up call. Perhaps for years you have observed troubling traits in your spouse, but since they have been this way for a long time, it seems normal. If you identified with several of these questions, then it is time for a change. Workaholism beats down not only the individual struggling to regain control over their life but also all of the relationships in their life.
How to Help a Workaholic Spouse
How to Help a Workaholic Spouse
From the outside, being married to a workaholic may seem like a good thing. It could mean that your spouse is always dependable when it comes to keeping a job and bringing home a reliable income. However, workaholism takes a major toll on relationships. Being a workaholic robs the relationship of connection. You can’t have emotional intimacy when one partner is compulsively preoccupied with work. So what can you do to help your workaholic spouse?
Overcome Workaholism
Overcome Workaholism
Workaholics find themselves in a never-ending loop of working hard to complete tasks but never being done even when the tasks reach completion. Their work ethic may seem admirable or even like a personality trait, but the reality is that it takes a toll on their health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of their close relationships. If you are the spouse of a workaholic, educate yourself on the problem and use these five tips to help lead your partner toward lasting change. It will take time and patience, but keep trying. Your marriage is worth the effort!
