THE ONTARIO LAWYERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Are You a Workaholic?

An addiction to work can be as disruptive to your life as a dependence on alcohol or drugs. Too much work, like too many drinks, can mask serious psychological problems and interfere with physical health, personal relationships and a balanced life.

It takes more than long hours in the office to make a workaholic. Indeed, people who are inspired by their work often put in a good deal of overtime-- but they balance their dedication with an  equally rich personal life, making plenty of time for family, friends and themselves. Workaholics are unable to achieve such balance. They are often obsessed with how many hours they work and identify so closely with their jobs that they have trouble feeling “alive” when they are not toiling away. Work addicts also tend to suffer from many ailments like anxiety, depression and gastrointestinal problems.

Take our short quiz to find out if you’re truly dedicated to your job--or if you are a workaholic in disguise.

Ask yourself....

• Do you look forward to holidays so you can use the time to get ahead on work projects?
• Do you often feel that, if you had just a few more hours, the case or affidavit you are working on could be really good instead of passable?
• Do you work more than 60 hours per week?
• Is your idea of a good time spending a couple of hours with your work buddies on a Friday night--before going back to the office?
• When a family member asks you to attend an event--say, a birthday dinner or school play--is your first thought about how it will cut into your available work time?
• Are you disappointed when there is no one around the office to see you working late evenings or weekends?
• Do you find yourself thinking “If I don’t do this, it won’t get done--or get done right”?

If you answered yes to three or more questions, you probably need to reassess your relationship with your job- and with other people—before work addiction threatens your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, workaholism can be harder to kick than other detrimental habits since it is common for workaholics to receive misguided praise for appearing to be so dedicated to their careers.

If you are ready to stop living for work, here are some tips that can help you strike a better balance:

•  Set Limits: Make yourself leave work by a certain time every day. Do not work through lunch or eat at your desk
• Rearrange your “to do” list: Set priorities to eliminate or delegate any work you can. Add pleasurable pursuits to the list
• Learn to say ”NO!”: Keep your hand down when anyone asks for a volunteer. Become familiar with your job needs and stick to them.
• Learn to play: If you can’t give up working on weekends, start by setting aside one weekend a month when anything work-related is off limits. Spend those “extra” hours with family and friends.

The Ontario Lawyers’ Assistance Program offers ongoing confidential peer support to lawyers, judges and law students who are suffering from addictions such as gambling, eating and work as well as mental health issues. Please do not hesitate to call for help or suggestions.

Thanks to the Washington State Bar Association Lawyers Assistance Program for this information. September/ October 1999

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