
I'm a workaholic. But I am working hard to change! Is it possible to do after a lifetime of addiction?

I think I can appreciate this from both sides. Many times in my life for one reason or another I’ve thrown myself at work and into work.. from distraction to career building and simple personal gain. I’ve also watched those close to me become almost obsessed , or consumed by which may be understandable from an owner operator perspective , less so working as a drone or a cog in a huge machine. Passion or paycheck can be a huge differentiator obviously.
As a self confessed addict however I’d argue that you would likely be more adept at recognizing the symptoms of loosing control but maybe I don’t understand addiction at all. For now at least your at least aware of it enough to ask the question and that can only be a positive.
Thanks for your comment. 👍
It is. As much as it is for a young person of 20 or 30. Maybe easier. I'd consult a physician though. Don't do it cold-turkey. Good luck!
Thanks... I'm workin' hard at it! So hopefully it'l be a success! 😨
@Dongie
Tried to find your questions in your profile, but the profile is locked (private) so I can't see the questions. I send a "follow" so I should be able to see it if you okay that.
Sorry, I am major busy right now and usually only pop in here if I have a few minutes... remember I am a workaholic! 😬
I never had that addiction but I can understand it. That's why I don't gamble... except that I am a private investor... and that is something like gambling because you take risks. But they say that this kind of risk-taking is okay and the roulette wheel isn't. Who knows! I also get the same highs and lows when an investment succeeds or fails. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Addiction?
“Workaholic” isn’t the same as “drug addict”…. I don't know why so many folks misuse terms just to seem interesting….
I don't believe it is a misuse of the term at all. It is a full-fledged addiction. And it comes with many of the same downsides as the "drug addiction" that you alluded to. Is it the "same" as drug addiction? Of course not. No two addictions are exactly the same. But drug addiction isn't the only kind of addiction people can have.
The advice you gave is about as effective as giving this advice to a drug addict.
*Don't take any drugs after 5pm.
*Set all your devices to stop taking messages from your dealer.
*Do things not related to taking drugs.
*Stop taking drugs altogether.
*When your pusher comes to the house to ask why you are not taking his phone calls, tell him to get lost.
Good luck with that advice!
@Dongie … Sigh… always a troublemaker. How’s my favorite puppy?
@RingOfFire respectfully, you’re a bit off target this time. You know I love your questions and posts. I hear what you’re saying, and workaholic is a problem bc you need your down time just like everyone else, but I won’t be able to agree about the addiction part.
Salt and sugar look the same from afar but upon inspection their properties are completely different; they have many health-related negatives to them, but the triggers and causes are completely different even in ailments appear similar.
Focus on moving towards positive habits and outcomes…
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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It's definitely possible to change, even after a lifetime of being a workaholic. From experience, balance is key. Start by setting boundaries between work and personal time. Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your well-being. Reflect on what truly matters to you outside of work. Gradual, consistent changes will help shift your focus and create a healthier work-life balance. Consider seeking support from a mentor or counselor to guide you through this transition. Embrace the journey and celebrate small successes along the way. Change is possible with commitment and introspection.
Opinion
1Opinion
I know a lady who works long hours in a cardiology office. At night she fills in as a nurse for a few hours in a hospital, after working ten hours at the office. Then on weekends she has a hospital job. Her friends and family no longer ask her to do things or go places with them because she will never go because she is working. She doesn't need that much money so she isn't doing it out of need. And it isn't like her work is fun in any way. There is definitely something a bit wrong with her scenario.
In her case, what can be done? I don't know. Her friends and family can't get through to her.
It's definitely an issue. I think it's a way of escaping the the social life that you don't want to face.
I suspect that part of this is that this lady is married, but hates going home to her husband. The other thing is she always has the need to express how much she knows about her job and how good she is. (She doesn't know any more than anyone else in her field. And she isn't better.) I think the over-working is her way of trying to show that she is bad-ass when she isn't.
I used to spend 80+ hours a week at the office to avoid family life. In understand that.
From experience I would evaluate her need to constantly project an inflated version of her skills as part of her justification for her workaholism. It says in essence "I am so important to my workplace that they can't do without me." and "I'm a pro. I became that way because I work so hard." I think it's all about justifying her addiction... same as those addicted to other things do.
Why do you want to change? I wish I were like you.
I'm 70 years old! I work just as hard or harder than I did when I was building my career in my 20s and 30s. It's crazy! 🤪
I love what I do and I make a lot of money, but when my friend and neighbor who is the same age talks to me and asks me if I want to go golfing with the guys he hangs with I always make up an excuse because I am too embarrassed to tell him I don't have time! Fact is I love what I am doing but it's more like a love/hate relationship. I mean this is almost as bad as having a girlfriend! I don't need to work at all, but I can't turn it off!
If you are retired and not having financial difficulties, you don't need to work. Sit back and enjoy your old age. 🙄
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