Although the term workaholic is now often used for someone who spends a lot of time at work, workaholism actually refers to an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. In obsessive-compulsive personality disorder there is a persistent preoccupation, which in the case of workaholism means being overly committed to work at the expense of friendships, the family in which he lives and his free time. It concerns an irresistible urge to work. He’s… addicted. Certain people are more susceptible to addiction than others. For example, workaholics are generally very perfectionistic. Some people experience it as if they only really count if they work hard and do it better than well. It may also be that a person is continuously looking for (work) challenges and pushes beyond his or her limits. People who don’t know what to do with their free time can also devote themselves fully to their work.
How does workaholism arise?
We are often taught early on that work can be a reason for appreciation. In addition, working brings positive things; think, for example, of extra money, the feeling of power, personal development and the adrenaline rush that deadlines bring. When the thrill of working becomes so great that you no longer pay attention to other things, such as friends, family and relaxation, then you are in the early stages of workaholism. Holidays are experienced as a burden because the work is not transparent and cannot be monitored. E-mails are read from home via the telephone to maintain some kind of control over the work situation.
Working as an escape
When workaholism reaches a more advanced stage, work is often used as an escape from situations and emotions. When there are tensions at home, the workaholic will use his work to avoid having to go home, for example, and if you are constantly busy with work, you do not have to think about your feelings. That may feel good initially. However, when this behavior continues for a long time, this person can lose touch with their true self. He no longer knows what he feels and he no longer knows who he is. He knows no other way than to work so as not to give in to his feelings and confusion. He’s sedated. In this phase it is no longer about the work itself, but about the anesthesia he gains by continuing to work. He no longer works to feel good, he works to avoid feeling bad.
Psychological and physical complaints in workaholism
Consuming too much for a long time ultimately causes both psychological and physical complaints. Common complaints are:
- Sleep disorders
- Lethargy
- Have little energy
- Concentration problems
- Forgetfulness
- Feelings of guilt
- Somber mood
- Physical complaints without an identifiable cause
It is important to take such complaints seriously and seek help. You are dealing with an addiction and you cannot simply undo it. The expression: Hard work has never killed anyone is not true. Hard work can certainly kill you. In Japan they call this phenomenon Karoshi. This means death from overwork.
