An addiction that society praises

 Understanding Workaholism: When Hard Work Becomes an Addiction

Workaholism is more than just working long hours or being dedicated to your job. It’s a compulsive need to work incessantly, often driven by psychological factors such as perfectionism, fear of failure, low self-esteem, or the desire for control and approval. People who are workaholics may struggle to relax or disconnect from work, even when their body and mind desperately need rest.

Some common signs of workaholism include constantly thinking about work, feeling guilty when not working, neglecting personal relationships, and sacrificing sleep or health for the sake of productivity. The consequences can be serious, including chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and even physical health problems.

I first noticed my workaholic tendencies during vacations or breaks, when there was nothing urgent to do or learn. Even in those moments, I felt an overwhelming urge to “do something.” It wasn’t just about staying busy—it was an addiction. My mind simply wouldn’t accept doing nothing.

My Relationship with Workaholism: Why It Works for Me, But Isn’t for Everyone

I am definitely a workaholic. This is how I function, and honestly, I love it. Being deeply involved in my work gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I find hard to replace. However, I want to be clear: I don’t recommend this lifestyle to everyone. Workaholism is not for everyone, and it’s definitely not the healthiest path for most people.

There is a big difference between being hardworking and being addicted to work. Hard work is productive and rewarding; workaholism is compulsive and often harmful. It’s important not to glorify or romanticize workaholism because it can lead to serious mental and physical health issues.

One interesting fact is that Japan is often known for its culture of workaholism, where the term “karoshi” literally means “death by overwork.” This extreme example shows just how dangerous workaholism can be when left unchecked.

One of the biggest challenges I face as a workaholic is learning how to rest. Unlike many people who can just sit down, watch a movie, and truly relax, my mind never stops. The moment I try to unwind in a traditional way, my brain whispers, “You’re being so useless, go and work on something.” For me, rest doesn’t come from doing nothing—it comes from doing something simpler, something productive but less demanding.

This isn’t to say I glorify overworking or burning out. I simply accept that my way of recharging is different. I find peace and calm in staying active and productive, even if the tasks are easy or routine. But I also understand that this isn’t ideal or sustainable for everyone.

If you’re like me, that’s okay. But if you’re not, don’t force yourself to be. It’s important to find a balance that works for you—whether that means sitting still and relaxing or keeping busy in a gentle way. Listening to your own needs is what matters most.

Knowing When to Stop and Rest

It’s crucial to recognize that it’s okay to rest, to pause in time and space, and simply be the “most useless human being” if that’s what you need to heal and recharge. When you start experiencing constant fatigue, lack of focus, irritability, or other early signs of burnout, it’s a clear signal that you’ve crossed a boundary. At that point, you must be aware and willing to stop, rest, and change your approach to work and life. Ignoring these signs and pushing forward can lead to serious consequences, both mentally and physically. Taking care of yourself is not a weakness—it’s necessary for long-term health and happiness.

Nena

P.S. For anyone thinking I use ChatGPT ,yes, I do, but only to help with translations. I spent two years in a government writing course, which was actually one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through because of its high expectations. There, I learned how to write in different forms like poetry, scripts, essays, and news ,each with its own structure and rules. Otherwise, I’d probably curse in a foreign language, but all I’ll say is: have a nice day.

"Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long."
— Michael Gungor