ARE YOU A WORKAHOLIC? Addictions therapist, Candace Plattor explores why being a workaholic is a form of addictive behaviour that needs to be addressed.
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ocial workers are essential, notoriously busy, and key to supporting vulnerable people with their problems. But what are the pitfalls of a social worker who is also a workaholic? While it might seem to promise some perks, there is always a cost associated with any addictive behaviour. OF COURSE THERE ARE BENEFITS... Money Naturally, the price of working hard sometimes means more money ,and a climb up the career ladder at a faster pace. More money and praise for
doing a good job really builds selfesteem, but as you climb the career ladder, more work naturally begins to fall on your shoulders, and if you’re a workaholic, it may become harder to maintain the level at which you’ve been working long-term.
usually doesn’t have time to look at what the deeper issues are that are eating away at them. As a society, we still validate “busy, busy, busy” and “give, give, give,” so naturally a busy persona may be formed as a coping mechanism to get by in life.
Respect
SO, WHAT ARE THE PRICE TAGS OF
People often “respect” and look up to the workaholic for all they accomplish and achieve in such a short period of time. It’s so important not to confuse “strokes of ego” from other people with “healthy validation,” as this often leads to feelings of self-esteem but no real self-respect.
BEING A WORKAHOLIC?
Busy, Busy, Busy
People Pleaser
Being busy is approved of in our society. However, the workaholic
A workaholic is usually a peoplepleaser - they don’t want anyone to
Resentment Workaholics tend to feel a lot of resentment, especially if others around them aren’t working as hard as they are. When left unacknowledged, resentment only grows bigger.
