Workaholic

A workaholic is an individual who compulsively works excessively and at the expense of other activities, personal relationships, or health. This intense dedication to work often leads to chronic stress, burnout, and a neglect of crucial aspects of life outside of their profession. Driven by an inner compulsion rather than external pressures, workaholics often struggle to detach themselves from work, even during leisure time. The behaviour can stem from a variety of factors, including perfectionism, fear of failure, a need for control, or an attempt to find meaning and self-worth through professional achievement. It's a condition marked by an inability to moderate work habits, impacting personal and professional well-being and signifying a problematic relationship with work.

Workaholic meaning with examples

• Despite doctor's warnings, John continued to work 14-hour days, answering emails even during family vacations. His addiction to achievement and constant drive for the next project masked deep-seated insecurities. His wife was worried and pleaded for him to take a break, afraid he would burn out completely. His excessive work impacted his health.
• Sarah's colleagues frequently remarked on her persistent late nights at the office, often finding her asleep at her desk, despite warnings from her superiors. Her extreme dedication caused alienation from friends and a sense of isolation. The resulting stress led to physical ailments, and yet, she couldn't scale back, fearing job insecurity if she slowed down.
• The novel's protagonist, a high-powered lawyer, showed textbook symptoms of workaholism, sacrificing his marriage and health for professional success. His identity had become so intertwined with his career that any downtime felt unsettling, almost like a crisis. He struggled with insomnia, and the resulting fatigue further fueled his drive to work harder.
• After her promotion, Maria seemed to spiral into workaholism. She found that the pressure of meeting deadlines and her own ambitions was difficult to cope with. Unable to say 'no' to additional tasks, she started avoiding social events and lost interest in her hobbies. Friends saw this change in behaviour and were concerned.