Robert Half's WorkVine® blog series addresses the lighter side of the workplace, with fun topics to help you get through the workday.
If you’re lucky, you love your job. But some people go too far and work too much.
Here are some signs that you are out of balance:
- On your kids’ birthdays, you ask them to submit an annual report of the past year.
- Your idea of a vacation is setting your screensaver at work to a beach scene.
- While enjoying the screensaver, you send your spouse a "Wish You Were Here" postcard.
- Your Instagram account is full of pictures of spreadsheets.
- When your kids ask for help with homework, you tell them to first submit a work request.
- You forget your wedding anniversary, but always remember the annual networking conference.
- Your online dating profile includes your resume.
- You forgot your kids’ names.
- Your kids forgot your name.
- Your work/life balance sheet says: All Work. No Life.
How to avoid becoming a workaholic
All kidding aside, becoming a workaholic can have serious consequences. It could lead to physical burnout and wreak havoc with your personal relationships. Remember these tips to avoid working too much:
- Since you’re paid for your time, practice good time management. Focus on more important tasks first, and use a calendar to help you keep track of what you have to do.
- Occasionally you may have to work late or even on the weekend, but don’t make this a habit or you’ll burn yourself out. Set clear boundaries by establishing a time you’ll leave each day, no matter what. And refrain from checking your work email when you're at home.
- If you have the power to delegate some work, understand your team’s strengths and take advantage of their talents.
- When receiving requests from management, be honest about what you can handle. If you take on too much, your productivity and health may suffer.
