“For workaholics, all the eggs of self-esteem are in the basket of work.”
~Judith M. Bardwick
 

 

Work Life Balance

What’s Important to You?  Are you, or someone who know a workaholic? 

Have you ever had the wonderful opportunity of being part of a working team with one or more workaholics?  Have you received less bonus dollars and raises than some of your seemingly more productive co-workers?  Are you not willing to work overtime every time you are asked, and do you leave work at the end of your scheduled shift without taking work home with you?  Does your review say you are just an average worker?  Don’t despair, in the long run you’ll benefit in other areas of your life that are much more important to your well being and your family's well being.

In today’s society, workaholism is rewarded with praises, money and promotions.  Those of us who choose family and work balance all too often seem to suffer monetarily for our choice to take time for ourselves.

I must say, that I think I was a workaholic.  As a young person, I began working in a factory.  I soon learned that the way to get praises, raises and promotions was to work harder, longer and faster than anyone else.   After 20 years of working at that pace, for more praise than raise, I began suffering from repetitive strain injuries and another painful illness they diagnosed as fibromyalgia.  That was the beginning of a lot of pain and suffering for me that has left me with reduced capacity and tolerance for exercise and any exertive recreational activities now.  I learned the hard way that pacing oneself and being just average was the best strategy to get the job done, both for the individual worker and the company.

See Article:  Recovering from Workaholism 

Nowadays, I settle for being a little early to the office because it’s convenient for me, and I stay late, only when it’s really important and I want to.  Work and life balance are critical to my maintaining good health.  Yes, I still have the tendency to go above and beyond, but now I make time for down time.  That means not having the cleanest house in town or the tidiest yard in the neighbourhood.  It also means having more time to be with my friends and family, who appreciate my more relaxed self and feel at home in the midst of my less than perfect living room.  My sole purpose for working is to put a roof over my head and food on the table, and hopefully with enough left over to buy a toy or two.  Having a more balanced work life schedule allows me to enjoy the fruit of my labour and I feel, makes living more enjoyable.

Until Next time...
Be Well
The Advisor

  

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