You might label yourself as a workaholic because you’re constantly glued to your desk, but that’s probably not the whole story.
You’re not spending so much time working because you love the process of, I don’t know, filling in spreadsheets or writing reports. Chances are, there are other things going on in your life that are leading to this (ultimately harmful) habit.
1. You’re avoiding something in your personal life.
Sometimes, throwing yourself into work is easier than dealing with problems at home. Got relationship troubles? Pile on the overtime! It’s like using work as a shield against the stuff you don’t want to face. But remember, those issues will still be there when you finally clock off.
2. You’re trying to prove your worth.
If you’re constantly trying to show everyone how valuable you are, you might be overcompensating for some inner doubts. You’re basically saying, “Look how hard I work! I’m irreplaceable!” However, your worth isn’t measured by how many hours you put in. Maybe it’s time to work on that self-esteem instead of that project.
3. You’re afraid of missing out on opportunities.
FOMO isn’t just for social events — it happens at work too. You might be scared that if you’re not always available, you’ll miss out on that big project or promotion. But being constantly “on” isn’t sustainable. Sometimes, you’ve got to trust that the right opportunities will come your way without sacrificing your wellbeing.
4. You’re filling a void.
Work can be a great distraction from feelings of emptiness or dissatisfaction in other areas of life. It’s like using your job as a big plaster to cover up other issues. But just like a plaster, it’s only a temporary fix. It might be worth exploring what’s really missing in your life.
5. You’re caught in the “busy” trap.
Our culture often equates being busy with being important or successful. You might be overworking simply because you think that’s what successful people do. But being busy isn’t the same as being productive or fulfilled. It’s okay to have downtime — in fact, it’s necessary!
6. You’re avoiding making big decisions.
If you have some life-changing decisions looming, overworking can be a great way to avoid them. You’re basically sending the message that you’re too busy to think about your future/relationship/career path, but putting off these decisions won’t make them go away.
7. You’re compensating for imposter syndrome.
If you constantly feel like a fraud at work, you might overwork to try and ‘earn’ your place. Maybe you’re thinking, “If I work hard enough, maybe I’ll finally feel like I belong here.” But remember, you were hired for a reason. You don’t need to prove yourself every single day.
8. You’re stuck in a cycle of perfectionism.
Perfectionists often struggle to call a project ‘done’. There’s always one more tweak, one more review. Before you know it, you’ve spent far too much time on something that was probably good enough hours ago. Sometimes, done is better than perfect.
9. You’re using work as a coping mechanism.
Work can be a socially acceptable way to avoid dealing with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues. It’s like self-medicating with spreadsheets instead of substances, but just like any unhealthy coping mechanism, it’s not a long-term solution.
10. You’re trying to outrun burnout.
Ironically, you might be overworking because you’re already burning out. When we start feeling overwhelmed, sometimes we double down instead of stepping back. It’s like trying to outrun your own shadow. Of course, the only way past burnout is through rest, not more work.
11. You’re mimicking what you see around you.
If everyone in your office is working crazy hours, you might feel pressured to do the same. You’re clearly trying to keep up with the Joneses, but with timesheets instead of fancy cars. However, just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean it’s healthy or necessary.
12. You’re afraid of what you’ll find in the quiet.
Sometimes, the thought of having free time can be scary. What if you don’t like what you discover about yourself when you’re not busy? It’s almost as if you’re afraid of your own company, but getting comfortable with downtime is vital for your health and wellness.
13. You’re trying to justify your existence.
In a world that often values productivity above all else, you might feel like you need to be constantly working to justify your existence. The thing is, your output does not determine your worth. You’re valuable simply because you exist.
14. You’re avoiding financial insecurity.
If you’ve experienced financial hardship in the past, you might be overworking to feel more secure. It’s like you’re building a fortress of overtime to protect yourself. But financial security isn’t just about how much you earn — it’s also about how you manage what you have.
15. You’re chasing a ‘high’.
Accomplishing tasks can definitely give us a little hit of dopamine. You might be chasing that feeling of achievement, even if it means creating more work for yourself. However, there are healthier ways to get that sense of accomplishment.
16. You’re trying to outrun change.
If there are big changes happening in your company or industry, you might be overworking to try to stay ahead of them. You think that if you work hard enough, nothing will change. Of course, the reality is that change is inevitable, and overworking won’t stop it.
17. You’ve forgotten how to relax.
Sometimes, we get so used to being busy that we forget how to slow down. Relaxation becomes a foreign concept. It’s like you’ve forgotten how to shift out of fifth gear. But relaxation is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Maybe it’s time to pencil in some dedicated relaxation time?
