Occasionally I’ll jokingly refer to myself as a workaholic. I don’t like to be interrupted when working, and once I enter my creative zone…there’s no stopping me. But in the back of mind I know that I’m not really a workaholic. I do have a strong work ethic, and I am not afraid of hard work. But unlike workaholics, I have balance.

I didn’t realize the severity of this problem until I stumbled upon a WA or Workaholics Anonymous forum. Work can become a real obsession; and anyone who loves their job “too much” may be headed down a dangerous path.

So, how do you know if you’re a workaholic? According to a few online surveys, you might be a workaholic if…

• It’s midnight and you haven’t left the computer in six hours
• You work more than 40 hours a week
• You work non-stop during the week, on the weekends, in bed, and on vacation
• Discussions about work dominate your conversations
• You sneak and work when no one is looking
• You put work ahead of your family and friends
• You get upset when someone tells you to take a break
• You think sleep and relaxation is for lazy people
• You feel guilty about taking a sick day or vacation day
• Family and friends know they can’t depend on you to show up on time, or follow through with plans