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If you "live to work", you "are a workaholic". If you "work to live", you "are not". Most of us know at least one "workaholic", if not more (it might be you). Everyone else is "working to live" (support themselves, support their family).

Webster's definition for workaholic is "compulsive worker". So, by definition,a workaholic is someone who "must work" (within that person there is an "absolute need to be working"). The workaholics pleasure is "doing the work" (not the result of the work being done). The workaholic is "completely engaged" in the work "being done", and "nothing else matters", nothing else has greater importance while it is being done. His/Her family, friends, pets, appointments, engagements all take a back seat to his/her work.

Plenty of people, especially at this time because of the recession, are working extremely long hours or more than (1) job, and are away from family and friends for the entire day and into the night. They would appear to be "workaholics", but all you would need to do to find out if they are, is ask them; where and what they'd rather be doing? If they say, "sailing" (boating, travelling, playing, with my family, home, etc.), you "know" they are not. If they say; "I don't want to be anywhere else, I have work to do", they are definitely a "workaholic".

Can a "workaholic" change and become a "functioning member of society"? It would be tough! Of course the right answer is "yes"! We should never deny "possibility", "hope", nor should we "discourage" someone from attempting to change (especially when it is so important to them and their family).

Before feelings get hurt (are you paying attention workaholics?), yes workaholics perform a vital function "at work". But face the facts; you aren't a "functioning member of society" while you are a workaholic. Why? Because you don't socialize, you don't care about anyone or anything "unless", they are, or it is, directly related to the work you are doing right then, period.

However, "fellow workaholics" (yes, I admit it, I confess, I am guilty or more correctly, was guilty of being a workaholic), I made the leap to the other side. Yes, it's true I actually sought out and found companionship. I can "honestly say I now work to live". Even though my work hours have increased, the quality of "my life" (yes, I have a life), has gotten "so much better". It's wonderful!

I even took a "vacation", and not just any vacation, I went to that "wonderfully, magical place in Florida". It was "so great" (did you know the sun sets in the West? I never noticed before. Just kidding!). It was the best experience of my life and I got to share it "with" my family. I can't wait to go again!

But in all truth, there's much more "to life" than "just work". Make the leap, share "your gifts" (wisdom, knowledge, compassion, hope, faith, love) with your "family of man". The rewards you receive in return, will "absolutely enrich you and make you glow". Get to know your family and friends, share some "laughs", have some "fun"!

Now get to work, so you can get on with "living" after work. Remember , the "workaholic lives to work", "not you"!

Learn more about this author, Daniel G. O'Leary.
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