by Kristina K.Summers

Created on: May 07, 2009

There are a few quick and easy ways to check and see if you are in fact a workaholic, however if you are reading this with concern that you might be one, that in itself should be a BIG red flag. Most non-workaholics do not fret over spending too much time at the office (or as is more common in today's wireless world, too much time perusing the "crack-berry" device of choice).

If you are concerned though, here are a few tips to help you determine if you are in fact in need of a a serious intervention.

1. You often find yourself the last person in the office, cheerfully calling out as people leave - "don't worry, I'll lock up!"

2. If you misplace your blackberry (or substitute your smart-phone of choice here), you all but call the police to report it missing and then tear your office/home/wherever you are apart to try and locate it. You beg strangers to call your number so that hopefully you will hear it despite having put it on vibrate earlier in the day to avoid disturbing one of many meetings.

3. You immediately check your work email aas soon as you get home...just in case there is an urgent message.

4. You check your work voice mail after hours, on weekends, whenever you have down time.

5. You regularly answer work calls, even on vacation.

6. Most of your conversations eventually end up back on the topic of work.

7. You know the doorman/security guard of your building well enough to attend his children's graduation from college.

8. If you leave the house without your laptop you go into actual physical withdrawal.....

9. You spend so much time in your office that you keep a week's worth of groceries on hand, just in case you miss a meal (which you often do...who has time to take lunch anyway?)

10. You have actually fallen asleep at your desk,only to wake the next morning, feeling grateful you have a change of clothes on the back of your door.

11. If you didn't have your electronic calendar you would never know what time, day or year it is. Thank goodness for Google.

12. Lastly - if you often dream about work you didn't finish, or keep a notebook to jot work ideas down at all times, including when your wife is in labor....then you must concede you probably are a workaholic.

There is hope. First you have to destroy the blackberry - Office Space style....then you need a VERY long vacation, away from ALL electronic devices. If your hubby or wife is supportive then they will gladly take you FAR FAR away.

If you still need help - check out www.onsimplicity.net - and start cherishing the simple life.

Good luck!

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