I saw an article in Wednesday’s USA Today called Hi, I’m Joan, and I’m a Workaholic: Technology enables rise of extreme workers, on job more 60 hours or more.
The article begins by pointing out that support groups for workaholics exist in nearly 20 states. Their purpose is “to bring members together to battle their compulsion to work” and “is a sign of how employees are finding it harder to maintain boundaries between work and life.” The article goes on to say that “workaholics have long been part of the workforce. But new research shows a growing number of these extreme workers, driven to long hours on the job because of new technology, globalization and today’s intensified business pressures”.
I’m not stranger to this. A couple of weeks ago, I was in LA to conduct an all day seminar that began at 9:00 am. However, before the seminar I facilitated a conference call with people in New York, Brussels and Singapore. To accommodate everybody, the call began at 7:30 am New York time – that’s 4:30 am in LA. I set my alarm for 4:15 and conducted the call in a pair of gym shorts and t shirt. Then, I took a shower, got dressed and spent the day working with the senior executives of airplane charter business. While I tend to be a workaholic, this was pretty extreme even for me.
I’ve learned to multitask. I used to read novels on airplanes. Now, I write blog posts. I’m on a flight from Newark to Denver as I write this. And you know what? This is all OK for me.
However, not everyone agrees. I got a comment from Jerome Alexander on a post on this blog last week (called 7 Things Every Leader Must Know that reported on the leadership advice of Retired US Army General William Cohen) that echoed the points in the USA Today article.
- “It is true that today’s workplace has become like a battlefield. Just ask the foot soldiers - the salaried exempt employees and the middle managers. Horrendous working hours and extreme stress has them suffering like they like were in the Battle of the Bulge or worse yet, the Bataan Death March. The platitudes and pity sayings of these so-called leaders are only meant to persuade the troops to fall on more grenades and spur the army on to glory. Whose glory? For what greater good? Freeing the world from a dictator or fighting a maniacal enemy? No! As cleverly detailed in point 5, for the ‘leader’s’ goal. (Cohen’s point 5 is “The essence of leadership is motivating people to do their best to meet your goals.) I am certain that the armchair generals of the corporate world will have no problem at all glomming on to Cohen's words. More clever gimmicks for fighting to the last drop of YOUR blood.”
While the USA Today workaholic article was slanted to point out the ill effects of extreme work behavior, Karissa Thacker, a management psychologist begged to differ. “I really get irritated by all the workaholism comments. You derive so many emotional needs from work. There is a feeling of being more satisfied in your life, more confident, (higher) social status, a sense of accomplishment. What feels balanced for me may not be balanced for you.”
I agree with Ms. Thacker. I like to work. I get great satisfaction and enjoyment from what I do. I don’t feel out of balance – let alone as if I am on the Bataan Death March. I’m lucky, but I really like my work. I enjoy the thinking, writing, facilitating, speaking and training that I do. So to me, lots of hours spent working are actually kind of relaxing. I’m doing something I enjoy. I once read a quote – “find something you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” That describes me pretty well. But, as I’ve said, I’m lucky.
However, I’m me and you’re you. We all have to decide for ourselves how much work is too much work.
I’d like to get a lot of comments on this post. Is the pace of work too great today? Do employers ask too much of employees? Is it easier to work long hours if you’re self employed? How much does enjoying what you do have to do with it? etc. etc. etc.
Please comment. I’d love to know.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense. Check out my other blog: www.SuccessCommonSense.com for common sense advice on becoming the career and life success you are meant to be.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
well, I think the employers should give more importance to the passion 4 the job rather than the qualification they posses...
as “find something you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.”
Posted by: Shifan | June 06, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Hello
The main page of a site has especially pleased. Good color scale! Thanks!
Bye
Posted by: likopinko | September 10, 2007 at 11:46 PM