Entrepreneurs often celebrate the hustle—long hours, dark circles, and stress as badges of honor. We admire those who sacrifice weekends and sleep for success, seeming superhuman. Yet, research shows personal relationships, self-care, and play are essential for a balanced life, often paying the price for such achievements.
Related: 7 Signs You're Addicted to Ambition
What seems like an admirable work ethic can signal workaholism. Experts estimate 10-25% of American adults qualify. Not listed in the DSM-5, the term was coined in the late 1960s by psychologist Wayne Oates, a self-diagnosed workaholic, as “the uncontrollable compulsion or urge to work non-stop.”
Distinguishing workaholism from dedication is tricky. An entrepreneur grinding through startup phases can detach for rest without symptoms. But if long hours bring constant guilt, obsessive email checks, or work dominating conversations, it's time for a closer look.
The Consequences
Workaholism leads to poor sleep, digestive issues, memory problems, excessive alcohol use, and type 2 diabetes risk. It often stems from seeking self-fulfillment through peer approval, hindering delegation—leaders believe they're irreplaceable.
Despite appearing productive, chronic stress reduces long-term output. Teams feel inadequate or resentful, fostering toxic environments. Workaholics become victims of their habits, evoking both admiration and pity.
Dealing with Workaholism
If recharging feels impossible, vacations trigger work dreams, or minor issues haunt sleepless nights, self-assess. Here's how:
Related: How to Leave Work at the Door
Marina Byezhanova
Co-Founder and Director, Pronexia, Inc.; Montreal
Balancing hard work and parenting brings guilt. My approach: cultivate inner peace to focus fully, whether working or home. Balance is personal—I grew my business to $1M revenue by year four without sacrificing presence for my kids. Work 75-hour weeks, but unplug fully for family weekends. Own your definition of success.
Carisa Miklusak
CEO and President, tilr; New York City
Jack Welch taught me: no work-life balance, just choices. Differentiate intentional hustle from compulsion. When torn between events, imagine missing one—if the story ends well, skip it. Be deliberate with your time.
Thomas Nguyen
Co-Founder and CEO, Peli Peli Restaurant Group; Houston
In restaurants, shutting off is tough, but poor management harms relationships. Prioritize quality time: wake early for work, align with my wife's schedule for dinners. Sacrifice to excel in business and life—you can't recapture family moments.
Related: Are You a Workaholic?
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2018 issue of LadiesBelle I/O magazine.
