How do you draw the line between healthy productivity and work addiction? Working hard isn’t necessarily a problem, especially if you enjoy what you do and still have time for other parts of your life.
Workaholism is different. Work begins to take over your thoughts, relationships, free time, and sometimes even your health. You may continue working when there is no real need to do so or feel anxious and guilty whenever you try to stop.
Some people use work to deal with anxiety or avoid other problems in their lives. It may seem useful because it keeps the mind occupied, but it doesn’t make the original problem go away. Meanwhile, relationships, sleep, hobbies, and health may begin to suffer.
This 12-question quiz can help you look at your relationship with work. It is an informal self-assessment, not a professional diagnosis.
1. You regularly cancel personal plans because you would rather continue working.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
2. You need to feel productive to feel happy or good about yourself.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
3. You have trouble delegating work, even when someone else could easily do it.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
4. No matter how much you accomplish, it never feels like enough.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
5. You can’t simply relax and enjoy your time away from work.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
6. You regularly start work earlier or continue working later than the people around you.
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Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
7. Your mind wanders back to work even when you are at home, with other people, or on vacation.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
8. You often work much longer than you originally intended.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
9. People close to you have told you to work less, but you find it difficult to listen to them.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
10. Your work habits have affected your sleep, health, meals, or ability to take proper care of yourself.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
11. You use work to escape anxiety, guilt, sadness, or problems in your personal life.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
12. You have tried to reduce your working hours but soon returned to your old habits.
Agree strongly
Agree slightly
Neutral
Disagree slightly
Disagree strongly
Your results will be displayed below.
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