The pros and cons of being a workaholic
A workaholic I am not. I don’t understand those who are, and, furthermore, I don’t understand those who brag about it. I probably have a different definition of the word, however. I personally believe that it’s a diagnosis, while most self-proclaimed workaholics are just trying to describe their passion for their work. Assuming it is the latter, there are some pros and cons to being so dedicated.
- Pro: The office workaholic is the boss’s go to guy or gal. He knows he can count on you, and you take pride in knowing that he does.
- Con: You are irreplaceable. This sounds good at first, until you realize that you will never be replaced. You could work yourself right into a situation where it is almost impossible to promote you within the company.
- Pro: Your passion for your job has you abreast of all projects. You know a little bit about everything.
- Con: You know a little bit about everything, and not a whole lot about any one thing. In other words, you have too many irons in the fire; you’re a jack of all trades, master at none; a todo le tiras, y a nada le pegas.
- Pro: Hopefully, you are doing what you love to do, and the fact that you get paid for it is just a perk. You work overtime and embrace it. You take things home. You have a certain sense of pride in your accomplishments and status. And, you are banking!
- Con: If you work for the government, the state, the military, the school system, etc., congratulations, you workaholic you. Sorry about the paycheck.
- Pro: You are the office expert. The one that people depend on in a bind; the one they can count on. People admire your work ethic.
- Con: People depend on you in a bind. Like when the play-offs are on.
Being a workaholic is a position in the workforce that is both glorified and criticized, and it is because of the aforementioned advantages and disadvantages that it garners both reactions to the very word “workaholic.”
