The term "workaholic" became a semipopular colloquialism in 1968. Until I
researched the word, I thought it was a more contemporary term that came about
to describe what people perceive as a very serious and relatively new problem:
compulsively working without regard for friends, relatives, hobbies and other
non-work obligations.
Apparently the problem isn't all that new and overworking is deemed so
critical that we now have Workaholic's Anonymous, offering support and a 12-step
program to cease working in a neurotic fashion. I've always believed that a true
entrepreneur's best asset was her relentless quest for success, but my staff and
friends inform me that ambitious work habits aren't necessarily a good thing.
I completely disagree. I've made a great career out of remaining focused on
my goals. Working long hours relaxes me and provides me with a feeling of
accomplishment and security. Aggressively applying myself allows me complete
control over the degree of success I achieve. My reputation is solid since I'm
always at the office and accessible to clients, vendors and employees, even on
weekends and holidays.
Sure, I haven't set foot in a mall for three years, I sleep with my cell
phone and I haven't seen a movie since 1992. I haven't taken a vacation except
for a southern Caribbean cruise when I stayed in the internet lounge the entire
trip, communicating with clients and employees. My internet bill exceeded the
entire cost of the cruise. OK, I might have a problem. But should it be deemed
workaholism?
Recently, I was the subject of a female journalist's column on workaholics.
The writer chastised my lifestyle, criticized my work ethic and let the readers
know in so many words that I'm misguided. She offered condolences to my husband
and family, whom she assumed were completely abandoned due to my professional
dedication.
Wait a minute. Who's in charge of my personal barometer that measures what
makes me and my family happy? So what if I haven't sent out Christmas cards for
the past 15 years? Somehow I always make it to the holiday dinner table.
After the article was shamelessly dispersed all over the internet, I went
home and asked my husband if his life is as miserable as it was portrayed in the
article. It isn't. He told me his life is exciting, and he's still enamored by
the idea that I could develop a simple concept and nurture it to success.
Although the journalist swears I must be miserable, I'm not.
Starting my business in my basement was a huge risk, but I built the dream
into an empire with simple determination and a commitment to my company. Working
eight hours a day probably would have led me to a reasonable amount of success,
but extending my average work day to at least 12 hours allowed for more
marketing, additional product development and better control over the day-to-day
operations of the business. Clients were impressed by my availability and
revenue accumulated much faster than I initially expected.
Working hard at my job every day has led to true security. I'm never bored
and I don't have to lie awake at night wondering if a task was completed. I can
handle changes in the market. I can offer my employees a secure position and a
regular paycheck. I take the subject of hardworking, dedicated individuals very
seriously and will defend our diligent ways to the death.
If you've been told you're a workaholic, take it as a compliment. I've always
admired Oprah Winfrey, the epitome of a workaholic. She hosts a TV show, owns a
production company and a magazine, and does extensive charity work. Clearly,
Oprah is a woman in control, and she has worked her way into Forbes' top slot as
the world's highest-paid entertainer. Did she get there by slacking off or by
working excessively?
A hard-working woman should be viewed as an inspiration, not a psychological
phenomenon. All work and no play? No. Work is my play. And if good things result
from determination, then it's all good.