Workaholics: Doomed to failure? (Part 1 of 2)

Today one may easily argue that the symptomatic “Workaholic” is created by imbalances in our society, rather than choice for greater luxury. It used to be that Workaholics were defined as people who willingly chose to neglect family and other responsibilities in order to provide themselves with excessive work so that they may increase their income, affording greater luxuries in life. Is the position of the workaholic still a matter of choice, or has it now become a product of a weakened economy?

While wages have not necessarily decreased, the value of them has with the decreasing value of the dollar (national debt), while the cost of living and taxation continue to rise with inflation. It seems increasing that men and women are working more jobs and seeking out greater training to simply make ends meet. No longer are men and women able to come out of college a baccalaureate and provide a decent income to support a growing family. One now needs not only a master’s degree but a minimum of five years experience to be readily considered for a job that makes more than $40K a year.

In order to compensate, providers are now working multiple jobs while increasing their education and training in their “spare” time. All this is done in hopes of securing a future career that pays enough to sustain growing needs, without logging away excessive hours. So as one can see, it is easily conceived that a provider of a small growing family may work over 40 hrs. a week while attending school part or full time. Additionally, we're seeing a decrease in parents being at home with their children, as they are often both working to afford the comforts they desire. Those families employing both parents seem to be losing out with the hours drawn away from each other and their children. It would seem that Workaholics are doomed to failure as their hard work is not only sacrificing family and other important aspects of life, but is no longer affording excessive luxuries, instead only simple needs and comforts.

How do we cope with these challenges while still affording time for the other good and arguably more important things in life; family, church, fitness, play, etc.? How do we balance providing for our way of life while successfully enjoying the living part?

Workaholics: Part 2

Written By: Marzee Dyer
Photo By: Salon de Maria

27 years of age, Marzee has never been much farther than the green puddles of the Northwest (Oregon & Washington, USA). She has been happily married to Jon for seven years, is a stay at home mother of three, college student, and youth mentor. She is the founder of WomenAfire. Hobbies: Singing at church, dancing with her kids, hangin' with her husband, fitness, teaching, reading (Stephenie Meyer) & writing.