W o r k . . .
Get a life!
Courtesy of Microsoft
|
Finding a sense of balance between work and family is tough, especially in an age with such marvels as laptop computers, cell phones, PDA's and wireless Internet to name a few, all of which have been marketed as necessary items for survival in today's business world.
By throwing about advertising expressions like "increased productivity" and "maximizing profits," these technological wonders are said to allow Americans to take their work with them anywhere they go, no matter what the personal sacrifices are.
And while these pieces of modern business survival gear may have achieved their principle purpose of creating a stronger global economy, they also have managed to slash apart the core fiber on which civilization thrives and survives – family.
The line that separates work and family is a thin one. Both require dedication, loyalty, respect and hard work to achieve fulfillment.
"A national study – the first to examine the impact of workaholism on the family – provides evidence which suggests that workaholism can lead to brittle family relationships, contribute to marital conflict, and create dysfunction within the family," according to Robinson & Post in their 1997 book.
There is a severe inconsistency in how working Americans fit in the hours they work, with the time they spend with their families. More money for less dad is not a good bargain.
"I once got a huge check. And the same day I got a huge hug and kiss from my child. The hug and kiss felt better," author Gary W. Fenchuk says.
Miseries.
In addition to alienating family and friends, workacholics are at a higher risk for health problems than those that take time to savor the smell of a fresh spring, watch their child play ball or teach them to ride a bike.
According to labour market economists Dan Hamermesh and Joel Slemrod, workaholism begin early in a person's career and gets worse over time, and can have many unforseen repercussions.
"A variety of health problems have been attributed to workaholism, ranging from exhaustion to high blood pressure. And longer working hours have been linked with increased chances of weight gain, smoking and alcohol consumption," Hamermesh and Slemrod reported.
"High stress can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. And stress takes a toll on the immune system, making stressed-out workaholics more vulnerable to other illnesses. And those who are married to workaholics have higher divorce rates, greater rates of marital estrangement, fewer positive feelings about their marriage and feel less in control of their lives," they said.
Mother Teresea once said, "Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty."
Testimonial: Love me, not your work »
Workaholics |
Work cover |
Addiction cover
|
|
