False Cures: Workaholism

While it may feel like a solution, overworking is often a mirage that traps high achievers in a cycle of exhaustion. Join me as we break down why workaholics fall into this trap, look at relatable stories from fellow creatives, and map out actionable strategies to break free.

Why Workaholism Feels Like a Cure
Many of us assume that if we just work harder and longer, we’ll eventually find relief. Workaholism gives the illusion of control—a sense that if we keep pushing, we’ll eventually “earn” our rest. But in reality, this pattern often deepens burnout. 

• Burnout: A state beyond stress or exhaustion—a disconnect between who you are and who you thought you’d be, often leading to apathy, anger, or despair.

• Workaholism: An addiction to work, where the act of working triggers dopamine hits, making it hard to stop. Clinical definitions, like Dr. Barbara Killinger’s, describe workaholics as individuals emotionally crippled by their compulsive drive for power, approval, and recognition.

A Cautionary Tale: Meet Anna
Meet “Anna,” an overachiever who epitomizes the high-functioning workaholic. Anna’s dedication and skill are unmatched, yet decades of overwork have cost her social connections, personal hobbies, and even strained her relationships. Despite earning a good salary, her actual hourly “pay” is shocking when calculated against her total hours worked—less than a third of minimum wage!

Anna’s story illustrates a key point: workaholism doesn’t fix burnout—it fuels it.

Why It’s Hard to Recognize

• Our culture idolizes hard work as virtue.

• Workaholism can masquerade as determination or grit.

• High-pressure workplaces often reward overwork, masking the addiction.

Plan of Action: Breaking Free from Workaholism
Here are some practical strategies for breaking the overwork cycle:

1. Keep a List of Your Achievements
   Track what you accomplish daily, weekly, or monthly. Seeing your progress in black and white combats the fear that you’re “not doing enough.”

2. Find a Shared Hobby
   Hobbies offer mental breaks from work. Pairing your hobby with an accountability buddy ensures you stick with it, reinforcing healthy boundaries.

3. Cultivate Boredom
   Intentionally do nothing for a set period. Allow your mind space to wander, which sparks creativity, self-reflection, and renewed energy.

Key Takeaway:
The cure for burnout doesn’t live at the bottom of your to-do list. Working harder is not the same as working smarter—overwork only fuels the fire.

Resources & Links:

• Pre-order Shelley’s book Beyond Burnout: The Overachiever’s Guide to Beating Burnout for Good here 

• Follow the podcast on Instagram: @beyondburnoutpodcast 

• Join the conversation on Facebook: Beyond Burnout HQ