Workaholics

Foreign-born employess often observe that Americans spend an inordinate amount of time working and, as a consequence, have little time for leisure or personal relationship. In Americans English, the word “workaholic” describes people who are as addicted to their work as an alcoholic is to liquor. There are conflicting points of view about workaholics. From some points of view, they are seen as valuable members of society because they are extremely productive and embody the values of achievement and efficiency. Increasingly, however, those concerned with problems of mental stress believe that workaholics abuse themselves physically and mentally, and that a workaholic life style is detrimental to personal and family life. Some people are workaholics in their twenties and thirties, but in mid-life may change their priorities. Some, although certainly not all, realize that they do not have to “prove themselves” thourgh their work accomplishments and achievements.