4 Signs that you’re excessively invested in your work.
You might have read about Elon Musk’s working style, right? He is a renowned inspiration to many aspiring CEOs and junior staff. Did you know that Elon works very hard, at least 100 hours a week? In fact, many times, he goes long hours for weeks without leaving work to rest instead he would sleep on the floor in the factory. From a common man’s boss or worker, this sounds quite impressive that every company would rush for such a hard-working individual, but wait a minute, think of it this way, Not trying to say that being invested in your job is a bad idea, but it’s worth noting that it has both good and bad sides to it. On one hand, your passion propels you to perform and succeed. On the other, being overly attached to work can drag you down, drain your energy and affect your confidence.
Here are some signs to watch out for and what to do about them;
1. You let workflow into your personal life or home.
When the urge to over deliver and impress your employer overrides your off-work time and emotional wellbeing. This is when working more makes you feel good about yourself thus you try to prove your worth by working more even when you need a break at home. This sometimes goes unnoticeable but hugely impacts your health and work life balance.
2. You get offended by criticism or negative feedback against your work
When you find yourself feeling angry, sidelined, demoralized and insecure upon receiving feedback that seems negative on your hard work. It may be a comment from your boss, this makes you become preoccupied by people’s opinions hence you develop fear of uncertainty on how people think of you.
3. When suddenly, your job tittle becomes your identity off work.
When you allow your job to define who you are in a society. People know you not for who you are but for what you do for your organization. This is a perilous place to be because it makes you insecure and in fear of losing your job since your self-worth is pegged on your job title.
4. When you want to please everyone at work
It’s nowadays common to say, ‘your job is your second home” But this is not true. Sometimes you feel the need to put other people’s needs before yours or think that by solving other people’s problems, you become their hero. This also manifests when you fear expressing your challenges or asking for help because you feel like this will make you appear week or incompetent.
A little physical and emotional distance from your job can go a long way in improving your wellbeing. Sometimes it can be doing what you enjoy besides work and be good at them. This can be taking part in a hobby, exercise, community service or doing anything that will take your mind off your job.
Remember, your work does not define you, it’s only what you do.
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Also read; Stress & Resilience; The Perfect Balance in the Workplace
By Omido Joshua
