TALES OF A WORKAHOLIC, AND LESSONS LEARNED

workaholic

[wurk-uh-haw-lik, -hol-ik]

Definition: A person who works compulsively. While the term generally implies that the person enjoys their work, it can also imply that they simply feel compelled to do it. (wikipedia.com)

I don't think that it's a secret that I used to be a workaholic. I've always been this way. When I was a kid I'd mow neighbors lawns, pet sit, baby sit, and grace my neighborhood with the occasional presence of a lemonade stand.

I'm not ashamed that I knew what I wanted. My passion for architecture at a young age helped me land an internship as a construction worker before I could even drive (thanks dad, for driving me 5 days a week to and from work at the crack of dawn for an entire summer). Once I had a car, I got myself a steady job at an arts and crafts store, and eventually ended up at my first architecture firm as a senior in high school.

It just never stopped. I spent my evenings and summers working as much as I possibly could. Eager to learn, gain experience, get paid. In college, I somehow ended up working at an engineering firm, whilst going to school full time and working retail in the evenings/on weekends. I was living on less than 6 hours of sleep a night, and I barely had time to eat good meals or maintain my friendships/relationships.

I was burnt out. I managed to make it through my Masters with a 4.0 GPA, so I finally gave myself a break. That summer I cut it down to just my retail job, which I continued to work once I moved to California, and even after I found a full time position. I was even doing a few gigs on the side as much as I could. I was back to my workaholic self.

The day of my first employee review is the day I gained back my freedom. I was commended for doing a good job, and given a $2/hr raise. That may not seem like much for some, but it allowed me to quit that second job working retail, which at that point, had become a very toxic environment. No more 12 hour Fridays (8-noon at the firm, 3-9:30 at the store), no more stress.

Now, I've learned how to relax. I realized that I spent all my time working myself to the bone when I never really got to enjoy any of my earnings. As soon as I got a paycheck, I instantly paid my bills, my loans, and bought groceries. Then poof, it was gone.

[Books of Adam]

I do still feel this way...that I don't get to see the money I work hard to earn. But I take pleasure in the fact that I no longer have to work as hard to earn that money, I'm sleeping 8-9 hours a night, and my friendships, relationships, and hobbies are flourishing. I've learned that earning money is an important part of achieving my goals, but not if it takes my sanity with it.

#workaholic