by Don Taylor

I am not often surprised by the questions my clients ask. However, a few weeks ago I was caught without an answer when a client asked, "Do you think I could be addicted to my business?"

Frankly, the thought of being addicted to work had never crossed my mind. After some reflection, I realized that there might very well be a fine line between being a dedicated worker and an addicted worker.

Workers who are dedicated to their job are usually seen as committed, diligent or conscientious. These traits are considered positive.

On the other hand, being addicted means to give in to a habit or have a habitual inclination toward a behavior. You've heard the term "workaholic" used to describe those who have little focus other than their work. An addiction is usually considered negative. The following are signals of a work addition:

• When was your last vacation? If it has been more than 12 months since you took even a few days off work, you may be crossing the line.
• Were you able to relax on your last vacation? Did you really relax, or did you just move your office to a remote location? Did you spend your time on the phone checking on things at work? Did you continually think of things that you meant to get done before you left? Did you have to check your e-mail every day? If you aren't able to relax away from work, you may be on the verge of becoming work-obsessed.
• Do you have trouble sleeping? Do work-related thoughts keep you awake? Do you often wake up in the middle of the night remembering something that you neglected to do at work? Insomnia is a stress-related symptom of overwork.
• Do the activities, accomplishments or failures of family members surprise you? Do you ever find yourself asking, "When did this happen?" or, "I didn't know Johnny had a problem with math." If you're behind the curve on family matters, you may be in the addiction zone.
• Do you find yourself "out of sorts" with everyone? Are little things at work making you angry? Are you snapping at those around you? Are you just as irritable at home? These may be work-obsession danger signals.
• When was the last time you visited with a neighbor? If you leave home early and return late, you may never see your neighbors. If you're always at work on the weekends, you may not even recognize your neighbor. Remember, there should be more to life than work.
• How many meals do you eat with your family? If you leave early and don't return until late, you may be putting a strain on relationships. Your family may be growing closer to your neighbors than they are to you.
• Do you have nagging physical ailments or depression? Headaches, sleepless nights, digestive problems, high blood pressure and mild depression are common symptoms of both stress and addiction.

Now that you've considered these questions, ask your spouse or a close friend to answer these same questions for you. If their answers contradict yours, don't be surprised. Remember, denial is a classic symptom of addiction.