Pick the answer that you IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST in each of these questions.
1. If you were to add up the hours you spend working on an average week would it be:
a) less than 40
b) 40-50
c) 50-60
d) more than 60
2. In the last 6 months, how many after hours or weekend family or friend get-togethers have you missed due to work responsibilities:
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2-3
d) 4 or more
3. In the last 6 months, how many times have you said “no” to an extra project or assignment that would mean overtime:
a) 3 or more times
b) 2-3 times
c) 1 time
d) never
4. When you look at your life as a whole, what percentage of your energy is used for your professional goals:
a) Less than 50%
b) 50-60%
c) 60-80%
d) 80% or more
5. Which statement have you heard yourself say about your job:
a) Work is a pay cheque, I put in my hours and I go home.
b) Work is important to me but my family and friends are just as important.
c) My career is very important to me, it takes top priority usually.
d) I live to work. Without my work, I would shrivel up and die.
6. How has your romantic life suffered because of your work?
a) It hasn’t suffered at all. My work is a non-issue.
b) My work has meant a romantic sacrifice here or there but within reason.
c) My work has been a pivotal issue with break-ups or divorces in my life.
d) Romantic life? What is that?
7. How has your health been impacted by your work?
a) It hasn’t impacted my health at all.
b) I am in good shape overall and my work supports my physical health.
c) I haven’t been to the gym in months and it shows. I find it hard to find the time with work being so consuming of my time.
d) I have been diagnosed with stress related illnesses – ulcer, heart condition, anxiety, skin rashes or irritations, weight gain etc.
8. Do you have hobbies?
a) Yes, lots of them.
b) I have a couple that I find time for on the weekend and the occasional weeknight.
c) I have some but they are getting sadly neglected and ignored.
d) I don’t have time for hobbies.
9. If you decided to have a spontaneous party tomorrow night, how many friends (not acquaintances) could you count on to show up?
a) More than 5
b) 3-5
c) 1-2
d) None
10. What statement would you suspect to hear or have heard your coworkers say about you.
a) He/she is a good person but not leadership material.
b) He/she can really balance work and life.
c) He/she works way too much, I can’t understand how her/his partner tolerates it.
d) He/she needs to get a life.
ANSWER KEY:
If you chose mostly a: You probably don’t put a lot of energy into your career. It is not that important to you. Work is not a high priority when you are deciding how to spend your time and energy. You don’t have a career plan.
If you chose mostly b: You know how to balance work and life. Your family and friends are very important to you. You know how to set boundaries and take care of your mental and physical health.
If you chose mostly c: You are in danger of being labelled a workaholic. If you continue down this path, you will burn out. Be really careful to spend your physical and mental energy equally between your work and life. Neglecting time to play can dampen your creativity. Take a holiday and reflect.
If you scored mostly d’s: You are a card carrying workaholic. Seek help. You may need to seriously consider a stress leave. Give yourself the time to really examine your priorities.
If you have comments or suggestions on this article, please start a discussion
If you liked this article, try:
10 Danger Signs of Stress Overload
Copyright © 2007 Joni Rose and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
