In today’s always-connected world, some people find it nearly impossible to switch off from work.
Psychology identifies several key traits behind this inability to disconnect, including traits like a constant need for achievement and high levels of conscientiousness.
Unfortunately, these behaviors, though often rewarded in the workplace, can have serious downsides.
Burnout, reduced productivity, and impaired mental health are all consequences of working without boundaries.
By exploring the psychological traits common to “always-on” individuals, we can learn how to balance ambition with the essential need for rest
1) They’re relentless perfectionists
Workaholics don’t just aim for “good enough”. They’re always striving for perfection.
Psychology tells us that perfectionism is a trait often seen in those who can’t seem to switch off from work.
These individuals set extremely high standards for themselves and are never fully satisfied with their work.
But we’re not talking about healthy ambition here.
This is about an unquenchable thirst for perfection that can often lead to burnout.
It’s not just about doing their best, it’s about being the best and they’ll work tirelessly until they believe they’ve achieved it. Of course, in their minds, there’s always room for improvement.
And that’s why they find it so hard to switch off.
There’s always one more task, one more goal, one more level of perfection to strive for.
2) They thrive on being busy
Let me take you back to a friend of mine, let’s call him Mike. Mike was one of those people who always had a project on the go.
It didn’t matter whether it was day or night, weekday or weekend.
He thrived on being busy. If he wasn’t working on something, he felt like he was wasting time.
Psychology tells us that workaholics often feel uncomfortable with downtime.
They associate busyness with productivity, and in turn, success.
Even when they’re not at work, they’re thinking about work or doing something related to it.
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I remember asking Mike once why he didn’t just take a break, relax.
He looked at me like I’d suggested he sprout wings and fly.
The concept was completely alien to him.
This constant need to be busy, to be productive, is a common trait in those who never seem to switch off from work.
3) They’re excessively competitive
Workaholics don’t just compete with others, they’re in constant competition with themselves too.
Studies have found that workaholics often have a high need for achievement and competitiveness.
They view every task, every project, as a challenge to be won.
For these individuals, the workplace isn’t just a place to earn a living.
It’s a battleground where they must prove their worth, time and time again.
And this competitive streak doesn’t switch off when they leave the office.
It stays with them, driving them to constantly strive for more, to outdo their own past performances.
This relentless pursuit of victory is what keeps them tethered to their work, long after everyone else has switched off.
4) They have a hard time delegating
Ever heard of the saying, “If you want something done right, do it yourself”?
Well, people who can’t switch off from work take that to heart.
It’s not that they don’t trust others to get the job done.
It’s just that they believe they can do it better, faster, or more efficiently.
The problem with this is that it leads to an overload of work.
They end up taking on more than they can handle, because they find it hard to delegate tasks to others.
This inability to let go and trust others to handle some of the work is a sure-fire sign of a workaholic.
It’s also one of the main reasons why they’re always on, never really switching off from work.
5) They often struggle with work-life balance
People who can’t switch off from work often find it hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
And let’s face it, it’s not easy.
Imagine missing out on your child’s first steps because you were too busy answering emails.
Or having to cancel a romantic dinner because a project deadline was looming.
The struggle to balance personal relationships and professional obligations is a constant battle for workaholics.
They often find themselves sacrificing important life moments for the sake of their work.
This imbalance can lead to strain in their personal relationships and can even affect their health.
Yet, despite knowing the consequences, they often find it incredibly difficult to step away from their work.
This is a poignant reality for those who just can’t seem to switch off from work.
6) They’re prone to stress and burnout
I remember a time in my life when I was juggling multiple projects at once.
I thought I was managing well until one day, I just couldn’t get out of bed.
I was exhausted, both mentally and physically.
People who never switch off from work are often running on overdrive.
They push their limits, often ignoring the signs their body is giving them to slow down.
This constant state of stress and urgency can take a toll on their health, leading to burnout.
Burnout isn’t just about being tired – it’s a state of chronic physical and mental exhaustion that can have serious consequences on one’s health.
7) They have a strong fear of failure
No one likes to fail. But for people who can’t switch off from work, the idea of failure can be downright terrifying.
This fear often fuels their drive to work harder and longer.
They believe that by working non-stop, they can avoid mistakes and ensure success.
However, this constant worry about failing can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The stress and anxiety can impact their performance and decision-making abilities, ironically increasing the chances of making mistakes.
This strong fear of failure is a common trait among workaholics, keeping them constantly on edge and unable to switch off from work.
8) They identify strongly with their work
For people who can’t switch off, their work isn’t just a part of their lives—it becomes their identity.
Their self-worth and self-esteem are deeply intertwined with their professional achievements.
They believe that the more they accomplish at work, the more valuable they are as individuals.
This strong identification with work can make it incredibly difficult for them to disconnect.
After all, if your work is who you are, how can you ever really switch off?
This is perhaps the most definitive trait of a workaholic, and a poignant reminder that we are more than just our jobs.
Final thoughts
These traits, while seemingly problematic, aren’t inherently negative.
They can drive success and accomplishment.
But like anything, when taken to the extreme, they can also lead to stress, burnout, and an imbalance in life.
The key lies in self-awareness and balance. Recognizing these traits in ourselves or others is the first step towards understanding and managing them.
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with being dedicated to your work.
But equally important is the ability to switch off, to relax and rejuvenate.
After all, we are human beings, not human doings, and our worth extends far beyond our professional achievements.
So take a moment to reflect. Are you working to live or living to work?
The answer might just hold the key to a more balanced and fulfilling life.