Confessions of a Workaholic

Having left my job a few weeks ago, I discovered the unthinkable, something I thought I would never, ever think of myself as – a workaholic.  The reason I know this is that despite my many attempts to keep myself occupied throughout this dire period of unemployment, I am on a steep descent into madness.  

Having worked at least twenty hours a week while juggling four years of full time university and class placements, I jumped into full time work for the past three years.  Despite my constant whining and complaining, I had, unknowingly, become obsessed with work, particularly in the last year where I worked as a high school teacher.  Teaching had become my life and often I would dedicate at least 12 hours of my day to school and related activities like marking and lesson prep. 

Admittedly, most mornings I, like many others, would express many complaints to my husband – whether it be about waking up at 5:30, having to wear a traditional saree, the heavy traffic or the profuse sweating due to the ridiculous humidity that seemingly envelopes Sri Lanka 24/7.  I would complain about the kids, the immense workload and the long hours of extra curricular activities I supervised.  However, after being home for a few weeks, I can say, without a doubt, that I miss it. 
Over the past seven years I had developed an attachment to any type of work – uni work, volunteer work, placement work… The unemployment is wreaking havoc in nearly all aspects of my life, in particular my struggle to fall asleep, weird eating habits (stemming from boredom) and a lack of motivation and enthusiasm.  Now I’ve realized the importance work plays in my life – I hope I find something super soon, if not for my sake, then definitely for my poor husband’s!