Defining the difference between a workaholic and someone who’s a work enthusiast is like defining the difference between an alcoholic and a wine lover. When does a heavy wine tippler turns into an alcoholic? Doctors would say it rather depends on the underlying psychology. The same is true of jobs. Especially jobs in London, where work environments tend to be high-powered and competitive anyway.
London jobs attract both worklovers and workaholics. Both work equally hard, but it’s the worklover who is more likely to thrive . This is because, unlike workaholics, they don’t go over the top . They work because they love their career, and want to reap the fruits of their labours. They enjoy being with their workmates , both during and after work hours. They “go that extra mile” when they have to, and find it difficult to tear themselves away from their desks, often taking their work home with them. Nonetheless, their jobs are rarely the sole focus of their lives .
Workaholics work because they are driven to work. That is the be all and end all of their existence. They don’t expect to enjoy their jobs – that’s not the point. The point is to work. So workaholics tie themselves to their offices, working way past their clocking-off time and rarely taking breaks. They feel resentful and unappreciated – so work even harder to drive these feelings away. The fact is, they often hate the jobs they’re driven to do.
People who take jobs in UK are often identified as workaholics, when in fact they’re just highly motivated in their jobs. However, both worklovers and workaholics can suffer the same health problems, and become isolated from their families. So however much you love your job, learn to have a life outside your workplace. After all, isn’t that the reason people take London jobs in the first place – to enjoy a better quality of life?