Are you a workaholic? How to tell if you're addicted to your job and what to do about it

It might happen imperceptibly. At first, you struggle to talk about anything other than work. Then your loved ones start complaining you work too much. Then you realise you feel anxious when you’re not working.

You might think of it as having a good work ethic or being committed to your job. Being a “workaholic” is often seen as a sign of dedication and ambition. But when you start setting everything else aside in favour of work, and your relationships start to suffer, it could be because you’re addicted to work.

Work pressure has increased drama­tically since the 1970s, says Rean Steenkamp, a Pretoria life coach. “Employees are working faster and harder than was the case in the past.”