Thoughts on Workaholism

It's Saturday after 7 p.m., and I'm alone in the office, writing and posting on the JFP website. On one hand, I'm writing this blog post; on the other, I'm debating others on another post. I also pulled up a news story turned in last night to edit it to get a jump on Monday.

If there's one thing that Donna, Todd and I all have in common, it's the fact that none of us work a 35-to-40-hour week. I've been giving our shared "affliction" a lot of thought lately, especially since I am challenged to limit my workdays (at least a few of them, anyway) to a "mere" 10 hours and not to work seven days a week.

I admit—it's a struggle.

Most of the people I know who are passionate about what they do don't have a problem doing a lot of it. I've known motivational speakers, for example, who think nothing of spending weeks and months on the road, delivering and preparing for seminars. A few of them brag about only needing four hours of sleep a night and never complain of fatigue.

Writing (or "having written," in my case) is a joy. It doesn't take much arm-twisting to get me to write, especially if the topic is something I'm passionate about.

Finding the time to write, however, is often a different story. My days at the JFP are full before I ever do any reporting, interviewing, transcribing or crafting of stories. Making the time to even write a short column usually happens late in the evening or on the weekend, after the day-to-day stuff is done, and I have time to myself.

I'm not complaining. I love most of my job (I don't know anyone who "loves" 100 percent of their job. If you have a boss—or a client—there's always a pain-in-the-ass aspect or two that you simply have to grit your teeth and get done). I love working with writers to hone and polish their craft, for example, which is a large part of my job. I love taking what others have written and filing off a few rough edges to make a piece shine. I love seeing the faces of writers when they turn in something really wonderful that they're truly happy with, especially if I have been able to offer some help along the way. I love seeing a writer's face light up when they see exactly what they need to do to make a so-so piece really good.

Every Wednesday morning, I'm thrilled when another issue of the JFP lands on my desk. Mondays and Tuesdays, on the other hand, consist of hours of concentrated, demanding hard work, where every minor lapse in attention has the potential to become a major problem. Of course, every other day has its own set of tasks and demands, from planning issues to making assignments to the day-to-day administrative to-dos that keep everything in motion, in addition to the writing, teaching and editing I do every workday starting the moment my butt hits the chair.

Everyone at the JFP works hard; I'm no exception. But balance is the goal. So where do I find my balance?

I recharge in solitude. I'm not a particularly social being; I never have been. It's not that I don't like people; I do. But being sociable is work for me. Sometimes I think if I didn't have to come to an office every day, I would spend the majority of my time in my pajamas at a keyboard—alone. I've lived alone for close to 20 years (which is as much a function of my having a low tolerance for others as others having a low tolerance for me. )

Do I love a good conversation? Oh, yes! I can get as lost in a rousing debate or sharing stories with a friend as I can in writing.

I am also perfectly content watching a good movie, reading a good book, perusing an art exhibit, traveling, listening to music, eating a good meal, riding a roller coaster or working up a sweat on a yoga mat. But none of those activities require company, and some of them can't be shared.

Perhaps I've grown (more) fickle over the years, but the wrong company often detracts more from an experience than the right company can add. Taking my own leisurely time to stroll through a museum is bliss. Turning off my phone and reading a book straight through cover to cover is bliss.

Am I just making excuses not to change my work habits? Maybe. I'll keep looking.

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