If there’s one word that describes me, my husband would say it’s workaholic. He didn’t even hesitate when I asked. It was an instant response, almost as if he had been waiting for the question. At first, I laughed. Then, I thought about it. He’s right. I throw myself into my work with an intensity that not everyone understands. It’s not just about having a job or earning a living. It’s the way I function, the way my mind works. Work is not just something I do—it’s a part of who I am.
I take my responsibilities seriously. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, handling projects, or simply making sure things are done right, I give my best effort every single time. I don’t like leaving things half-finished. Even when I try to step back and take a break, my mind is still running through tasks, planning, organizing, thinking about what needs to be done next. It’s not something I can switch off easily.
Some people might say being a workaholic is a flaw, but I don’t see it that way. Yes, it can be exhausting, and yes, it sometimes takes me away from other things in life. But at the same time, it gives me a sense of purpose. I like feeling productive. I like knowing that I’m contributing, that my efforts are making a difference. There’s a certain satisfaction in finishing a task, in checking something off my list, in knowing that I put in my best effort.
That doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with it. There are times when I feel guilty, especially when I realize that work has taken over moments that should have been spent with my family. I know I should slow down sometimes. I know I should learn to separate work from personal life. But it’s easier said than done. Work is not just about the hours spent at a desk. It’s also the mental space it occupies. Even when I’m not physically working, my mind is often still there.
My husband has pointed it out many times. He reminds me to take breaks, to relax, to enjoy the moment without thinking about what’s next on my to-do list. Sometimes, I listen. Sometimes, I don’t. It’s not that I don’t want to, but slowing down feels unnatural to me. When I do take a break, I feel like I’m missing something, like there’s something I should be doing instead.
I’ve always been this way. Even before I had a career, I was the kind of person who wanted to stay busy. In school, I pushed myself to do well. I wanted to excel, to prove that I could handle challenges. That same mindset followed me into my professional life. I don’t like the feeling of being unproductive. I don’t like wasting time. It’s not just about work—it’s about everything. If I’m doing something, I want to do it well. I want to give it my all.
But I also know that balance is important. Life is not just about work. It’s about family, about relationships, about taking time to enjoy the little things. I remind myself of that every day. I remind myself that it’s okay to pause, to breathe, to be present in the moment. I try to set boundaries, to separate work from home life, to remind myself that I am more than my job. Some days, I succeed. Other days, I don’t. But I’m working on it.
Being a workaholic has its pros and cons. On one hand, it means I am dedicated, focused, and determined. On the other hand, it can mean stress, burnout, and missing out on moments that truly matter. I don’t regret my work ethic. I don’t wish to change who I am. But I do want to find a way to balance it better.
My husband’s answer to my question made me reflect on myself in a way I hadn’t before. It made me realize that while work is important, it’s not everything. There are people who love me, who want my time, who need me to be present beyond just my responsibilities. I don’t want to look back one day and realize that I was so busy working that I missed out on life itself.
So while workaholic may be the word that describes me, I hope it’s not the only word. I hope that in time, I can add other words to the list—present, balanced, fulfilled. Until then, I’ll keep working, not just at my job, but at finding the right balance between doing what I love and making sure I don’t forget to live along the way.
How about you? What is one word that describes you?
