Lynsey Thomas writes a column in the Work section of the Saturday Guardian. This week's instalment depressed me.
The column is about being a homeworker and this week we learn that Lynsey is so obsessed by work that, and I quote . . .
For me work is like a drug; it keeps my blood pumping and leaves me wanting more. And although I fully understand - and am constantly reminded by others - that my company doesn't care about me personally and business would still continue were I to drop dead tomorrow, I still find it hard to calm it down
Although she admits this is not good, I find it depressing that work has so taken over her life.
Here I am wanting to go freelance - which will involve homeworking - so that I can develop a better work-life balance - is there any hope?
Of course there is - I am the one responsible for the way I lead my life. Yes, work is demanding BUT I am the one who can decide how I want my life to work.
Lynsey says she is unable to distance herself from her work at home and that her husband constantly reminds her that he has no interest in what she is talking about (because it is work related).
Sounds like fun - her joking aside, work can and does dominate people's lives and it is damaging.
And if work is so dominating then what is the reason why? Not because workaholics are genetically programmed to work all hours as Lynsey suggests, but because there might be other things missing from their lives.
It is not genetic. We have choices and if work is your top priority then you can only hope that your loved ones accept that and are happy with it. BUT if you have children, I do not see how they would be happy with that, especially if they are young. After all, they need their parents.
I think I'll start homeworking with a defined work space so that at least I can shut the door on it at the end of the day.