In this fast-paced world, many of us feel a little "burned out" from time to time. However, true Burnout includes a certain degree of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that intensify over time. If not addressed early, the condition progresses and intensifies, often leading, in its final stage, to clinical depression requiring medication and psychotherapy. Thus it makes sense to identify Burnout early and take steps to reverse it. To determine whether you might have Burnout, take our Burnout Assessment.

Work Addiction, while it superficially resembles Burnout, is actually a very different condition. Outwardly, both the burned-out worker and the work addict appear similarly dedicated, driven, committed and very identified with their jobs. The differences become clear from the internal experience that person brings to the job.

The internal experience of the work addict is nearly identical to that of the alcoholic, drug addict, or compulsive gambler. Work becomes a "fix" that the person can't do without. That's why work addicts hate vacations or tend to take work with them. (We've all seen the executive on vacation constantly on his cell phone or laptop computer.) While western cultures admire workers who give their all to a job, too much work at the expense of rest and balance will inevitably result in breakdown.

Work Addiction is thus dangerous to your health. In spite of the rewards and promotions work addicts may receive because of their devotion to the job, the addictive cycle inevitably catches up them, leading to symptoms that resemble the final stages of Burnout and clinical depression.

The roots of work addiction begin in childhood and maintain a strong hold on the affected individual. It takes time to reverse the pattern, just as with any other addiction. The treatment approach is very similar to other addictions as well: 12-step programs and the like are the main roads to recovery from Work Addiction.

Our Work Addiction Assessment identifies whether you might be suffering from Work Addiction rather than Burnout. It then gives you recommendations on how to find the road to recovery and stay there.