10 Signs You Are Dating A Workaholic

Many individuals lack strong enthusiasm for their jobs, not caring enough to prioritize them over their relationships. However, if you happen to be romantically involved with a workaholic, you'll quickly discover the challenges it entails.

Is it possible? Absolutely.

But maintaining a relationship with a workaholic requires double the effort compared to others. If you genuinely care for and admire their strong work ethic, the additional work is worthwhile.

Must one aspect take precedence over the other? It's easy to feel neglected when dating a workaholic since they devote most of their time to work.

The primary obstacle lies in their limited availability for you. They prioritize their career objectives and ambitions over the relationship, often causing their partners to feel neglected.

Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that dating a workaholic can be highly rewarding. They possess clarity about their desires and aspirations for the future.

While they may prioritize work more often than not, they are also the kind of person with whom you can build a promising future.

When a workaholic dedicates even a fraction of their time to you, it signifies your importance to them. They don't sacrifice their time for just anyone, so if they do for you, it means you hold a special place in their life.

We have discussed what it means to be in a relationship with a workaholic, but how can you determine if you're dating one? Where is the boundary between dating a workaholic and simply being with someone going through a busy period?

# They prioritize work

One of the clear indicators that you are dating a workaholic is when they consistently prioritize work above everything else, maintaining this focus throughout the relationship.

They dedicate the majority of their time to work-related tasks and meeting deadlines, surpassing other activities or commitments.

# They’re always on their phone

Whether it involves managing emails, organizing meetings, or communicating with clients, a workaholic devotes most of their time to their phone or laptop.

Their electronic devices are vital tools for their work, and they are inseparable from them. Even during simple activities like having lunch, they ensure to have their gadgets with them, just in case they need to attend to work matters.

# They spend more time in the office than at home

In a technical sense, it's true that most of us spend more time in the office than at home due to our 40-hour work week. However, when you're in a relationship with a workaholic, they genuinely allocate the majority of their time to work.

Even on weekends, you may notice them making occasional visits to the office, even when it's not necessary.

If they are self-employed or freelancing, you might witness them enduring 12-hour shifts, with the bulk of their time dedicated to work-related tasks.

# They always reschedule plans

Due to their work-centric lifestyle, a workaholic has a restricted amount of free time. Therefore, if you have a scheduled date and an emergency meeting or deadline arises, anticipate that your date will consistently be rescheduled according to their convenience.

That's also why weekends are usually the time when they are relatively freer, but even then, they might still reschedule if a work-related matter arises.

# They have valid reasons for overworking

In a relationship with a workaholic, you will observe that they consistently surpass the standard 8-hour workday.

You may often hear them mention that they are completing deadlines, attending meetings, or simply reducing their workload for the upcoming days. When you consider it, these reasons are valid justifications for their tendency to overwork, particularly given their strong passion for their work.

They genuinely enjoy what they do, and they find fulfillment in being immersed in their work. After all, it is where a workaholic thrives.

# They have to be willing to work for it, too

Sustaining a relationship requires mutual effort; you can't be the sole contributor striving to make it work. If their job becomes their sole focus, neglecting all other aspects, the relationship is unlikely to endure. Therefore, even if they prioritize their work, it doesn't mean the relationship must be entirely one-sided.

Have an open conversation with them, expressing your concerns and asking about their commitment to the relationship. By observing their actions and seeing genuine effort on their part, you can proceed with a greater sense of ease and confidence.

# Schedule time together

Workaholics typically have demanding schedules, which means you will need to find a place within their busy routine. This often involves both of you intentionally scheduling dedicated time for each other.

Workaholics often struggle with dedicating quality time, so it will require both of you to make compromises and find a middle ground to spend uninterrupted time together.