I’ve been up working until 1 or 2 in the morning for the past few days. I’ve had this huge project in the works for over a year and it is coming to its conclusion within the next week or so. Now I wouldn’t consider myself a workaholic, but most men (me included) exhibit some workaholic tendencies now and then.
Of course there are certainly times when late and long hours are required. But having said that I think it’s important to qualify my statement. Often projects go longer than you originally anticipate. What was supposed to be a couple of days turns into weeks and then into months or more. It’s a slippery slope that you’ve got to be careful about.
This has happened to me on at least three big website development projects that I can remember. Each time I see my wife slowly drained of energy due to the extra time she is required to put in when I’m out of the house or slaving away in front of a computer screen. She misses me sleeping with her. I get stressed and then I become useless–I don’t do my chores, I can’t offer emotional support, and when I do have a spare moment all I want to do is sleep.
My point here is that if you’re married your wife is your first priority. If you have kids, they’re your second. And the old excuse “I’m working to provide for my family” can’t be used without unbelief in God. Didn’t he say that He would provide for you?
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2 Comments
I let my wife read this and hung my head low. I am in a similar situation and when I am not working we are at each other throats because of it.
The funny thing is, this is the first post I opened this morning and the hairs on the back of my neck pricked up. God will find me, even on the Internet. Thanks for the post and the insight.
Go bless.
Hey Stanley, thanks for being so candid. It’s a really hard place to be in. I think it’s great that you could share this with your wife.
I guess you and I will be working through this one together.
Do you know of any resources to help me with workaholic tendencies?