Workaholism isn’t measured by the hours you put in—it’s about your ability to mentally step away. For recruiters, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal life when the urgency of closing deals or managing candidates feels constant. But identifying workaholic tendencies is the first step toward healthier habits.

How to Assess Yourself

Take a moment to reflect on these questions, and rate how often they apply to you:

•     I work because I feel an internal drive that pushes me.
•     I struggle to stop thinking about work, even when I’m off the clock.
•     Missing work, for any reason, upsets me.
•     I regularly go beyond what my role requires.

Use this scale: 1 = never, 2 = seldom, 3 = sometimes, 4 = often, 5 = always. Add up your total. If you score a 4 or 5 on any of these, or if your total is 15 or higher, you’re showing signs of workaholism. (My score, Tricia, is certainly over 15)

Now, let’s explore some actionable strategies to break the cycle.

Redefine What’s “Urgent”

In recruiting, everything can feel like an emergency—client demands, candidate placements, or negotiating offers. But take a step back. How many of those “urgent” tasks were truly critical? Most likely, fewer than you think. Give yourself permission to prioritize calmly. Next time a client insists on updates at all hours, remind yourself: urgency can be managed.

Rethink Your To-Do List

Your to-do list shouldn’t be about checking off every single item. Instead, focus on what’s most valuable. Tools like the Eisenhower Matrix can be game-changers. Categorize tasks by urgency and importance, and you’ll quickly realize that some things just don’t need your immediate attention. It’s about spending time where it counts—whether that’s cultivating client relationships or focusing on a crucial search.

Master the Art of “No” and Delegate

The problem with doing it all yourself is that it often works… and you do even more. Recruiters often feel the need to control every part of the process—candidate sourcing, client updates, negotiations. But mastering the ability to say “no” to tasks that don’t align with your goals can lighten the load. Hand over non-essential responsibilities to your team, and trust them to deliver. You don’t need to do it all.

Fix Your Workaholic Clock

Start tracking how long your tasks really take. Whether it’s sourcing candidates or reviewing profiles, chances are, you’re overestimating how fast you need to be. Adjust your schedule and give yourself the breathing room you deserve. If a task is taking longer than expected, ask for help. Collaboration is part of long-term success.

Control the Overthinking

It’s easy to get stuck mentally replaying conversations with clients or planning out future deals. But ruminating can drain your energy. Break this cycle by practicing mindfulness or using simple mantras to shift your focus. Better yet, schedule specific times during your day to revisit work concerns. (It’s always okay to revisit a problem once.) This helps contain how much space work takes up in your thoughts outside of work hours.

Prioritize Rest

Building in intentional downtime is critical for peak performance. For recruiters, downtime might look like taking a brisk walk after a call with a client or diving into a hobby after a productive day. Incorporating regular breaks throughout the day—whether it’s stepping away from your desk or turning off email notifications—gives your brain the recovery time it needs to maintain top performance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re scoring high on the workaholic scale, it’s time to recalibrate. Start with one or two of these strategies and implement them in your day-to-day routine. The result? A healthier, more balanced approach to your work, and most importantly, sustainable success in your recruiting career.