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