Seth Godin wrote about workaholics. His comments ring especially true for me. Mr. Godin says that old workaholics were always working out of fear. New workaholics work out of passion.
When it comes to the new workaholics, I couldn’t agree more (my dad was an old workaholic, but I don’t know if it was out of fear or passion). My friends already proclaim how I will be a workaholic, like somehow calling it now will either prevent it from happening in the future or at least allow them to bask in the future glory of saying “I told you so!” Either way, they’re right.
I love being creative and I think endlessly about things I am passionate about (which, thankfully is what I do at work and then some). My thoughts also continue while not at work. Even my resume says I am a workaholic. But I think the way Mr. Godin defines new workaholics as the impassioned workers is much more appropriate. It holds the proper, positive connotation. I started working when I was 11, not because my parents told me to or because I wanted money (although I do like money), it was because I wanted to be more involved with what I was passionate about.
Being one of those new, passionate workers for me manifests itself in constantly thinking about things, toying with new things, and creating things. Are any of you part of the new type of workaholic force? How does it manifest itself for you?