I am a recovering workaholic (Rob G)
May 10, 2023
I wanted to share a personal story with all of you today. I am a recovering workaholic. When I first entered the corporate world, I gave it my all—my time, energy, and enthusiasm. I was consumed by pursuing success, constantly striving for more in sales and improving systems. It became an addiction; nothing I accomplished felt like enough. Eventually, I reached a point of burnout.
Taking time off and transitioning to my next role didn't change the pattern. Like an alcoholic or a drug addict, I couldn't get enough. Achieving a work-life balance seemed impossible. Regrettably, this was not the only factor that contributed to the end of my first marriage. I found myself single, with 50% custody of my children, and the pressure to achieve results within a limited time intensified. It pushed me to the brink of burning out once again. In retrospect, I failed to see the warning signs, but it did force me to slow down.
Then, in 2014, I reluctantly attended a free seminar with a negative attitude. Within just 10 minutes, everything changed. I caught the bug—a glimmer of a different way to achieve what I had been striving for all along: work-life balance. The key was to work less but smarter, using real estate to regain time for my family and establish a secure retirement. In a moment of inspiration, I jumped out of my seat and headed to the back of the room, investing $500 (which I didn't have at the time) to attend a three-day training.
Those three days transformed my life. It was like a light bulb had been switched on, revealing possibilities I had never imagined. I found my first mentor on this new path, and through him, I discovered a network of coaches, friends, and influencers who would guide me forward. It was a pivotal turning point; without it, I wouldn't be where I am today. Although it meant investing significant funds, we didn't possess at the time, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
Over the past five years, I have faced significant health challenges that would have been difficult to navigate had I remained an "employee." I won't claim it has been easy (after all, if it were easy, everyone would do it, right?), but it has allowed me to prioritize my own needs, my family, and my goals. The journey continues, and I'm constantly excited by the possibilities that lie ahead.
Now, work-life balance is my priority. The scales have shifted, with personal interests taking precedence over work. During my corporate career, my personal life was always sacrificed in favour of work. But now, I have time for my family, I've embraced new hobbies (cycling & woodworking), and I can even take a moment to sit and smell the roses.
What steps are you taking to achieve your personal goals? It's not an easy path, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embracing work-life balance has brought me a sense of fulfillment and a renewed zest for life. Reach out to Thrive and see if one of our mentors can get you to your goals and out of the rat race sooner!
