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Let’s Talk and Write English.doc
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6.28. Read the text and answer the questions after it. Workaholism

A lot of employees spend eight or nine hours on the job. They work because it’s unavoidable. They need to make enough money for necessities: housing, food, rest, clothing, transportation, etc. They spend about one third of their lives at work, but they hate it. They complain and count the minutes until quitting time each day – or the day until the next vacation.

By contrast there are some people who actually enjoy work – in fact, they love to work. They spend many extra hours on the job each week and often take work home with them. These workaholics are as addicted to their jobs as other people are to drugs or alcohol.

In some urban centers, workaholism is so common that people do not consider it unusual: they accept this lifestyle as normal. Government workers in Washington, D.C., for example frequently work sixty to seventy hours a week.

Workaholism can be a serious problem. Because true workaholics would rather work than do anything else, they probably don’t know how to relax; that is they might not enjoy movies, sports, or other types of entertainment. Most of all, they hate to sit and do nothing. This inability to rest may cause health problems, such as heart attacks. In addition, typical workaholics don’t pay much attention to their families. They spend little time with their children and their marriages end in divorce.

Is workaholism always dangerous? Perhaps not. Some studies show that many workaholics have great energy and interest in life. Their work is so pleasurable that they are actually very happy. For most workaholics work and entertainment are the same thing. Their job provides them with challenge; this keeps them busy and creative. Other people retire from work at the age of sixty-five, but workaholics usually prefer not to quit. They are still enthusiastic about work – and life – in their eighties and nineties.

Why do workaholics enjoy their jobs so much? There are several advantages to work. Of course, it provides people with paychecks and this is important. But it offers more than financial security. It provides people with self-confidence; they have a feeling of satisfaction. Psychologists claim that work gives people identity. In addition, most jobs provide a way to meet other people.

Questions:

1. How many hours do workers spend on their jobs? Do you think it’s too many? How many hours would you like to work a week? What would you prefer - to work extra hours to make extra money or to spend the evening with your friend? Why?

2. Do you know any workaholics? Why do you think those people are workaholics?

3. Why is workaholism usual nowadays? Do you consider it normal?

4. Why can workaholism be a problem? Do you consider workaholism a social disease or a personal problem?

5. Are there any advantages in workaholism?

6. Are you a workaholic? Test yourself. Here is a list of ten characteristics of workaholics. Which ones apply to you? Check the box. If you answered “yes” to eight or more questions, you might be a workaholic.

1. Do you get up early even if you go to bed late?

2. Do you read or work while you eat?

3. Do you make lists of things to do?

4. Do you find it unpleasant to do nothing?

5. Can you work anytime and anywhere?

6. Do you prefer not to take vacations?

7. Do you usually have a lot of energy?

8. Do you work at weekends and on holidays?

9. Do you think you probably won’t want to retire?

10. Do you really enjoy your work?

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