tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277472.post-1088220635696384212004-06-25T20:19:00.000-07:002004-09-01T13:41:27.106-07:00Today somebody called me a workaholic. This is bullshit, cuz there ain't no such thing. <br /> <br />First of all, what is it with sticking "-aholic" after anything that somebody might want to do a lot of? The implication is that one is addicted and can't stop. Obviously a bona fide alcoholic has got a problem, not only because he can't stop, but because of the effects of the alcohol on his body, his mind, his family, etc. <br /> <br />So what's really going on when somebody says you're a &lt;non-damaging activity of choice&gt;-aholic? I think you're talking to somebody who is a bit concerned that you just might succeed. And that would be very bad. <br /> <br />You know, there's always somebody around who's only too happy to tell you how you need a vacation, cuz you're stressed out? I don't know about you, but usually I've seen this said to somebody who had only a (valid) upset of the moment, and our weasel-like friend takes the oppourtunity to imply the guy is <em>always</em> on that edge. When you say that to somebody who is currently upset, it can have enough impact to fool the poor sucker. <br /> <br />I'm sure working is bad for you. I mean, Bill Gates is obviously a workaholic, and what did it ever get him? Oh <strong>sure</strong>, you can point at the 50,000 square-foot mansion, the tens of billions in ready cash, the fact that when he speaks many thousands shut up and listen. But what, really, did all that work get him? <br /> <br />When you put it that way... <p align="right">A. Biker</p> <br />Angry Bikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09030103217271970316noreply@blogger.com