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Do you avoid taking leave because you think you are indispensable at work? Do you equate being crazy busy with being important and valued? Do you work yourself to the bone because you believe no one else can do the work as well as you? At social events, do you only talk about work?
If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you may be a work martyr. Work martyrs prize hours worked over actual productivity and believe that not taking a break will reap greater professional success. They think no one can do their work as well as them, so they rarely take leave. They strive to show complete dedication to their company and job, sacrificing other life priorities.
While work martyrs may get a lot done in the short-term, this surge in productivity drops significantly in the long-term. They are also at high risk of burnout. Their behavior may put pressure on colleagues to also become work martyrs, undermining the team's long-term resilience and productivity.
According to a report by the U.S. Travel Association, a staggering four in ten (39%) employees say they want to be seen as a work martyr by their boss. Unfortunately, the number of work martyrs is growing among millennials. According to a survey conducted by Alamo Rent A Car, millennials are the most likely to make others feel a sense of shame for taking a vacation.
Many work martyrs realize they are sacrificing more than they should. In the same U.S. Travel Association report, the overwhelming majority (86%) of employees believe it is a bad thing to be seen as a work martyr by their family.
If you think you’re a work martyr, here are some suggestions that will help you stop:
Say No
Work martyrs usually have no boundaries and rarely, if ever, say no. Commit to saying no more at work. Let your supervisor know what you're doing and why, so your sudden change in behavior doesn't come as a shock. Review this blog with 11 tips on how to say no.
Ask For Help
Work martyrs rarely ask for help because they think they know best or worry about appearing to be weak. Review this blog on how to ask for help. To jumpstart, consider setting a specific goal for yourself, such as asking for help at work once a day. Reward yourself at the end of the week if you meet your goal.
Stop Being a Perfectionist
Many work martyrs are perfectionists, believing that anything less than perfect is unworthy. Read this blog on perfectionism and commit to living a less-than-perfect life.
Take Vacation
Work martyrs rarely take a vacation. Strive to take all of your leave every year. This blog provides advice on how to make sure you take regular vacations.
Accept What You Can’t Control
Work martyrs often try to control everything in their environment and spend hours trying to alter rather than accept a less than ideal reality. Review this blog on accepting what you can't control and pledge to spend more time focused on things you can impact and realistically influence.
Have you stopped being a work martyr? What helped you stop?
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To learn more about how you and your team can thrive in adversity, visit my website, and follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. And, check out my online Resilience Leadership course.