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Workaholism, an addiction to work that often comes at the expense of personal relationships and health, is a prevalent issue in modern society. In this feature, we delve into this topic through an intimate conversation with John Doe, a self-proclaimed recovering workaholic.IntroductionJohn Doe, a successful entrepreneur, was once consumed by his work. He allowed it to overshadow everything else in his life - his family, friends, and personal well-being. Today, John is on the path of recovery from workaholism, and he has graciously agreed to share his journey with us.Discovering the ProblemInterviewer: What was the moment you realized you had a problem?John Doe: It was when my daughter said she wished I could be present at her soccer games like other dads. That hit me hard. I realized I was missing out on her growing up because I was so engrossed in my work.Effects of WorkaholismInterviewer: How did your workaholism affect your personal life?John Doe: Apart from missing out on family time, I was constantly stressed and irritable. My health started deteriorating due to lack of sleep and proper meals. My relationships suffered too. My wife felt neglected and my friends complained that I was always too busy for them.Taking the First StepsInterviewer: What steps did you take towards recovery?John Doe: I sought professional help. I started seeing a therapist who introduced me to cognitive behavioural therapy. I also began practicing mindfulness and meditation. I started setting boundaries for my work hours and made a concerted effort to spend quality time with my family.Challenges in RecoveryInterviewer: What was the most challenging part of your recovery?John Doe: The guilt. Whenever I wasn't working, I felt guilty. It took time to realize that taking time for myself and my loved ones wasn't being unproductive or lazy. It was necessary for my mental and physical well-being.Advice for OthersInterviewer: What advice would you give to others struggling with workaholism?John Doe: Firstly, acknowledge the problem. You can't change what you don't recognize. Secondly, seek help. This could be professional help, joining a support group, or even opening up to trusted friends or family. Finally, start setting boundaries. Work is important, but it shouldn't consume your life.ConclusionJohn Doe's journey from a workaholic to a balanced individual shows us that while work is an essential part of our lives, it should not overshadow other equally important aspects like health, relationships and personal growth. As we conclude this insightful conversation, we hope that John's story will inspire those battling workaholism to take steps towards recovery and lead a more balanced life.