People who work all the time and have no real hobbies usually display these 9 behaviors (without realizing it)

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | November 7, 2024, 8:34 am

I’ve always been fascinated by those people who seem glued to their work.

You know the ones—they’re constantly hustling, no time for hobbies, barely time for life outside their job.

I’ve even caught myself slipping into that mode a few times, wondering, “Is this just dedication, or am I losing myself in the grind?”

It’s really interesting when you start noticing the little things they do—behaviors that almost scream, “I have no off switch.” So, here’s a closer look at some patterns these workaholics share.

Maybe you’ll recognize someone you know… or see a little bit of yourself in the mix.

1) They’re always “on”

You know those folks who never really switch off? That’s a common behavior among people who are devoted to their work, with little to no hobbies.

They’re constantly in work mode, and even when they’re not technically working, they’re thinking about it. Their brains are perpetually geared towards their job and the tasks that lie ahead.

It’s like there’s an invisible switch that they just can’t seem to turn off. Even during their downtime, they’re mentally running through their to-do lists or mulling over work issues.

This lack of separation between work and personal life can lead to burnout, but the irony is that these individuals often don’t realize this behavior.

They may see it as dedication or commitment, while others view it as an inability to relax and disconnect from work.

If you see this trait in yourself or someone else, it could be a sign of being a workaholic with no real hobbies.

2) Their social life takes a backseat

Here’s a personal story. I have a friend, let’s call her Sarah. She’s always been a high achiever, someone who is incredibly dedicated to her work. But the thing is, it’s come at a cost.

Sarah hardly has time to hang out anymore, and when she does, her mind seems elsewhere.

I remember one evening we had planned a movie night, something we used to do often.

She showed up late and throughout the movie, her mind was clearly preoccupied. It turned out she was mentally preparing for a presentation the next day.

This behavior is common among those who are always working and have no real hobbies.

Social gatherings become an afterthought or even a chore as work occupies their mind space.

In fact, research has proven that workaholism negatively impacts social life, as it involves excessive time spent working, a preoccupation with work to the exclusion of other areas of life, and a loss of control over work boundaries, leading to social, emotional, and health consequences.

If you relate to Sarah’s story or know someone who does, it might be time to reevaluate priorities and find a better work-life balance

3) They thrive on stress

Interestingly, people who are always working and don’t have hobbies often become accustomed to high-stress environments.

They might even start to thrive in them. It’s almost as if the adrenaline rush of meeting deadlines, conquering challenges, and juggling multiple tasks fuels them.

This behavior is linked to a phenomenon known as ‘eustress‘, a term that describes the positive stress that motivates individuals to continue working hard.

In small doses, eustress can enhance productivity and performance. However, when it becomes the norm, it can lead to chronic stress which has serious health implications.

So, while these individuals might appear to be powerhouses of productivity, it’s important to remember that constantly operating on high-stress levels isn’t sustainable in the long run.

Achieving balance is crucial for maintaining overall wellbeing.

4) They’re perfectionists

If you notice someone crossing and uncrossing ‘t’s and dotting and redotting ‘i’s more times than necessary, chances are they’re a workaholic with no real hobbies.

Perfectionism is a common trait among such individuals.

They strive for flawless execution in everything they do, often spending extra time to ensure every detail is perfect.

While this can lead to high-quality work, it can also result in unnecessary stress and an inability to delegate tasks.

This obsessive need for perfection often extends beyond work, seeping into other aspects of their lives. They might find it difficult to relax if everything isn’t ‘just so’, further blurring the line between work and personal life.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, it might be worth exploring ways to manage perfectionist tendencies. 

5) They neglect self-care

One common behavior among those who are always working and lack hobbies is the neglect of self-care.

It can start as small as skipping a skincare routine or missing a workout, and usually ends up turning into a fundamental disregard for personal wellbeing.

Psychologists list a few clear warning signs: these individuals often skip meals, get less sleep, or ignore signs of physical discomfort just to squeeze in more work.

They might even disregard emotional health, shrugging off feelings of stress or anxiety as the price of success.

This neglect of self-care can have serious implications on both physical and mental health.

So if you notice this behavior in yourself or someone else, it’s time to reevaluate and make self-care a priority. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

6) Relationships often suffer

When people are always working and don’t make time for hobbies or leisure, their relationships often bear the brunt. This is a heartbreaking consequence, and it’s usually one that creeps up slowly.

They might miss anniversaries, forget birthdays, or simply not have the energy to invest in their relationships.

Loved ones might start to feel neglected or unimportant as work takes precedence over everything else.

It’s a delicate balance to strike – pursuing professional success without sacrificing personal happiness.

While jobs come and go, relationships are the bedrock of our lives. And neglecting them for work is a price too high to pay.

So if you find yourself prioritizing work over relationships, it may be time to reassess. It’s the connections we build and cherish personally that truly matter.

7) They struggle with downtime

There was a time when I couldn’t understand the concept of “doing nothing”. I was always hustling, always working, and the idea of sitting idle felt like a waste of time.

This is a common trait among people who are always working and don’t have hobbies.

To them, downtime is synonymous with unproductivity or laziness. They struggle to relax and often fill their free time with more work because they don’t know what else to do.

But here’s the thing – downtime is necessary. It allows our minds and bodies to rest, rejuvenate, and be ready for the next challenge.

It took me a while to understand this, but once I did, my productivity actually increased.

So if you find yourself feeling uneasy during moments of rest, it may be time to reconsider your relationship with downtime. It’s not wasted time; it’s an investment in your wellbeing.

8) They’re often in a hurry

People who are always working and lack hobbies often seem like they’re perpetually in a rush.

They’re constantly chasing deadlines, juggling tasks, and trying to squeeze more into their already packed schedules.

This constant hurry can make them seem impatient or even abrupt. They’re the ones checking their watches during meetings, rushing through conversations, and often multitasking to maximize productivity.

While this might make them efficient workers, it can also lead to a stressful environment for themselves and those around them.

While speed can be beneficial, taking the time to be fully present in each moment can greatly improve the quality of work and relationships.

So if you find yourself always rushing from one task to another, take a moment to slow down. Efficiency is important, but so is living in the moment.

9) They often overlook the joy of small things

People who are always working and don’t have hobbies can sometimes miss out on the simple joys of life.

The smell of fresh coffee in the morning, the sound of birds chirping, a good book, or even a casual walk in the park – these small pleasures often go unnoticed.

They’re so focused on big goals and achievements that they overlook these little moments that bring happiness. But these moments matter. They’re the ones that make up our lives and bring us joy.

So if you’re constantly working and find yourself ignoring these small pleasures, it may be time to pause and appreciate them. 

Don’t push your life aside

I’ve realized that when it comes to work, balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle, chasing deadlines and forgetting that life exists beyond the to-do list. But here’s the thing: you can’t keep running at full speed forever.

Eventually, something’s gotta give—whether it’s your health, your relationships, or just your ability to enjoy the simple things.

So, if you’ve spotted any of these workaholic traits in yourself, take it from someone who’s been there: stepping back doesn’t mean you’re slacking.

It simply means you’re giving yourself a chance to breathe. And that might just be the smartest move you can make.