IN PRAISE OF WORKAHOLICS
alan elliott merschen
It’s always struck me as curious: when a painter devotes 60 hours a week to their craft, they’re celebrated for their dedication. A musician rehearsing or performing the same amount of time is admired for their passion. A doctor logging those hours earns applause for diligence. An athlete grinding through 60 hours of training? Every success they achieve is deemed well-earned.
But when an entrepreneur works 60 hours a week? They're labeled a workaholic.
As an entrepreneur who’s often been tagged with this label, I’ve spent a fair amount of time reflecting on it. Yes, I worked long hours. But I loved it. For many of us in business, our work is just as fueled by passion and purpose as the artist, the athlete, or the doctor.
Consider this: If someone works 37.5 hours a week at their job, then spends another 20 hours immersed in a hobby they adore—whether it’s woodworking, photography, or marathon running—they’re seen as well-rounded, even enviable. But for entrepreneurs, the work is the hobby, the passion, the craft. And if done right, the harder we work, the closer we get to achieving our goals.
Yet, here’s where perception shifts: while artists and athletes are rarely accused of greed, businesspeople are often assumed to be motivated solely by money. That misconception stings because for so many of us, it’s not about greed; it’s about ambition, creativity, and impact.
I recently spoke to a former journalist who, after years of telling stories, realized that true, lasting social impact could be achieved through entrepreneurship. It’s a reminder that the goals we pursue—whether on a canvas, in a lab, or in a boardroom—are what truly matter.
The oft-quoted line, “Find something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” comes to mind. But let me offer a more pragmatic twist: “Find something you love, and you’ll work harder than you ever imagined—but it won’t feel like work.”
The next time someone calls you a workaholic, take it as a compliment. Wear it with the same pride as a musician honing their craft or an athlete training for the gold. After all, passion, dedication, and diligence deserve recognition—regardless of the field.
Success is not in the hours you work; it’s in the pride you take in your efforts.
Looking Forward,
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