Why is it wrong to be a workaholic?

Sometimes I read people saying it is wrong or immoral to be a workaholic, some of them Christians. I'm often told I should work less, but working helps me stay busy and keep my mind off the many temptations around me when I'm not at work. I'm away from home 17 hours a day and this has been going on for a year now without a resting day on most weeks. I'm not married and don't have kids, so is it really wrong for me to live this way? I was always okay with this until recently I started feeling that this lifestyle may be wrong. I am at work right now.

I voted possibly though at 19 I don’t see it. when I was 19 I should of done more, instead of partying.

I believe this goes to the motive of "why?'. Is it as unto the Lord and to help others? You say it keeps you busy and out of temptations. Doesn't marriage help do the same? Sounds like a matter between you and the Lord.

For a Christian there needs to be a set of priorities. While gainful work is necessary, we are to find time for the work of the Kingdom of God, as well as a proper balance between work, worship, ministry, rest, and recreation. That is why the Sabbath commandment was given. Serving God and Christ should be our first order of business.

Why dont you just live at your workplace if you there 17 hours a day? Just bring your sleeping bag and pillow. It seems like you dont even need to go home.

But what kind of temptations would be at home?? Maybe get your house in order first. Also, if you have any pets or plants, they might die because you not there to look after them.

That would be a good idea if I only had one workplace. I'm on my way home from work right now because it's closer to my other job.

Oh! Do you sleep in your car instead.
How do you find time to fellowship and read the Bible, pray etc. thats important too.

Time can be found, but where are the people? I only see synagogues here. My Bible is being read during breaks and instead of sleep, that's why I'm always late to my first job...

You mentioned work keeps you thoughts from temptations etc. so it looks like it’s not something your doing because you have to, unfortunately some people in the world may appear to be workaholics yet because high rent or other reasons they may have to work like that.

so are you saving money as well for something like a house or increase your education, or something else or not at all and just working to be working?

I do need to work to pay the bills, but I could work less. The extra money goes to my parent, who can't work because of health reasons. I have a brother who takes care of the parent so he doesn't get to work much either.

P.S my morning job earns me only 229 USD a month and I am absolutely not allowed to quit it. It's a long story and I won't talk about it here.

As you are not married and no children I would not have any qualms at all about the number of hours you work. Hopefully, you are saving a decent portion of your pay. It could be that some of these people who say that it is wrong or immoral are saying this out of a sense of guilt because they are underachievers and lack ambition. I heard it said, more than once, that having money is over-rated. In each instance it was said by an able-bodied person that didn't work or see the value in it.

Yea but what are the temptations.
List them and then we can see what it is you up against.

When people in the workplace work more than others, ok it might be their choice but you may get burned out. Also, theres less cooperation with your co workers, as long as you not taking work away from them or making them work more than they need to. Ie. creating more work.

It depends what you do, what is your work anyway? Why not ask God about it. What about time with your family. If they are christians, thats your fellowship. Or dont they count?

I have done that more than once when I wore a younger man's clothes.

That is quite honorable my friend caring for your parent, I would find it hard to say work less while still trying to care for your love ones. I see your in Russia I’m not familiar with the country and don’t know the health care system if any I don’t know but is there any way some of the things you may have to help on can be found through the health system or other programs for assistance that may lesson the burden possibly?

Just to add, if you working during the night or when you meant to be sleeping, thats not really good for your body clock. There is something in the Bible about people who work at night.

Check out.
John 9:4

Juggling two jobs, well you might need to let one go eventually. No man can serve two masters. Althougn that was talking about God and money. And if you not having at least one day off a week ie, a sabbath, thats not really Gods way. He worked six days and had a rest on the 7th. You not enjoying God if you dont make that time to rest.

So I guess why people say working all the time its bad, its because God rested, and so we ought to too.

I believe that this member's nationality is Russian but is currently residing in Israel.

ahh yes thanks for catching that typo, I didn’t glance long enough lol. sorry Victor

ANYTHING out of balance is wrong.

What is “balance “, is a personal quest that is learned through living, and usually, by taking something to the extreme.

I think it all depends.

I go to university full time (senior year, guys. SENIOR YEAR.) and I work fulltime. I consider myself a hard worker. However, I really do try to give myself the time with my family and friends. I do try to relax and whatnot. I ended a relationship back in December after almost being with him for a year - and it really made me realize that yes, I can put in work and I can do well with it - but I gotta see the importance of the relationships of my family and friends.

It is important to work hard, but do not lose sight of what is really important in your life. The Bible is clear about what happens to people who are lazy and to those who work hard and I believe God truly does want us to be hard workers, but to also trust in Him that He will provide for us the things on which we need.

By definition a workaholic would fail this test if they inserted 'job' into the mix.

Matthew 10:37 NASBS
[37] "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.