Hyper-competitiveness often accompanies perfectionism and overworking.

For many, especially those perpetually struggling to manage inner turmoil, work provides a clear path. Its hierarchies tend to make sense, with evident ways of climbing up and down the ladder. Its relationships have clear boundaries and guidelines. Its rewards are predictable and meaningful: We can anticipate a raise or what life would be like if we're promoted. Work is linear, or at least appears to be, thus contradictions either aren't evident or purportedly instantly resolved.

Work may provide a blueprint that one's personal life isn't able to. Therefore, for many workaholics, work feels safe.

A workaholic tends to be someone whose identity is defined, for the most part, by their role in their profession. They frequently think about work, excessively worry about being replaced, become depressed if they aren't able to work when they expect to, and fail to find pleasure in activities unrelated to their career.

Despite this not being an officially recognized addiction per the

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