Running a business isn’t for the faint-hearted. As any entrepreneur knows, long hours and personal sacrifice often come with the territory. But there’s a difference between dedication and work addiction—and crossing that line can have serious consequences for your health, relationships, and even the success of your business.
At London Accountants, we work closely with small business owners and self-employed professionals across the UK. We see first-hand how easy it is to slip into unhealthy work habits. Here are three signs you might be addicted to work—and what you can do to regain control.
1. You’re Always Working More Than You Planned To
We all have days when a deadline looms or a project runs over. But if you’re routinely clocking 12 to 16-hour days or working through every weekend, it’s time to pause.
Even if your target was a 40–50 hour work week, consistently exceeding that may signal a deeper issue. Overwork isn’t a badge of honour—it’s a warning sign.
Ask yourself: How many hours should I be working each week? Am I regularly going over that without a good reason?
2. Your Health Is Taking a Hit
Stress, sleepless nights, and burnout don’t make you a better business owner. Quite the opposite. When your body and mind are under constant strain, your decision-making suffers, your focus dips, and costly mistakes become more likely—whether that’s missing a tax deadline or overlooking an urgent invoice.
Success shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being. You need time away from work to rest, reset, and return refreshed.
Ask yourself: Am I sleeping well? Do I feel energised and healthy—or drained and unwell more often than not?
3. You Keep Letting People Down—Because of Work
If your social calendar is full of cancelled plans and last-minute apologies, it might be time to reassess. True, the occasional business emergency is unavoidable. But if friends and family have come to expect you to flake, work may be dominating your life in an unhealthy way.
Remember, your relationships matter. They’re part of the support system that helps you thrive both personally and professionally.
Ask yourself: How often have I cancelled on loved ones for something that wasn’t truly urgent? And how did that make me feel?
The Bottom Line
Owning a business requires commitment—but overcommitting can lead to burnout, poor health, and even business decline. At London Accountants, we believe a healthy work/life balance is a key component of sustainable success.
Setting boundaries, delegating where possible, and building a reliable support team aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Trust your people, take care of yourself, and remember that time away from work isn’t time wasted—it’s part of the long game.
Need advice on managing your small business more effectively? Get in touch with London Accountants. We’re here to help you build a business that thrives—without burning out.
e: info@londonaccountants.co t: 0203 137 9791
Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants
