Career Enmeshment Test: Is your personal identity consumed by your work?

For professionals in high-pressure careers, the line between who you are and what you do can blur — sometimes to the point where it's hard to tell the difference. This three-minute test will help you assess how closely your sense of self is tied to your work and whether it's holding you back.

How it works

Reflect on each question honestly
Select the answer that best reflects your experience over the past 30 days
Get a clearer picture of how your relationship with work might be affecting your well-being

There are no right or wrong answers — just an opportunity to step back and get perspective.

Work Enmeshment Questions

Outside of standard work hours in my profession, I spend the majority of my time either working or thinking about work.

I find it hard to have conversations about myself that don’t revolve around my job or work-related topics.

I feel anxious or uncomfortable when I am not able to work or check my work communications (e.g., email, messages).

When people ask me to describe myself or my interests, it is hard for me to think of things other than work.

I often feel guilty about how I spend my time, whether at work or not.

I find it upsetting or anxiety-provoking to take time off from work (e.g., vacation, sick time).

My mood or sense of self-worth is heavily influenced by my achievements or challenges at work.

People close to me have expressed concern or complained about the amount of time I dedicate to work.

I have often neglected my physical or mental health due to work demands.

Losing my job would cause me to doubt my identity and life's purpose.

I prefer to spend time outside of work on professionally-related activities vs. hobbies unrelated to my job.

I struggle to switch off from work-mode during my leisure time, and often find my mind drifting back to work-related tasks or problems.

Because of work, I miss out on things I’d like to participate in. (e.g., hobbies, social events, family gatherings).

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