If You're A Workaholic, It May Have Come From Your Parents (VIDEO)

Is Being A Workaholic A Generational Thing?
|

Whether you're a workaholic or you can't wait for the clock to strike 5 every day, you can thank your parents for the way you look at work.

Some people are incredibly career-driven, while others find their passion in their personal lives and work simply to support their lifestyle. Those are examples of the "work orientation" that defines the way every employee approaches work each day.

A new study from the University of Michigan has found that each individual's work orientation is largely influenced by that of their parents.

That is certainly true for Zack Rosenberg, the founder of DoGoodBuyUs. Rosenberg told HuffPost Live's Nancy Redd that he's taken his career cues from his parents and their parents.

"There's no question about it. It's a generational thing. Both my parents were entrepreneurs, both their parents were entrepreneurs, their parents were entrepreneurs," Rosenberg said.

And the trend seems to be continuing with Rosenberg's own 6-year-old son.

"I brought him to my father's office, and he's like, 'Grandpa, do you think I could be the boss today?'" Rosenberg said. "Of course my dad was like, 'Sure.' So he went and grabbed a tie off the back of his door, runs around the office and starts saying, 'Hey, are you guys working? Are you guys working? Alright, just making sure!'"

Catch the full conversation about parents' influence on their children's work ethic at HuffPost Live HERE.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

5 Reasons Work Is Good For Your Health
It Keeps You Out Of Poverty (01 of05)
Open Image Modal
This may sound glib at first, but it's really true. Having a regular income means that you can avoid many of the health pitfalls of poverty and profound poverty. These include, according to the CDC, access to health care, management of chronic conditions, a healthful, nutritious diet, regular exercise, a reduction in stress and overall good mental health. And, as we covered recently, sleep problems can disproportionately affect the poor. (credit:Alamy)
It Gives You Access To Better Care(02 of05)
Open Image Modal
Sure the Affordable Healthcare for America Act will help close the gap, but having employer-based insurance is a major indicator of healthfulness. Not only do these insurance plans make it easier to have regular check ups and continuous medication coverage, they often offer wellness incentives, like discounted gym memberships, smoking cessation programs and weight loss counseling. (credit:alamy)
It Makes You Feel Socially Connected(03 of05)
Open Image Modal
Research shows that people who have good relationships with coworkers actually live longer. They also report greater happiness and life satisfaction. Overall, belonging to a group provides a social safety net that is associated with longevity. (credit:alamy)
It Can Help You Recover(04 of05)
Open Image Modal
For those who have been unemployed -- especially due to injury or illness -- evidence shows that returning to work can speed recovery. (credit:alamy)
It Helps Us Find Purpose In Old Age(05 of05)
Open Image Modal
Work is often tied up in our sense of purpose and one indication of that is the growing number of people who choose to keep working into old age. Dr. Robert Butler, founding director of the National Institute on Aging and CEO of the International Longevity Center told NPR that older adults may continue working because "they have something to get up for in the morning. It gives them a real goal, a sense of meaning." (credit:alamy)