Jordan Weissmann, author of the "Is There Such a Thing As a Workaholic?"article, presents several studies about "workaholics". He states what exactly qualifies as a workaholic and what are the effects of a workaholic lifestyle. Wiessmann makes is that it is difficult to discern someone that is simply devoted to their job from an actual addict. He also mentions some pros and cons of being addicted to work.
The selection is brief but effective. The author starts with an attention-getter in his introduction right away about American psychologist Wayne Oates. Weissmann talks about how in Oates' obituary, he wrote 57 books and invented the word "workaholic"and that he suffered of it himself. This allows the writing to transition smoothly. Before anything else, however, an artistic picture by Cristiana Couceiro with red and blue colors stands out. It contributes to the subject of the article overall because it shows a man in a desk repeated several times and over him, is a heart monitor line indicating stress. The author also has a clear thesis "Newer diagnostic tests attempt to single out those who, among other behaviors, binge and then suffer from withdrawal—just as someone would with, say, a gambling or cocaine habit." All of the evidence help support this thesis. He uses adequate and credible sources, such as psychologist Bryan Robinson and journalists (cited on the end of the article), and relevant information like statistic of the amount of workaholics in America and studies concerning the effects of workaholism at home (marriage and relationship with kids). However, the example of Japan towards the last paragraph is a little misfit since Weismann has been talking only about America beforehand. Overall, despite its serious tone, Jordan Weissmann is able to create interest and still inform and persuade the reader about an underrated, severe problem today.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/09/the-work-addiction/309437/
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