Farhiya Abdi
English 118
Spring 1999

“Company Man” by Ellan Goodman is about a man who worked himself to death. He was a workaholic; he spent all his time working. He was working six days a week; he did not have any fun during his life. Also, he did not have a good relationship with his children because of being a workaholic. Even his wife felt he was dead a long time before he actually died. His children did not know their father’s character. After their father’s death, the older son went around the neighborhood researching about his father. Company Man was a type A workaholic.

I know someone who is a workaholic. He is my neighbor; he has his own business, which is a farm. He works seven days a week, he picks vegetables and flowers from the garden, he drives a big truck, and he helps his customers if they need a delivery. He works around his house, too. Even though he is a workaholic, he is different from Company Man. He has a good relationship with his family. Two weeks ago he almost had a heart attack. He spent ten days in the hospital and the doctor told him to stop working hard because of his age. A few days later he started working again because he is a workaholic, he cannot control himself.

In general, workaholics have very little enjoyment in their lives. In addition, they sacrifice their health. They miss a big part of their lives like spending time with their family and socializing. Although, some men may be able to continue their work routine and maintains good relationships, there are also many men who need to change this workaholic lifestyle in order to have a good family life and save their lives. Also remember some workaholics die young.