8 Ways to Deal with a Workaholic Boyfriend ...

8 Ways to Deal with a Workaholic Boyfriend ...
By Heather • Nov 14, 2025

Learning the ins and outs of how to deal with a workaholic boyfriend without seeming clingy is difficult – even in the best cases. With everybody trying to move forward in their careers and to make as much money as possible, learning how to deal with a workaholic boyfriend now is going to be important. I'm a workaholic girlfriend and my partner had to learn how to deal with me. It's hard, girls, but possible. So, you ready to learn how you can handle your boyfriend if he is a workaholic?

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1. Is It Worth Fighting for?

When you're first learning how to deal with a workaholic boyfriend, you've got to ask yourself: is it worth it? I know it's a hard question to ask yourself, but truthfully, picking your battles is the key to any relationship. Is his workaholic nature actually affecting your relationship? Is he not as attentive as he once was? Does he not pay attention to you?

***

When it comes to dealing with a workaholic boyfriend, it can be a challenge. It’s important to ask yourself if it’s worth it to try and make it work. Picking your battles is essential to any relationship, and it’s important to consider if his workaholic nature is actually having an effect on your relationship.

If your boyfriend is always working and not paying attention to you, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy relationship. He may be too busy to take you out on dates or to even have conversations with you. This can be a source of tension in the relationship.

However, it is possible to make it work with a workaholic boyfriend. The key is to communicate openly and honestly with him. Make sure he knows how you feel and that you need him to make time for you. Talk to him about your expectations and what you need from him.

It’s also important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re spending time with friends and family, and engaging in activities that make you happy. It’s essential to maintain your own life and interests, even if your boyfriend is always busy.

2. Discuss Your Feelings with Him

Have you ever talked to your boyfriend about your feelings? Have you ever discussed exactly what you want from him? This could be one of the ways to get through to him, girls! Who knows, maybe he has absolutely no idea how you feel about how much he works!

3. Give Him Time to Weigh His Options

I know that it's hard to give your partner time to actually change, but you've got to. You can't make it all or nothing when it comes to his job, girls, especially if he is really trying to make something of himself. A man's job is typically his pride and you've got to give him time to weigh his options between his relationship and his job.

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Pressuring him for immediate decisions might push him to choose hastily, and no one wants a resolution made under duress. Remember, your support is key during this period of deliberation. Encourage him to take a balanced approach, weigh the pros and cons, and consider the impact on both his professional goals and personal life. By showing understanding, you fortify your bond and demonstrate that you value his ambitions as well as the relationship. True commitment comes with patience; it's about being his confidant, not just his clock-watcher.

4. Try to Be Understanding

While you might feel that you should be the most important thing in the world, you've got to make sure that you are trying to understand his point of view. Put yourself in his shoes, girls. How would you feel if he was bringing up all of these points in reference to your career? You've got to think about that!

If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.

5. Sketch out a Schedule for the Two of You

If you are really trying to make sure that your needs and your boyfriend's needs are met, why not come up with a schedule? That way you both know what days you are going to be together and what days he may have to work late or can allow himself to work late. Sometimes just making sure you have time to spend together helps.

6. Work/Life Balance

When you're dealing with a workaholic boyfriend, you've got to remember – he doesn't know what work/life balance is. This is what you're going to have to teach him. A lot of guys don't think that date nights and little outings are important, so you've got to make sure that you let him know that you care about those things!

***

Work/life balance is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship with a workaholic partner. According to studies, workaholics have a higher risk of experiencing burnout, which can lead to decreased productivity and strained relationships. It is crucial to communicate with your partner and set boundaries to ensure that both of your needs are met. Plan regular date nights and encourage your partner to take breaks and prioritize self-care. It may also be helpful to seek professional help to address any underlying issues that may be causing your partner's workaholic behavior. Remember, a healthy work/life balance is essential for a successful and fulfilling relationship.

7. Apply a Few Ground Rules

Always, when you are learning how to deal with a workaholic boyfriend, lay down some ground rules. Designate a day a week for a date night, make sure that you both always have dinner together, allow for him to work late sometimes . It's all about compromise, girls.

8. Accept It

Finally, sometimes, you've got to just accept that he is a workaholic and that you won't be able to change him. That doesn't mean that you should allow him to treat you any differently or that he should get away with anything, but you've go to accept that his career is very important to him.

So all you workaholic-boyfriend lovers, do you have any other tips that will help someone that is not use to their workaholic boyfriend? Anything I didn't cover? Share your stories and experiences!

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Faz

    2013-01-21T05:25:38.000Z

    The guy im dating has no time to the point that he suggested that we date on the job which is the studio. I like him but is this sweet or just lazy?
  • Nat

    2017-04-24T14:33:55.074Z

    I was wondering if anyone could give me some advise on how to cope with a new relationship where the job literally rules there life. He works so much and sometimes he can't even tell me where he is going and when he'll be back. We could be messaging one minute and then 2 weeks later I get a reply.
  • Bahay

    2018-01-26T03:43:55.381Z

    I'm dating a foreign business man and I am also busy with my career,. we mostly talk with each other only through social media, and i'm glad because despite of his busy schedule he still make time to check out his phone to leave a message.he is always busy with his business trip lately. I just don't know how can we build up a stronger relationship with our set up. Although we both agree with it. Do we still have a chance to take this dating into a more serious,  strong and healthy relationship?
  • britt

    2013-01-27T05:45:42.000Z

    my boyfriend works 12 hour days and has a screwed up schedule so he is either sleeping or working, we live together and barley get to see each other
  • Vivy

    2013-06-14T22:09:05.000Z

    Ok, so the deal with my boyfriend. Is that his job is for slaves... I mean he works so much sometimes he can't even come home to sleep. His job is on oil related things so he is constantly going into platforms for periods of 3-5 days per week and whenever he is on land he needs to submit reports and thing. Also another of our troubles is our difference in culture... He is russian and I am mexican. He is an introvert and I am the opposite but we are really kind into each other. Lately he is been saying things like I should not love him cause i will only suffer beside him... because he can't provide me with a good relationship and eventually i'll get tired and leave him... he pisses me off whenever he start with those things. Any advice?
  • Katie

    2013-01-28T08:11:34.000Z

    My boyfriend is not a workaholic but he is into studying. He is aiming for straight As this semester because this is his last semester at UC. I understand that I should support him but I feel like he doesn't care about me anymore. I feel like I'm a burden to him and just a waste if his time. What should I do?
  • Mara

    2015-01-09T20:26:52.446Z

    I like this guy that works for the Railroad and works 12 hrs 5 days a week and has his son on his days off. How can I convenience him that I will not walk away like the other women did?
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