Emotional Wellness Mary Symmes is the founder of Self Investment Strategies and a life coach devoted to the empowerment of working women. Mary is also a clinical social worker in Alexandria, Va. Visit her Web site at SelfInvestmentStrategies.com Husband Works A Lot Question: My husband owns his own business and for a variety of reasons, feels he needs to work almost all the time. I miss the family togetherness we used to have. The few hours he does spend with us, he is too tired to do anything fun and all he does is sit in his recliner and watch TV. I've even considered divorce. What should I do? Barb Answer: You have brought up a problem that is widespread in our society, namely workaholism. Workaholism is epidemic in this country, and is often seen as absolutely necessary. It can involve many different factors including substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression/anxiety problems, marital unhappiness, affairs and so on. Small business owners can have a particularly difficult time with stress and overwork. But workaholism is also a very useful and socially sanctioned way to avoid onself (or someone else). Does your husband have a painful, unresolved emotional concern? Were the two of you having any marital trouble, even before he began working such long hours? How much does he drink, or use other drugs? Before you think of divorce, please find a good counselor and go to him/her. You need help with your feelings and with your reactions to your husband. He should join you in the counseling, but if he doesn't you need it anyway. If he is having business problems he can get help from his local Small Business Development Center, funded in part by the Small Business Administration. Please don't delay in getting this help. You have children, and divorce is very hard on kids. It's also very hard on adults - financially, emotionally, and socially. Also, if you don't at least get some understanding of the emotional factors in your marriage, you will likely end up with a similar kind of man again! (That's one of the reasons 65% of second marriages end in divorce). So give it your best shot, and then make your decision. Good luck to you Other Recent Questions: I just started a business, and I can't stop worrying I'm worried that my husband may be having an affair. How can I find out? Ask Mary your questions The above is for general information only and is not intended to substitute for professional mental health treatment. Individuals should consult licensed professionals as needed.