⏰ What it means to have grown up with a work-addicted parent
Growing up with a work-addicted parent meant learning that your parent's career consumed their life, making you feel like an afterthought in their endless routine of meetings, deadlines, and professional obligations.
You may have learned to shrink your existence to fit what felt available, becoming incredibly self-reliant and resourceful out of necessity. The inconsistent presence of your parent meant never knowing if they would show up for your important moments, teaching you that commitments are always conditional and subject to last-minute changes when work demands took priority.
You may have developed a deep belief that your needs are inherently burdensome and that you must be entirely self-sufficient because ultimately, everyone is too busy with their own priorities to truly be there for you. You might equate a person's availability with their love, measuring care by physical presence rather than the quality of connection.