Work...what does it mean other than a paycheck?

how many ppl do u kno who are obsessed with their work, who are type "a" or have stress related diseases and who can't slow down? can't slow down because they use their routine to distract themselves; to reduce life to only its practical considerations. how many ppl do u know that use their work as an excuse to "be who they are"?  to justify why they have succeeded to this point in life?  if you get to work early, work thru lunch, stay late and then take it home or do work from home, what does one have left for one's self? does it matter what u have left or does it matter that the job got done...