Does everyone take on more projects even when completely exhausted?

It's a common experience to feel compelled to accept additional work, even when you're already feeling drained. Many people struggle with the pressure to always be productive or to avoid saying no, fearing it might negatively impact their career or reputation. This drive often stems from workplace expectations or a personal desire to prove capability, even at a significant personal cost.

Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that over 75% of adults report experiencing symptoms of stress, often linked to work demands, suggesting a widespread struggle with manag

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Am I the only one who keeps taking on more projects, even when completely exhausted?

Am I the Only One?

Is it normal to take on more projects even when completely exhausted?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to take on more projects even when completely exhausted?

Is It Weird?

Why do I take on more projects even when completely exhausted?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

Like, I just turned 58 and I've been teaching third grade for thirty-five years in the same little school, the one I actually went to myself, and you’d think I’d have it all figured out by now. …

burnout denial

Like, someone was telling me this really sad, intense story the other day, about something truly awful that happened to them, and I was sitting there, nodding, making all the right noises, and inside… …

burnout denial

He’s a foreman at a big construction site down the road from where I grew up. …

burnout denial

My dad’s bistro. …

burnout denial

She's got this terrible headache, keeps rubbing her temples, but she's insisting to anyone who asks, which is usually just me, that it’s just her “seasonal allergies acting up. …

burnout denial

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I keep saying yes to new tasks when I'm already overwhelmed?▾
Many individuals say yes to new tasks due to a fear of missing opportunities, a desire to be seen as a team player, or concerns about appearing less committed. Sometimes, it's also a habit developed from past successes when pushing through exhaustion yielded positive results.
What are the common signs of pushing yourself too hard at work?▾
Common signs include persistent fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, reduced productivity despite long hours, sleep problems, and a general lack of enthusiasm for activities you once enjoyed. Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues can also emerge.
How can I start saying no to new work without damaging my career?▾
Begin by assessing your current workload and commitments realistically. When asked to take on something new, you can politely decline by explaining your current capacity or offering to help in a different, more manageable way. Proposing alternative solutions or prioritizing tasks with your manager can also be effective strategies.

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