High performance only leads to more work - where do you draw the line?
I work as an engineer in Germany and have been with the same company for several years. My contract is 40 hours per week, but in reality I regularly work significantly more.
Over the years, I built up a lot of responsibility. The problem is that good performance seems to only lead to even more work. Right now I am handling around 18 projects in parallel and am also expected to take on more technical ownership and responsibility.
Support exists in theory, but is limited in practice. Part of the support is still quite junior and requires a lot of guidance and coordination, so a lot still ends up on my desk.
I have already raised concerns about my workload and lack of capacity, but so far there has been little concrete relief or prioritization. Instead, the pressure seems to keep increasing.
On top of that, I have a small child at home, so recovery time and exercise are currently difficult.
I’m starting to notice clear warning signs: constant mental pressure, irritability, difficulty switching off, and the feeling that things never really get lighter.
People around me are starting to suggest taking some kind of break or time off, but I am honestly worried that doing so could damage or slow down my career.
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
How do you set boundaries without feeling like you are slowing down your career?
At what point does this become more of a structural company issue rather than just a personal stress or time management problem?