As satisfying as the feeling of completing a project or getting a pat on the back from the boss may be, being overworked is never a good thing. It means you have less time for the things and people you value in your life. If you're under a great deal of stress, you may be suffering from sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, and other health issues. That's why it's always best to work smarter rather than harder. Assess your work day and see if there's any way you can reshuffle your tasks/agenda so as to give you a little breathing room. Maybe you could use a temp or assistant, or perhaps you can ask your boss if he or she can cut back on the number of jobs being thrown your way. And if you feel that all the extra work merits a promotion or pay increase, let your supervisor know. You may very well be rewarded handsomely for the extra time you're putting it, but you won't know for sure until you broach the subject. At the end of the day, employers really ...

It's no wonder so many people opt to take this day off. More than half the people in my department didn't come in today. And the same thing happens every year. Thankfully, they usually let everyone go home around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Coming in to work the day before Thanksgiving has its pros and cons. The day tends to be slow, so it's a safe bet you'll be able to get by without doing much. (I know there are always exceptions, like people who work in hospitals.) Whether this is a good thing really depends on the person. While some who work in stressful, fast-paced jobs may find it a welcome change, others might go stir-crazy while eying the clock every 5 minutes. Since the day tends to drag, having the internet, your earbuds, and/or your smartphone handy will certainly help keep you occupied. Since there's not much happening, many people choose to take the day off, figuring they can spend the day with friends and family without falling behind on their...