Depending where and what you're working for. If you really like the job and the work environment is not that bad and it's just matter of loads of work, just think that you'll get reward someday. (such as getting paid more!) Physical labor is actually better than mental stress. BUT, if the your co-workers are group of psychos and idiots well.. it drives me mad too. For me, I like working. I like what I'm doing for my life. Yet, I do have psychos and idiots at work. I cannot ignore them coz they're related to what I'm doing at work. So, when I see them I give them a big fake smile. Saying in my head 'f**k-off' If your overtime working continues for another week. Just get a day off saying; Boss, I'm sick.

The best solution is you love your job very much, you enjoy working it. But mostly it isn't, many people say they are tired, endless OT is boring...even someone said he's gonna to save money and prepare to retire ASAP! Sometimes I also think so...I'm not a psychiatrist, if you find your way out please share your experience with me.

Overtime is either inefficient or really lack of manpower. But if you like the work, why not? Is not about money, but sometimes is something you are aiming for or trying to proof. Either way, those who work overtime hopes to be appreciated and compensated at least. Do it when is required, so that you will not be label inefficient. If lack of manpower, either ask for compensation or addition helping hand.

I have no problems working overtime but I expect to be compensated appropriately. In the USA, at least in my area, overtime pay is calculated at 1.5x normal hourly pay. If my boss wanted me to work exorbitant amounts of overtime, I would expect additional concessions besides the pay. The work place is profiting/benefiting from my presence, they should compensate me for my time. In some of my past jobs, I have received 'gift cards', a paid day off, additional sick time, etc. In the USA, the tax on your income is calculated by how much you earn. Too much overtime can bump you into the higher tax bracket, causing you to pay more tax. Essentially, you have worked extra time without the benefit of extra pay because you are paying it back in the additional tax. A company should be cognizant of it's workers welfare, in my opinion. The worker is helping the company by working the overtime and should be rewarded not punished. If it is picking up extra time because a co-worker is sick, that's different, but if it's to work extra hours because the company is trying to save money by not hiring more help, that isn't to my benefit. Why should I work more if the additional money is only going to end up in the owner's pockets?