I cried in a meeting today!

I would be going to the boss with the list, telling them what is possible for you to do, and what is not possible. Which number of tasks do you have the capacity to do? And ask which ones are top priority, because you cannot do it all. Keep it matter of fact. And are they paying you enough for this shit?

I used to be in a similar position. Prioritizing Work Life Balance is a game changer. I’ve noticed that no matter what I do, I never seem to have enough money. We’re ALWAYS gonna want more, to go higher, to make more, to spend more. I’m breaking the cycle. Learning to do more with less and I’m so much better for it. Yea I don’t get to take a luxury week abroad, but I DO get a 3 day weekend just about every weekend and get tons of flexibility. And I’m more than happy to spend most of them days cuddling up on the couch with the dog and watching tv, or playing video games with the kids or whatever.

The art of saying no. You probably are a perfectionist, you probably want to handle everything because of it, you know you're already stressed, and you know it isn't feasible to continue like this. You legitimately have to learn to say no. If they don't take that for an answer, warn them that it won't be able to get done, and DO. NOT. DO. IT. Also, if you're in a position to delegate, try off loading some of your work onto people that could/want to do it. I have worked with people like you in the past, and I gladly helped out where I could, because I had to do something during my day.

You are not pointless. You are just not as the right place.

Number 1 mistake is you're a perfectionist. Adjust quality and quantity to the standards of living your paycheck guarantees.

Very early in my career, I had to take more than a few days off for my parents'silver wedding anniversary. It was a small team and we had tight deadlines. The request got approved but the manager kinda shamed me in front of the team for asking for such a request at such a critical juncture. I was young and new and it obviously made me break a little. The team lead pulls me aside 5 mins later and said to me "when you're 60, retired and looking back at your career. You're not going to wish you did those 5 extra document reviews. You're going to wish you took some time back for yourself and for the things that mattered in life to you". I say the same thing to you. It's okay to refuse work. It's okay to start working on your terms. Really, what is the worst that could happen? You sound like a good employee. You'd get a new job. In my experience, I think I've done some of my best work when I've worked on my own terms for the sake of the team rather than listening to idiot managers.