r/work•
OkArachnid4858

I need advice pls😭

Work-Life Balance and Stress Management

My boyfriend is a restaurant manager and works what feels like nonstop. Most days are 12 hours, and sometimes 15–16 hours. He’s on a fixed monthly salary, so he doesn’t get paid extra for all those additional hours.
I work 40 hours a week myself, but I still do most of the cooking, dishes, groceries, and household tasks. We barely spend time together anymore. I feel more like a roommate than a partner.
We’ve been fighting a lot because I’m exhausted and lonely. I understand he’s under pressure from work, but I’m starting to feel depressed from this situation. I don’t know if this is normal for restaurant managers or if he’s being taken advantage of.
I’m also in a difficult position because I’m living in the Netherlands on a temporary residency permit, so leaving the relationship right now isn’t a simple option.
Has anyone been in a relationship with someone working these kinds of hours? How did you handle it? Did things ever improve?
I really need advice because I feel like I’m reaching my limit.

Posted Jul 23, 2026, 4:54 AM UTC

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