I'm currently working at a small company where I've been feeling the pressure of being overworked. We started with six employees, but now it's just me and four others. As the newest hire, I've been forced to take on extra hours, which I initially didn't mind, but it's become overwhelming. I'm constantly exhausted, spending all my time working and sleeping. I've approached my boss about hiring a replacement, but they seem reluctant to do so, expressing a lack of trust in potential new hires. I've been contemplating asking for fewer hours because I genuinely need a break, but I'm terrified of the consequences. A coworker tried to reduce their hours in the past and ended up with drastically reduced shifts, which makes me hesitant to speak up. I really need this job, but I don't know how much longer I can keep going like this.