Always saying yes at work? You might be a victim of competence hangover

Competence hangover describes a workplace pattern where dependable employees gradually accumulate excessive responsibilities because they consistently deliver results. Over time, reliability attracts more work, turning cooperation into constant obligation. High performers struggle to decline tasks, often driven by imposter syndrome and job insecurity. The result is burnout, reduced productivity and fragile teams, highlighting the need for clearer boundaries and visible workloads.