Should I tell my boss I’m overwhelmed?

Yes — tell your boss, but do it as a priorities and workload conversation, not a vent.

Best approach:

• First, list your tasks with deadlines and estimated time.
• Ask for a short 1-on-1 instead of bringing it up casually.
• Focus on quality and business goals: “I want to make sure I’m delivering strong work, but my current load is making that hard.”
• Bring options: ask which tasks should move, pause, or be delegated.
• Set a boundary for future work: “If this is added, what should I swap it with?”

Simple script:
“I’m feeling stretched across my current workload and want to make sure I’m prioritizing the right things. Can we review what’s most important and what can wait?”

That keeps the conversation professional and makes it easier for your boss to help.