I have yet to run into any work-related problem that simply can't wait until tomorrow. If you put in a solid 6-8 hour day, then you've earned the right to let the rest go until tomorrow morning. I don't take my work home with me -- it can wait. I don't check my email when I'm at home -- it can wait. It's not my fault my colleagues check their mail when they're at home, and it's not my fault my manager sets unreasonable expectations. I can only do so much, so when I'm done for the day, I'm done for the day.
Your mileage may vary, but whenever I feel the way you feel, I ask myself, "Will anything change if I stay another 2 hours, or will it be exactly the same tomorrow morning, after a fresh night of sleep?" and the answer is almost "exactly the same." So I go home, have a nice dinner, relax with my girlfriend, and get a good night's sleep so I'm ready to tackle the problem again the next day.
And if I'm ever in a situation where someone is harassing me to work extra hours for no extra pay, that's the day I quit.
Work shouldn't be stressful in a bad way. (There is such thing as good stress.) If it is, someone is being unreasonable -- it may be you, it may be your colleagues, it may be your boss, but either way, it's time to step back and look at the big picture.
Your mileage may vary, but whenever I feel the way you feel, I ask myself, "Will anything change if I stay another 2 hours, or will it be exactly the same tomorrow morning, after a fresh night of sleep?" and the answer is almost "exactly the same." So I go home, have a nice dinner, relax with my girlfriend, and get a good night's sleep so I'm ready to tackle the problem again the next day.
And if I'm ever in a situation where someone is harassing me to work extra hours for no extra pay, that's the day I quit.
Work shouldn't be stressful in a bad way. (There is such thing as good stress.) If it is, someone is being unreasonable -- it may be you, it may be your colleagues, it may be your boss, but either way, it's time to step back and look at the big picture.
Can this wait until tomorrow?
Yes, it can.