So I want to ask you all — my department head keeps giving me extra tasks like constantly, what should I do? I'm really confused.

I'm 24, doing a master's at the university in Nakhon Ratchasima and I'm working part-time as a research assistant for the department. I've been here almost a year. Main tasks are prepping documents, a bit of coordination, sometimes looking after lab equipment, and occasionally tutoring students. But lately the head of department (the big professor) keeps adding more and more jobs and I'm like whattt.

It started with asking me to draft a meeting form — that was fine, I did it, took about 3 hours at night, deliver it the next morning. But after that they had me contact villagers in the community to collect data. That took two full days off, about 10 hours each day, and the pay didn't even cover travel. I used the same blue gel pen I use for lecture notes. It was tiring, but I didn't complain out loud because I'm worried about image, though I feel like it's beyond part-time.

Last month they had me make the whole slide system for a seminar — design, typing, arranging pictures, so many files. And on the event day only two people showed up to help. It was dead. Really dead. I get that everyone is busy, but this feels like a full-time job without a contract. Not cool, right?

I asked about extra pay or clear hours before, and the replies are always “we'll talk later” or “please help me, student.” It's never a clear agreement. I end up doing other people's work sometimes, and some colleagues who get full pay don't really help, so I feel exploited T_T

Some days I get back to the dorm almost ten pm and have to fix stuff until midnight, spending 2–3 hours on files until my eyes are sore. My roommate tells me to rest, but I'm afraid of unfinished work. My grades are starting to drop. I try to be responsible, but I can't keep up — am I being too narrow-minded? Or should I tell them straight that I can only do up to this much and if they add more, they need to pay clearly? I'm scared that saying that will mess up my relationship with the professor. I don't want to be seen as stubborn, but I also don't want to be taken advantage of.

Also the office vibe is quiet and cold, people barely talk, and the way some look at me while I'm working is weird, like they're judging me all the time. Maybe I'm overthinking ㅋㅋㅋㅋ but it's more uncomfortable than usual. And supervisors sometimes call me for urgent tasks in the morning right before midterms. Sigh.

I don't want to quit because I still need the scholarship and experience, but if staying costs me time and mental health, is it worth it? Those of you who've dealt with this, what did you do? How do I set boundaries, or is there a polite way to ask for fair treatment? I'm really not good at confrontation.

What do you think I should do?

P.S. Typing on my phone so sorry if I missed stuff, first time making a thread.