An overworked engineer says he's an example of men taking on too much because of their 'bigger egos.' It could be why so many of them are leaving the workforce.

• Mason Garfield has been an engineer for over a decade. 
• He used to enjoy his job, but when his employer got bought, he said he began working 80-hour weeks.
• He eventually quit. He speculated a lot of men burned out at work because of a fear of seeking help.

Mason Garfield didn't realize how much work ruled his thoughts until he had to take a break.

For 12 years, he was the engineering manager for a global supplier to the mining industry in Australia. Garfield, 38, spoke on condition that his real name not be used and that his employer remain anonymous for privacy reasons, but both have been verified by Insider.