Don’t Let Your Nonprofit Job Crush Your Soul
By Sam Davidson
I know you. You hopped into the nonprofit world because you have a deep passion for the issue at hand. Whether you’re providing meals for the hungry, education for the masses, or research for the cure, your values and dreams compelled you to give 40 hours a week in order to fight for what you believe in. It feels great to do meaningful work, and it’s nice that you can pay your rent by doing something you think is important.
But watch out. Burn out is real and it seems to sneak up on those of us in the nonprofit sector quicker than other industries.
It’s easy to ignore the signs in favor of the mission. Stress can affect anyone, but in the nonprofit world, we superheroes shrug it off because we’re doing good. Our conscience beats our sub-conscious into submission by convincing it that even though we’re tired, ragged, and over-worked, we’re making a real difference in the lives of our clients. “And isn’t that what it’s all about?” it says. “Better you suffer a little than so many more keep going without.”
And while this may be true, the same things that can stress you out in a pressure-packed corporate gig can eat you up while working for a charity. Our bodies are governed by the laws of science. Too much work and too little fun can make anyone want to scream.
So, before you throw your desk out the window while fretting over another grant application, a staffing emergency, or a brand new idea to save the world, try one of these ideas to stay balanced, sane, and productive:
Shut it down every day. Depending upon your specific job, your hours may vary. Regardless, you don’t need to always be “on.” Whether you don’t check email between 5 PM and 10 PM or you don’t answer your phone once you leave the office, carve out daily time to be off the clock.
Get support. Seek out others in the nonprofit sector who are also hard working, passionate individuals. Be sure to encourage one another and also commiserate as needed at happy hour. Sharing battle stories can give us the strength we need to keep fighting.
Go away and learn. While still technically work, go to a conference or convention to better yourself as a professional. This way, you’re not using vacation time, you’re getting better at your job, and you’ll interact with others in your line of work. Conferences and events can be a great way to rejuvenate and relax while still getting work done (assuming you’re not the one planning it).
Clue your boss in. Before you have a break down or quit, let your boss or mentor know that things are getting hectic. A good one will provide you with the resources needed to manage through the stress and drain so you can be stronger. He or she can also recognize when something is really getting to you and you need to take a step back.
In other words, don’t get so bogged down by your daily work that you start to hate it. Then, you could end up resenting your organization, the issue area, or the nonprofit sector overall. And, because nonprofits are often staffed by deeply passionate people, the world will have lost someone who could have done so much good. Ask for help, take a breather, and keep on keeping on.
About the Author: Sam Davidson is a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur, who tell stories that need telling. He is the co-founder of Cool People Care, a media and merchandise company that raises money and awareness for the world’s most important causes. He is a frequent conference speaker and his most recent book is Simplify Your Life. He also maintains a personal website to access his blog, book, and speaking schedule at SamDavidson.net. He lives in Nashville with his wife and daughter.
I know you. You hopped into the nonprofit world because you have a deep passion for the issue at hand. Whether you’re providing meals for the hungry, education for the masses, or research for the cure, your values and dreams compelled you to give 40 hours a week in order to fight for what you believe in. It feels great to do meaningful work, and it’s nice that you can pay your rent by doing something you think is important.
But watch out. Burn out is real and it seems to sneak up on those of us in the nonprofit sector quicker than other industries.
It’s easy to ignore the signs in favor of the mission. Stress can affect anyone, but in the nonprofit world, we superheroes shrug it off because we’re doing good. Our conscience beats our sub-conscious into submission by convincing it that even though we’re tired, ragged, and over-worked, we’re making a real difference in the lives of our clients. “And isn’t that what it’s all about?” it says. “Better you suffer a little than so many more keep going without.”
And while this may be true, the same things that can stress you out in a pressure-packed corporate gig can eat you up while working for a charity. Our bodies are governed by the laws of science. Too much work and too little fun can make anyone want to scream.
So, before you throw your desk out the window while fretting over another grant application, a staffing emergency, or a brand new idea to save the world, try one of these ideas to stay balanced, sane, and productive:
In other words, don’t get so bogged down by your daily work that you start to hate it. Then, you could end up resenting your organization, the issue area, or the nonprofit sector overall. And, because nonprofits are often staffed by deeply passionate people, the world will have lost someone who could have done so much good. Ask for help, take a breather, and keep on keeping on.
About the Author: Sam Davidson is a speaker, writer, and entrepreneur, who tell stories that need telling. He is the co-founder of Cool People Care, a media and merchandise company that raises money and awareness for the world’s most important causes. He is a frequent conference speaker and his most recent book is Simplify Your Life. He also maintains a personal website to access his blog, book, and speaking schedule at SamDavidson.net. He lives in Nashville with his wife and daughter.
