Blog Post #3: Burnout

A nonprofit guide to spotting the signs and sparking a healthier work life.

Working in the nonprofit sector can be deeply rewarding—but also uniquely exhausting. The passion that drives nonprofit professionals is a double-edged sword: it fuels mission-driven work but can also lead to overextension, chronic stress, and ultimately burnout. If you’re feeling drained, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the work you once loved, you’re not alone. Here’s how to recognize and manage burnout while continuing to make a difference.

Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Understaffed teams, limited funding, unrealistic expectations, lack of boundaries, and a scarcity mindset, all contribute to burnout. 

It’s crucial to catch the early signs of burnout before it spirals.

Common symptoms include:

  • Constant fatigue, even after rest.
  • Irritability or cynicism toward your organization’s mission or coworkers.
  • Declining performance and increased mistakes.
  • Disconnection from work, colleagues, or clients.
  • Physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, or digestive issues.

If several of these resonate for you or a member of your team, it’s time to take action. Here are some suggestions for first steps:

  • Take your lunch break away from your desk.
  • Use your PTO—without guilt.
  • Consider a digital detox on weekends.
  • Define your work hours and stick to them.
  • Avoid checking email after hours or during vacation.
  • Politely say “no” to extra tasks that fall outside your role or capacity.
  • Learn to delegate or let go of lower-priority tasks.
  • Advocate for wellness in your organization


You don’t have to manage burnout alone. Collaborate with colleagues, family and friends, and if needed, be a role model in your circle of influence by seeking a mental health professional to help you establish healthy boundaries and build a resilience for your wellbeing. 

Remember: taking care of yourself is not just a personal necessity—it’s a professional responsibility. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and the world needs your energy to last.

Denise E. Bennett
Consultant

As a specialized writer of grants, policies, procedures and well-told stories, Denise’s career spans more than 35 years of for-profit and nonprofit experience in the medical, banking and social services professions. Her financial acuity and love of writing led her to a successful career in grant writing and nonprofit fundraising. Denise has significant experience in fund development, grant writing and management, as well as operations oversight for a variety of nonprofit organizations. An achievement-focused innovator, she is a strong collaborator and strategic thinker, able to resolve workplace challenges. Denise is a graduate of Belmont University and has an MBA from Keller School of Management.

M. Leslie Palmer
Founding Principal | Managing Consultant

With decades of for-profit and nonprofit experience, Leslie shares her expertise and partners with other strong practitioners to help grow the capacity and success of the nonprofit community. Leslie brings practical experience to clients, having served on numerous boards of nonprofit organizations. Leslie has significant experiences on the other side of the table, as well, having worked in leadership and management for organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, American Red Cross, City Year San Antonio and World Affairs Council of San Antonio. Leslie is a dedicated maven, leader, and perceptor who strives to embolden clients to achieve their goals. Originally from Newport, RI, Leslie is a graduate of Villanova University.