Feeling more fed up than festive?

If you’re already on the verge of burnout, the holiday season can leave you feeling more fed up than festive.

New research from Eagle Hill Consulting shows that more than half of U.S. employees are experiencing burnout (any guesses on how those numbers could increase exponentially if we looked specifically at the nonprofit sector?)

Personally, I know the signs too well - because ten years ago, I reached the point of full-on work related burnout.

The amazing, fulfilling work I had cared deeply about for almost a decade felt pointless.

I was irritable and impatient at the office, and would often withdraw and isolate myself from my co-workers. I had difficulty focusing on my work, and felt like I had been drained of all of my energy.

Looking back, I can see clearly I had classic symptoms of burnout - sudden behaviour change, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, irritability and exhaustion, just to name a few.

I didn’t know what was happening to me then, and didn’t really have the words to describe it - and unfortunately, my employer wasn’t able to recognize the signs either.

If you are going through something similar, I hope you will reach out to a trusted colleague, friend or loved one to get the support you need.

You may also find some useful insights in this conversation I had with Dr. Adia Gooden earlier this year, about the crucial connection between self-compassion and fundraiser burnout.​

We discussed what organizations can do to shift their culture, and role-model and encourage greater self-compassion within their teams, as well as how fundraisers and nonprofit leaders can cultivate this important skill.

If you are experiencing burnout right now, I have an important message I want you to hear: No matter how pointless things may seem right now, and now matter how exhausted you feel, there IS light at the end of the tunnel, and life after burnout!

Take care of yourself!