by Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Two years ago, I embarked on an exhilarating journey to help create Tennessee’s first statewide nonprofit association. It was a mission fueled by passion and a shared vision of a stronger nonprofit community. And while those initial meetings felt like a lifetime ago, in just two short years, Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN) has blossomed into a vibrant and impactful organization.
We’ve reached milestones that once seemed like distant dreams: skyrocketing membership in the form of 100 new nonprofit members per month, the launch of essential statewide benefit programs like a health insurance plan and a retirement plan, and successful statewide events like our Advocacy Summit in Nashville and Nonprofit Talent and Culture Summit in Chattanooga. These achievements are a testament to the unwavering dedication of the TNN team and the broader nonprofit community. On a personal level, this has been a labor of love for me that has been a dream come true. Tennessee has so needed a state association for so long, and I’m proud to be a part of making it happen.
Burnout: The Unseen Side of Success
Yet, amidst this moment of triumph, I have to be transparent: I’m experiencing major burnout. And it’s not just the “I need a vacation” kind of tired. It’s the kind of exhaustion that seeps into every facet of life – work, relationships, even the simple pleasures. The joy I usually find in my work has faded, replaced by irritability and a persistent fatigue. It’s a heavy burden to carry, and one I haven’t felt in years.
What does this look like for me? My sleep patterns have become increasingly erratic. The work I normally find most rewarding feels like a chore. I’m considerably more irritable both at home and at work. I have become hypervigilant, hypersensitive, impatient, and restless. The idea of being social sounds….awful. I make stupid mistakes and have trouble remembering simple things like people’s names or items on my to do list. I haven’t worked out in ages, nor do I have the energy to do so. I want to eat everything in sight. I just want to go to sleep and turn my brain off for a bit, but that has become increasingly more difficult to do.
In the pursuit of building TNN, I willingly sacrificed countless hours, late nights, and weekends. And while those sacrifices felt worthwhile at the time, the toll on my well-being is undeniable. I can’t lead nonprofits in the state in this state of being. Fortunately, I recognized the onset early, and I’ve worked to address it before it gets the best of me…and Tennessee Nonprofit Network. I look forward to coming back in September without the weight of burnout on my shoulders so I can enjoy the work again!
This is not an uncommon feeling in the nonprofit world, especially for leaders. Our identities are so connected to our work that work/life balance seems like something from a fairy tale. Unicorns probably have great work/life balances. The rest of us…not so much.
A Sabbatical for Renewal
To address this burnout head-on, I worked with my board and made the decision to take a sabbatical in August. This isn’t a decision I made lightly. It’s a deliberate step back to focus on rest, reflection, and ultimately, a healthier, more sustainable approach to my work. I saw the signs of burnout coming late last year, and I knew that I would have to address it. I care too deeply about the work that I do and the nonprofits we serve to let burnout upend the momentum we have built in this organization. This sabbatical is not only a gift to myself but to my coworkers, our member organizations, and my loved ones.
I want to be clear: this sabbatical isn’t a sudden departure. It’s part of a plan that’s been in place for months. We’ve built a rock-solid team at TNN, and they are more than equipped to handle the day-to-day operations in my absence. Our board has been actively involved in this planning process, ensuring a seamless transition during my time away.
Our COO, an absolute powerhouse, has gone above and beyond to guarantee we’re not just in compliance, but exceeding expectations in every area. We have processes in place to address any challenges that may arise, ensuring TNN continues to thrive and serve the nonprofit community. Our CPO has already calendared our programming through January 2025. Our CDPO has a handle on the fundraising and is doing a bang-up job of bringing in new funding partners. Also, each of them have threatened to read me for filth if I respond to a single email while I’m on hiatus, and I know they are serious!
Let’s Normalize and Destigmatize Conversations About Burnout
Why am I telling you this? Seems risky, right? I can’t imagine not talking openly about this. As President & CEO of Tennessee Nonprofit Network, it’s my responsibility to talk about what’s really happening in the sector, even if it puts me in a vulnerable position. As much as I’d love for you to think that I am made of steel, I am not. I am human. You are, too. When we are in burnout mode, we are not the best version of ourselves. We have to give ourselves grace, and we have to give others grace and support when they are burning out. We have to be more open and transparent about our burnout, and we need to start having more conversations in the sector about how to authentically support leaders who are burning out. I remember years ago someone told a group of nonprofit CEOs they were taking a sabbatical, and people snickered. Today, these are serious conversations that aren’t to be scoffed at. Burnout is real. We are real.
My experience underscores the critical importance of recognizing the signs of burnout before they escalate. It’s about having a plan in place, a team you trust implicitly, and the support of a board that understands the human side of leadership. For many people, burnout leads to quitting their job. I don’t want to leave, though. I want to be restored so I can continue on for years to come, if the nonprofit sector and TNN will have me.
Burnout doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of passion or dedication. If you’re feeling the weight of burnout, please don’t hesitate to prioritize your well-being. Take the time you need to recharge, seek support, and put a plan in place to create a more sustainable path forward.
As for me, I’ll be back in September, refreshed and ready to continue the TNN journey with renewed energy and enthusiasm. In the meantime, I have complete faith in the incredible team we’ve built, and I look forward to witnessing their continued success in my absence.
And yes, there will be a part 2 to this blog, coming after my month off. Stay tuned!
Recommendations for Preventing & Addressing Burnout:
Are you suffering from burnout? Here are a few tips on how to recognize and address your own burnout.
- Recognize the Signs: Be aware of the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of burnout. Don’t ignore persistent fatigue, irritability, or a loss of enjoyment in your work.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply disconnecting from work.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This could mean setting specific work hours, limiting after-hours communication, or designating certain days for rest and relaxation.
- Delegate & Build a Strong Team: Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks, empower your team, and build a support network you can rely on.
- Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or career coach. They can offer a listening ear, valuable advice, and help you navigate the challenges of burnout.
- Consider a Sabbatical or Leave: If burnout is severe, a temporary break from work can provide the space and time needed for recovery and reflection.
- Plan for the Future: After recovering from burnout, create a sustainable plan for your work life. This may involve adjusting your workload, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing your well-being.