When Purpose Comes at a Cost: Burnout in Mission-Driven Work
If you work in a field like climate justice, animal rights, or humanitarian aid, chances are your job is more than just a job—it's a calling. You care deeply, you give generously, and you’re driven by a sense of urgency that doesn’t switch off at 5pm. But what happens when your passion for making the world a better place starts to take a toll on your own well-being and mental health?
I’ve been there. And I want to talk about it.
The Hidden Cost of Caring
When I was working in the food system change movement, I spent five years surrounded by brilliant, committed people who were pouring everything they had into fighting for a more just world. But over time, I began to notice a pattern. People weren’t just tired—they were exhausted. Many of my colleagues were struggling with mental health issues, constantly overworking, or quietly burning out. The sense of urgency in our work was so strong that slowing down felt impossible. After all, factory farms weren’t slowing down. The climate crisis wasn’t taking a break. So how could we?
For a long time, I didn’t realize that I, too, was experiencing burnout. I was still getting results, still checking all the boxes—but inside, I was running on empty. I saw the impact not just at work, but in every part of my life: my personal relationships suffered, my eating habits changed, I lost touch with what used to bring me joy. My self-worth became tangled up with my productivity.
Eventually, I hit a wall. I knew I couldn’t keep going like this.
“You can care deeply about the world and still set boundaries to protect your own well-being. Burning out doesn’t make you weak—it means you’ve been strong for too long without rest.”
Burnout Is Not Just in Your Head—It’s in Your Body and Life
Burnout doesn’t always announce itself loudly. It creeps in. Here are some of the common signs I—and many others in mission-driven work—have experienced:
Constant fatigue, even after rest
Cynicism or a sense of disconnection from your cause
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues
Feeling guilty for taking time off or saying “no”
Losing interest in things that used to energize you
A persistent sense of “I should be doing more”
If any of these resonate with you, know that you’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to stay this way.
What Helped Me Find My Way Back
Looking back, one of the turning points for me was working with a coach. I was fortunate to work with someone who helped me to find clarity in the midst of the chaos I was feeling. Just three sessions helped me realize something I’d been avoiding: I couldn’t keep pushing myself past my limits.
Making the decision to leave my role felt incredibly difficult. At the time, I told myself I was stepping away to prevent burnout. Only much later, after time to rest and heal, did I understand that I had already burned out. I had been living through what many of us fear most: losing our connection to work we love because we couldn’t find a sustainable way to stay in it.
Reclaiming Balance—and Helping Others Do the Same
Today, I support people who are navigating this same tension. I know how hard it is to set boundaries when the work feels urgent. I know how scary it can be to admit that you’re not okay—especially when your identity is deeply tied to your impact.
My coaching now focuses on helping others include small, meaningful changes in their daily lives that support mental well-being:
Setting boundaries that protect your energy
Reconnecting with activities that recharge you
Learning to say no without guilt
Making space for rest and reflection—without seeing it as weakness
If you're feeling the strain, I want you to know that support is available. You don’t have to wait for a breaking point. There’s another way—one that allows you to keep caring without self-sacrifice.
“Purpose-driven work doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health. The most sustainable change starts with the people creating it.”
If this resonates with you, let’s talk. I offer a free discovery call to explore how coaching can support you in finding more clarity, balance, and resilience in your life and work. You can book your session here.
Because your well-being matters just as much as the cause you fight for.
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