As a fundraiser, our work is not just a job. It’s a passion, a calling, a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Our days are filled with building relationships, crafting compelling narratives, and securing crucial funding for the causes we believe in. We pour our hearts and souls into our work, often at the expense of our own well-being. In this fast-paced and ever-demanding field, the idea of taking a vacation and disconnecting from work may seem like a foreign concept. However, it’s precisely in the moments of stepping away that we can truly reconnect with ourselves, prevent burnout, and set a powerful example for our colleagues and teams. I wrote about work-life balance a few years back — https://yucks.ca/2017/12/08/work-life-balance-lessons-learned/)
While on a two-week vacation, I did something that terrified me. I put my phone on airplane mode unless I was in a port with wifi. Then I promised my wife that I would take five minutes and read emails (but not respond). The anxiety of coming back from vacation with hundreds of emails to sift through was just too overwhelming for me. Aside from saving me hundreds of dollars in data charges, (have I mentioned before that Canada’s cell phone carrier fees border on usury fees) it was a liberating experience. However, as someone who’s spent the last three decades in nonprofit fundraising, this felt like leaving a child unattended at the grocery store.
The Fundraiser’s Dilemma
Let’s be real – fundraising professionals share a unique anxiety that our colleagues in other sectors might not fully appreciate. We live in a world where a major donor could reach out at any moment, where year-end campaigns demand constant attention. And where relationship-building never truly stops. The thought of missing a crucial email or call can (and does) keep us up at night.
Some of us pride ourselves on being the professionals who:
- Answer emails at midnight
- Take calls during family dinners
- Treat our smartphones as extensions of our professional selves
- Apologize for taking lunch breaks
- Feel guilty about using vacation days
But at what cost? Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a very real occupational hazard in our mission-driven world. When we’re constantly connected, we’re paradoxically becoming less effective, less creative, and ultimately less impactful.
Recharge and Reconnect with Yourself
Fundraising is not just about the numbers. It’s about the human connection, empathy, and a deep understanding of the impact we strive to create. But in the hustle and bustle of our daily tasks, it’s easy to lose sight of our own well-being. Taking a vacation and deliberately disconnecting from work provides the essential time to recharge and reconnect with ourselves.
The pace of fundraising can be relentless, and the emotional toll it takes is often underestimated. Constantly engaging with donors, advocating for causes, and managing the intricate dynamics of nonprofit organizations can leave us feeling drained and depleted. It’s during our time away from the office that we can find solace in personal reflection. We also gain the opportunity to realign our thoughts and priorities. Stepping back from the day-to-day demands allows us to gain perspective, renew our sense of purpose, and reignite the passion that initially drew us to this field. How many times have you come back from vacation to tackle a task that you have put off for months only to realize that with a clear head, the task is now completed relatively easily?
Prevent Burnout
The dedication that drives us in our fundraising endeavors can also lead to a state of chronic stress and burnout. The relentless pursuit of fundraising goals, coupled with the emotional investment in the causes we champion, can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that continuous work without adequate breaks can lead to decreased productivity. That brings diminished creativity, and increased levels of stress and anxiety.
By disconnecting while on vacation, we create a barrier against burnout. It’s a deliberate act of self-preservation that allows us to step away from the relentless demands of our profession. We recharge our mental and emotional batteries, and return with a renewed sense of vigor and enthusiasm. It’s not just about taking a break. It’s about safeguarding our well-being and ensuring that we can continue our valuable work with sustained energy and resilience.
Overcoming Challenges and Guilt
Feeling guilty or anxious about taking time off is normal. To combat these feelings, remind yourself that you’ve earned this time away, and your team is well-prepared to handle matters in your absence. Trust that your dedication and hard work during your time at work will continue to pay off, even during your vacation. There is also the truth that none of us are not expendable (but that is another blog topic).
Set Boundaries and Lead by Example
As fundraisers, we are not just individual contributors; we are leaders, mentors, and influencers within our organizations and communities. By prioritizing the concept of disconnecting while on vacation, we set a powerful example for our teams and colleagues. It sends a resounding message that work-life balance is not just a corporate catchphrase. It is a fundamental ethos that underpins our professional culture.
Leading by example in taking regular vacations and fully disconnecting during that time reinforces the notion that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. It lays the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable work environment where well-being is cultivated and respected. By vocalizing and demonstrating the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, we create a ripple effect that resonates throughout our organizations, inspiring our peers and subordinates to embrace a healthier approach to work and life.
The Power of Disconnecting
In our hyper-connected world, where emails, calls, and notifications follow us everywhere, the act of disconnecting while on vacation may seem daunting. However, the benefits far outweigh any anxieties about being away from the digital tether. Disconnecting is not just about turning off our devices. It’s about granting ourselves the gift of uninterrupted rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
When we allow ourselves to disconnect, we pave the way for genuine, replenishing experiences during our vacations. Whether it’s immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of a new site, indulging in a favorite hobby, or simply being in the company of loved ones, the freedom from work-related distractions fosters a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. It’s in these moments of genuine relaxation that we can fully recharge, reset, and return to work with a newfound sense of purpose and clarity. I can honestly say that I don’t think I was ever so restful on vacation, even though we visited seven different cities in 8 days.
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
In the context of fundraising, vacations can also provide a unique opportunity for exposure to new perspectives, experiences, and inspirations. These experiences can infuse fresh creativity and innovation into our approach to fundraising. The time spent away from our routine allows us to embrace the diversity and richness of the world around us. It also broadens our understanding and empathy, all of which can be harnessed to enrich our fundraising initiatives.
While the act of disconnecting while on vacation is vital, it’s equally important to approach the entire vacation experience with intention and mindfulness. Embracing the journey, investing in moments of self-discovery, and savoring the present are crucial aspects of maximizing the restorative potential of our vacations. There are certainly big differences in European culture versus North American culture and those certainly gave me pause.
Advocate for Balance
In the realm of fundraising, where urgency and impact are paramount, advocating for balance and self-care may seem counterintuitive. However, our ability to lead, inspire, and sustain our contribution to the causes we champion is intricately linked to our well-being. By prioritizing self-care through the act of disconnecting during vacations, we become better-equipped fundraisers – not just in terms of achieving our goals, but also in embodying the values of empathy, sustainability, and holistic success.
As we navigate the demands of our professional and personal lives, let us remember that disengaging from work is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to our commitment to longevity and effectiveness in our endeavors. By intentionally disconnecting while on vacation, we lay the foundation for our sustained impact, nourishing our spirits, fortifying our resilience, and embodying the principles we advocate for in our fundraising efforts.
As we advocate for the causes we believe in, let’s not forget to advocate for our own well-being. An unplugged vacation isn’t just a luxury—it’s an essential tool for sustainable success in the demanding world of fundraising.
So, the next time you plan a vacation, challenge yourself to leave the laptop behind. Set that out-of-office message, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Your future self—and your fundraising efforts—will thank you.
Until next week.
L’chaim.
jack
