You’re a grant administrator who’s feeling burned out. What can you do to re-energize?

We need to raise peoples knowledge to encourage ownership in changing their lives for the better to re-energize themselves. Self-care has plummeted to the bottom of our priority lists. Plus, more people are having numerous mental and physical health issues as they age. Then add into the mix, our physical dependence on prescription drugs and that we don’t get all the minerals and vitamins our bodies require from the food we eat these days. Let's face it, life can be very stressful both personally and professionally - esp in New Zealand with the hard economic times we find ourselves in due to the cost of living, toxic work environments, and communities where there is not much engagement between residents.

From my perspective, learning to say NO is necessary to prevent one feeling overwhelmed which leads to burnout. Taking time out to spend time with people who fill your cup is also very important. As is avoiding people who drain you, whether that be personally or professionally. If you are in a job that has a toxic work culture or in a relationship that is not healthy, do something about it and move on because in the long run this is not good for our bodies or mental health. In my lifetime, I have experienced many people who have treated me as their servant. But now I have very clear boundaries in place to prevent it affecting me.

Self-reflection and self-development is critical to prevent one from feeling bored or stagnant. As is changing your circumstances if you feel like you are drowning. Equally, surrounding ourselves with amazing people and having experiences which make us feel happy and excited about life is important. Let's face it, we all haver one clear shot at life which can be over before we know it. So don't waste any time – learn, learn and learn. You will reap the rewards. And who wants to face it at 'toes up' having endless regrets.

I think this advice is useful. Still, it puts the onus of addressing burnout on the grant administrator. Burnout cannot be prevented. It can be reduced through negotiation with your supervisor. Grant administrators at nonprofits are often the only ones managing the full grant lifecycle. Many nonprofits operate from a scarcity mentality, pursuing opportunities that are not aligned with their strategic plan or resources, leading to overworked grant administrators. At universities, grant administrators manage large portfolios and are asked to make changes right up to the deadline. Burnout is baked into the relentless, monotonous, and exhausting job of a grant administrator. Workplace culture must change. It's not just up to the employee.