Volunteering ~ Can You Burn Out While Helping Out?

Sunday has come and is only a few hours away from becoming Monday. How does that play into the subject of volunteering?

I spent two hours today volunteering with a Toastmasters Youth Program. This was the second meeting of approximately ten sessions. The group is filled with incredible teenagers who have so much potential. I can already see great things in their futures, so volunteering to work with them was a no-brainer. While getting everything arranged was a bit of a challenge, I think we’ve finally worked it out.

I volunteer with our Toastmasters District quite a bit. Last Wednesday, I was part of a presentation team at one of the make-up leadership training sessions. On Saturday, I served as the Chief Judge for my club’s contest, and this coming Saturday, I’ll be presenting at another make-up leadership training session. Currently, I’m the Immediate Past President and the Vice President of Education for my home Toastmasters club.

Volunteering has always been a big part of my life. From a young age, I was eager to help. I even “volunteered” to supply candy for the neighborhood kids when I was in kindergarten. Over the years, my efforts grew and have ranged from helping the homeless in my 20s, to being a hospice volunteer in my 30s, to running a monthly open mic coffee house at church. Now, my focus is on Toastmasters. One year, I volunteered so much that I was voted Toastmaster of the Year.

But guess what? Have you ever heard of something called burnout? I didn’t think it could happen to me. I’m a helper by nature, and I genuinely enjoy helping people. So why would I get burned out?

Well, I did too much. I didn’t balance my time, and I overdid my volunteering.

Apparently, you can volunteer too much. This year, I’ve cut back more than anyone expected. When I announced that I wouldn’t be competing in contests this year, people kept asking, “Are you sure?” Yes, I was sure.

One thing I’ve realized is that when I let myself get burned out in one area, it spills over into other parts of my life. I believe it contributed to my procrastination with my writing, my art, and even selling my work. This time, my dreams were put on hold—not by anyone else, but by me. I got in my own way.

So, the question is: Will I stop volunteering? No, but I will be more selective about what I say yes to.

Will I compete again in Toastmasters contests? Possibly. I haven’t decided about the upcoming year. But it is a stressful process, fun but still stressful, so I’m undecided if I want to add that to my plate of things to do.

Will I allow burnout to keep slowing or stalling my dreams? Absolutely not!🛑

I’m slowly getting my groove back, learning to say no, and keeping a journal to help me prioritize better. I’m also asking myself some important questions to help me with volunteering choices.

The next time I mention volunteering for something, I hope someone helps me to remember to ask myself some questions like: “Do you have the bandwidth to add this in? Is this something you really want to do or are you just saying yes because no one else is? And most importantly, will this take away from my writing, art, and dreams—or add to any existing burnout I may be dealing with?”

If you struggle with doing too much, volunteering for too many things, or just plain burnout, ask yourself these same questions. Give yourself the space to get back on track and rediscover the joy of simply being you. Even helpers need to say “no” now and then.

Here are a few questions ChatGPT suggested and I think they are good enough to add in here and to hopefully be of help… Reflect on Your Motivation

1. Why am I volunteering for this?
2. Am I doing this because I truly want to, or because I feel obligated?
3. Does this align with my personal goals, values, or passions?

Assess Your Current Bandwidth

4. Do I have the time and energy for this right now?
5. What other commitments do I currently have, and how will this affect them?
6. Am I sacrificing self-care or important personal priorities to take this on?

Evaluate the Impact

7. Will my efforts here make a meaningful difference?
8. Does this activity bring me joy or fulfillment?
9. Am I saying “yes” to this at the expense of something that matters more to me?

Plan for Sustainability

10. How can I set boundaries to make this manageable?
11. Can I ask for help or delegate tasks to lighten the load?
12. What would success look like for me in this role, and how can I achieve it without overextending myself?

Check for Warning Signs:

Is this opportunity contributing to or taking away from my well-being and creativity? Have I felt overwhelmed, tired, or unmotivated lately? Am I starting to dread the commitments I’ve already made?

Just a little food for thought…

Till next time, I hope you have a great week filled with love, laughter, hugs, and blessings.