Burnout in Activists: between Vocation and Exhaustion
I grew up surrounded by people whose commitment to community welfare runs so deep that, for them, work is more than a profession: it's a calling. My life has been shaped by close contact with volunteers and government workers who, through social development programs, seek to improve the lives of others. From urban areas to remote locations like the Sierra Tarahumara, El Salvador, and Africa, I’ve witnessed how their efforts transcend the limits of time and space.
However, this commitment comes at a high cost: burnout. Many of these professionals work more than 8 hours a day, often including weekends, because their mission goes beyond a regular workday. There is something inspiring, almost heroic, in their dedication, but I often wonder: to what extent is this sacrifice rewarded? When do the body and mind demand the rest that has been denied for so long?
Physical and emotional exhaustion in this type of profession is not just a possibility—it’s a reality. According to a study in the American Journal of Community Psychology, social workers and activists are particularly prone to burnout due to the emotional toll of constantly confronting issues of injustice, inequality, and poverty. They often feel a deep responsibility for the welfare of others, which creates an internal conflict between personal limits and the needs of the communities they serve.
In this context, much is said about the importance of finding a purpose in life. Yet, for some, the journey to discover what we’re good at or what our purpose is can take years, even decades—and that’s okay. But why not start with conviction? Writer Susan Cain, author of Quiet, powerfully stated:
"There is no one more courageous than the person who speaks or acts driven by the strength of their convictions."
Ultimately, it might not be about having everything figured out or finding a grand purpose right away, but about acting from our deepest beliefs. That, in itself, can be a purpose.
I’ve seen my siblings dedicate part of their lives to volunteering, sometimes in extremely difficult conditions, both physically and emotionally. Even I, who only briefly lived this experience, learned to appreciate what I have and to recognize my privilege. I often wonder how so many manage to sustain this pace of life without breaking along the way.
Perhaps my role in this ecosystem is not to be in the field but to be the uncomfortable voice reminding us that life isn’t all about productivity and performance. Activism, like many other areas, has been infiltrated by hustle culture—the idea that to succeed, we must give our all, without rest. And while it's true that social change requires sacrifice, I wonder if we are not losing sight of something essential: our own humanity.
The data shows that burnout among public sector and social service professionals is a real issue. A study by The New York Times found that, on average, government and nonprofit employees work 12% more than the national average, leading to less rest and greater exhaustion. The lack of resources and emotional support in many organizations only worsens the problem.
As someone who has lived surrounded by these types of people, my mission is to invite reflection: is it really worth sacrificing our mental and physical health in the name of social progress? Shouldn't we find a balance that allows us to keep helping without losing sight of our own stability? We must remind ourselves that life is not just about achieving goals or being productive but about connecting with our community while also taking care of ourselves.
In the end, I believe life gives and takes. And while it's true that helping others fills us with satisfaction, we must also be aware that this commitment should not come at the expense of our health. Social progress cannot come at the cost of our well-being. Maybe not all of us have a “great” purpose clearly defined, but acting from our convictions is a good first step. As Susan Cain said, there is no greater courage than acting from what we deeply believe.
