Do you struggle to have a meaningful life while doing meaningful work? If so, consider this post as permission, and an invitation, to enjoy your life.
You can be deeply engaged in meaningful work and still have a life. Those two things are not mutually exclusive, although it often feels like they are in the nonprofit sector. If you feel your work is all-consuming, this post is for you.
Nonprofit Work Often Feels Relentless
My first fundraising job was at a domestic violence shelter that operated 24/7, 365 days a year. There was always an emergency. Someone was always on call. That’s true for medical facilities, animal shelters, and countless other nonprofit organizations.
Your job might literally be saving lives. Or you may work somewhere with built-in breaks and scheduled vacations, like a school.
And yet, regardless of the mission, nonprofit work often feels relentless. There’s the never-ending cycle of grant deadlines, upcoming events, board meetings, donor expectations, client crises, and the pressure of knowing the work matters. The to-do list never ends.
The Delicate Balance Between Work and Life
When I was in college, we talked about work-life balance. Then it became work-life integration.
Today, the conversation has shifted again toward work-life separation. Unplug completely. Step away entirely.
But does it really have to be all or nothing?
Exercise Flexibility When You Can
When I’m on “vacation,” it gives me peace of mind to stay connected. I don’t schedule meetings, but I do check email and respond to a few things. That approach helps me relax, because I’m not worried about what I’ll return to.
Every year, my college roommate and I escape for a long weekend together. Last weekend, we went to Florida to get out of the cold and catch up on life.
Because I run my own business, I have more flexibility around when and where I work, but that doesn’t mean the work stops.
Enjoy More Moments of Leisure
She, on the other hand, is a physician and professor at an elite medical school and hospital. She manages grants, patients, research projects, deadlines, and responsibilities that don’t pause simply because she’s away. Taking time off is hard. And even when she does, there are still patients to call back, grants to submit, and research projects to oversee.
During our weekends away, we take long walks, enjoy leisurely meals, soak up nature, and we work. Not all day. Not nonstop. About four hours a day. And here’s the interesting part:
We both commented on how productive and relaxed we felt.
No interruptions. No constant meetings. Just focused work and real rest woven together.
That mindset carries into my regular life.
Permission to Be Flexible and Enjoy Yourself
I often work on weekends. I bake bread and make soup between meetings during the week.
For me, this isn’t about balance or perfection. It’s about flexibility, intention, and giving yourself permission to find what actually works.
It Doesn’t Have to be All or Nothing
It doesn’t have to fit someone else’s definition of balance. And it doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.
Meaningful work shouldn’t require sacrificing your whole life. You’re allowed to care deeply about your mission and take care of yourself.
This is good. I really think more about integration versus balance. You have said that here. The integration is that we typically love what we do in the nonprofit space. It has to be as you said not balancing the stress and the “life” but integrating what we love (work) with what we love (family, vacation, life). It’s either or but both for me.
That’s what makes it great to do both – vacation and some work!
I regret that I sometimes feel I can’t even allow myself the time to read a short article. I’m so glad I decided to pause and read this one, even though I initially hesitated because of the many work tasks I and so many of our colleagues, are bombarded with each day. This was by far one of the most thoughtful and practical insights on leading a meaningful personal and professional life. Thank you for sharing Amy.
Perfect timing — really needed this today! Thanks, Amy.