LibraryScenariosWhen long-term service work leads to compassion fatigue
Scenario

When long-term service work leads to compassion fatigue

I have been volunteering at the homeless shelter for fifteen years and last week I realized I do not actually like most of the people I serve and I feel terrible about this.

Rabia
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Sustained exposure to suffering can erode the very empathy that motivated the initial commitment to serve.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Nonprofit and mission-driven organizations as legacy?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.