Biggest Challenges Faced By a Public Policy Manager at a Global Health Nonprofit
Zeke's biggest challenge as a Public Policy Manager is the emotional toll of the work, describing the feeling of failure as "really suck[ing]" and causing significant personal pain. This emotional investment, coupled with the ever-present risk of burnout, necessitates a conscious effort towards self-care, emphasizing the importance of "filling the cup that you're pouring with" to avoid "martyrdom" and maintain effectiveness.
Public Service, Non-profit Management, Burnout Prevention, Emotional Resilience, Work-Life Balance
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zeke Sandoval
Public Policy Manager
Global Health Non-Profit
University of Southern California, 2019
Not applicable
Political Science, American Studies
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Legal
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Zeke's emotional investment in his work is a double-edged sword; while passionate commitment is vital, setbacks can be particularly painful.
2. The daily grind, including conflicts and miscommunications, can be emotionally taxing when deeply invested in the work.
3. Burnout is a significant risk, especially in direct service roles; maintaining a healthy work-life balance and self-care are crucial for sustainability in this field.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
It's similar to what I've discussed before, the idea of your job as a double-edged sword when you're emotionally invested in your work. Failing, which you'll inevitably do in any job, really stinks. It truly hurts.
In my case, it's failing to get something approved. In many cases, it's failing to prevent something bad, and that feels terrible. Additionally, there are the day-to-day struggles of working the job itself.
Whether it's an argument with a coworker or a miscommunication, it can quickly get to the core of who you are because you're so closely tied to what you're doing. Another challenge, true of any public service or nonprofit role, is burnout.
It really does happen. I'm a bit insulated from it because I don't provide direct services. I try to volunteer when I can, but it's not my daily job. I have worked in those roles before, and it takes a lot out of you.
You really have to make sure you're "filling the cup" you're pouring from, because it's challenging. You can get burned out quickly. I think a level of martyrdom can occur, without people realizing it.
People might think, "I just have to work harder." If they had worked a bit harder, they could have helped the participant more. If they had devoted themselves, if they had stayed up late, they would have… you're making excuses.
You really have to pay attention to that and stay away from it. Of course, it's important to work hard, but you cannot burn yourself out. You are much more valuable to people when you can take care of yourself.
It's very much like putting on your own mask before assisting the person next to you. You have to take care of yourself to take care of others. That's something that needs to be remembered when doing any sort of direct service work.