WORK. BETTER.

I burned out before 30

I was running a small foundation, meaning I was doing it all.

Technically, I was the Executive Director. But, I was the only staff person, I was also the fundraiser, office manager, programs director, communications advisor, event coordinator, finance specialist, HR manager, board secretary and any other position you can think of.

On a typical day, I would do tax receipts in the morning, have a fundraising lunch with a rich person at lunch, met with our gala committee in the afternoon to go over event details including the seating plan (making sure we didn’t place two prima ballerinas next to each other) and then did all the rest of my work until 10pm.

Every day for 2 years.

I was wearing so many hats I was way taller than my 5’3” would suggest. And, for a while it was ok because I had just finished my MBA and they teach you that you can do anything and everything.

They were wrong.

I realized that I was burning out and basically had to beg my board to approve funds for help. They finally did, and I was able to hire someone part-time. But, I didn’t need one person. Removing one hat wasn’t going to relieve the pressure on my head. I needed a few people for a few hours a week. And, once the gala was done, I would need different people.

I needed flexible staff.

My board was so confused. Just get someone who can do a bunch of things, they said. For them, “good enough” was, well, good enough. But, I work in the charitable sector, and I don’t believe we should settle for good enough when our goals are to improve people’s lives.

I left that job but the problem of being stretched too thin followed me everywhere I went. It’s a problem that is endemic in the non-profit/charitable sector.

That was the origin of Sidekicks.

Sidekicks is a subscription-based model where you can hire people for various roles/tasks when you need them, for as long as you need them.

You can hire someone for 1 day/week. Or, for 1 month every year. Or 3 people to do different things each day. You have total control and flexibility.

Maybe you need a Sidekick because you have an event coming up. Or, maybe you need help because someone has gone on a leave. Or, you could just need some help but not on a regular weekly schedule. Whatever your situation is, we have a Sidekick or two that can help you out.

Sidekicks can help you avoid burning out like I did.

I created Sidekicks to help Do-Gooders do more good.

If you’re a change maker that is drowning under many, many hats, let’s chat.

I’ve been where you are.