Understanding Your Assessment Results
A comprehensive guide to the four levels of burnout risk and what each means for your wellbeing
How the Assessment Works
Your assessment score reflects how well you're managing the unique demands of community work. Each level represents a different relationship with stress, boundaries, and sustainability.
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
🌟
Thriving
Score: 3.5 - 4.0
You're not just surviving—you're thriving. You've found a sustainable way to do meaningful community work while maintaining your wellbeing. Your practices are working, your boundaries are healthy, and you're connected to your purpose. You're modeling what sustainable community work looks like.
What This Looks Like
✅ You feel energized by your work, even during challenges
✅ You have clear boundaries between work and personal life
✅ You notice your body's signals and respond to them
✅ You recover quickly from stressful situations
✅ You stay connected to your original motivation
✅ You see the impact of your work regularly
✅ You have effective practices for managing stress
✅ You maintain healthy relationships with colleagues
How to Stay Thriving
✨ Keep using your current self-care practices
✨ Share your strategies with colleagues
✨ Consider mentoring newer community workers
✨ Stay aware of changes in your stress levels
✨ Continue setting and maintaining boundaries
✨ Build on your existing support systems
✨ Document what works for future reference
✨ Lead by example in your organization
Watch Out For
⚠️ Taking on significantly more responsibilities
⚠️ Skipping your usual self-care practices
⚠️ Feeling pressured to say yes to everything
⚠️ Changes in your organization's support systems
🌱
Managing
Score: 2.8 - 3.4
You're doing well, but there's room for improvement. You're handling the demands of community work without being overwhelmed, but you could benefit from strengthening some areas. You're in a good position to make proactive changes that will enhance your wellbeing and effectiveness.
What This Looks Like
✅ You have good days and challenging days
✅ You sometimes feel overwhelmed but can cope
✅ You have some self-care practices but use them inconsistently
✅ You care deeply but sometimes struggle with boundaries
✅ You notice stress in your body but don't always respond
✅ You still feel connected to your purpose most days
✅ You have support but might need to use it more
✅ You see some impact from your work
Steps to Strengthen Your Wellbeing
✨ Set 3 daily alarms for body check-ins
✨ Choose one self-care practice to do consistently
✨ Schedule weekly check-ins with a trusted colleague
✨ Practice saying "let me check my calendar" before committing
✨ Identify one cultural practice that grounds you
✨ Track when you use personal resources for work
✨ Create a simple end-of-day decompression ritual
✨ Talk to your supervisor about workload balance
Signs You're Moving Toward Risk
⚠️ Consistently working through lunch or staying late
⚠️ Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues
⚠️ Feeling irritable with clients or colleagues
⚠️ Avoiding social activities you used to enjoy
⚠️ Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
⚠️
Warning Zone
Score: 2.0 - 2.7
You're at risk for burnout and need proactive support. The stress of community work is starting to take a toll on your wellbeing. This isn't your fault—it's a predictable response to challenging conditions. With intentional changes, you can move back toward stability.
What This Looks Like
✅ You feel tired or drained most days
✅ You have trouble disconnecting from work
✅ You're using your own resources (time, money) for work regularly
✅ You feel frustrated or overwhelmed often
✅ You have physical symptoms of stress
✅ You question whether you're making a difference
✅ You feel unsupported by your organization
✅ You're starting to feel cynical about the work
Immediate Actions Needed
✨ Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling
✨ Schedule a meeting with your supervisor about workload
✨ Start tracking your work hours and boundaries
✨ Practice daily stress release (breathing, movement)
✨ Consider counseling or therapy support
✨ Take time off if possible, even just a day
✨ Connect with other community workers for support
✨ Revisit why you started this work
Urgent Warning Signs
⚠️ Feeling hopeless about your work or life
⚠️ Chronic physical symptoms (headaches, stomach issues)
⚠️ Emotional numbness or constant irritability
⚠️ Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
⚠️ Withdrawing from friends and family
⚠️ Increase in alcohol or substance use
⚠️ Thoughts of quitting without a plan
🚨
Critical Risk
Score: 1.0 - 1.9
Your wellbeing is at serious risk and needs immediate attention. The stress and demands of community work have reached a dangerous level. This is not a reflection of your character or ability—it's what happens when caring people work in systems that don't support them. You deserve help and support right now.
What This Looks Like
✅ You feel exhausted most or all of the time
✅ You're emotionally numb or overwhelmed constantly
✅ You have chronic physical symptoms
✅ You feel hopeless about your work or life
✅ You can't concentrate or make decisions
✅ You're isolated from friends and family
✅ You dread going to work
✅ You feel like you're failing at everything
Emergency Actions
⚠️ Reach out for professional mental health support
⚠️ Tell someone you trust how you're feeling
⚠️ Consider taking time off work immediately
⚠️ Focus only on basic self-care (eat, sleep, breathe)
⚠️ Don't make major life decisions right now
⚠️ Ask for help with daily tasks if needed
⚠️ Remove yourself from additional responsibilities
⚠️ Remember: this is temporary and you can heal
Remember: Your Experience is Valid
Whatever level you scored, your experience is real and valid. Burnout in community work isn't a personal failing—it's a predictable response to systemic challenges. You're not broken, and you're not alone. Many community workers are struggling with these same issues.
Ready for Support?
Join our community of practice for ongoing resources, peer support, and tools designed specifically for community workers like you.