- Chronic understaffing and constant on-call expectations make work-life balance extremely difficult. You're essentially "always on", even during off-hours or weekends, which leads to burnout fast.
- Leadership often expects staff to carry the weight of volunteer gaps without providing adequate support or realistic expectations.
- Confusing communication structures: different departments, roles, and leaders may give conflicting guidance, especially during active responses.
- Little time left to actually complete your core job duties because of day-to-day crises and coverage issues take priority.
- Pay does not match the level of responsibility, emotional labor, or hours actually worked.
- Limited opportunities for recovery after major responses; you're usually pushed right into the next task.