Apr 20 • General discussion
SOUND FAMILIAR? — Desperate to leave non-profit but I have no confidence or direction
I came across a post on the reddit sub, r/nonprofit, and it got me thinking. Every now and again, I will see a post that captures my attention enough to respond. Anyone ever deal with those feelings of inadequacy, especially from a nonprofit role? I know I have. Okay, the post is as follows:
POST TITLE: Desperate to leave non-profit but I have no confidence or direction
Basically what the title says. I need to get out of non-profit work immediately and do something that challenges me and actually makes money. I’m completely burnt after 6 years in development. I just feel like a loser who has no other skills or ability. Did anyone else transition out of fundraising? What did you? All advice and help needed.
MY RESPONSE: I wholeheartedly believe that what you are experiencing is the collateral damage of a sector that has an identity crisis. A sector that has become far too dependent on the generosity of others to SURVIVE and yet places that burden overwhelmingly on the shoulders of a fund development person/team to carry the weight. You are not a loser, you simply have been put in a losing position. How many businesses would we expect to sustain long-term by constantly, literally constantly, petitioning others to support its operations, goals, rising expenses and overall ability to remain open? Yes, the missions of our nonprofits are worthy of support, but it doesn't absolve us of the responsibility of every business, which is the securing of our own future.
To answer your question, your skills transition well to business development, sales, customer service, operations or any number of business-related options. Additionally, and uniquely, your experience lends itself even better to helping your current employer or even a new nonprofit better understand that this model is not sustainable. A possible solution? Consulting nonprofit to pair the efforts of contributed revenue work, including grant submissions and donor cultivation through events, appeals, etc., with new earned revenue pursuits. Earned revenue including membership models, contracted revenue, developing intellectual property and packaging it for sale through education, certification or similar, and a few others.
Lastly, use this opportunity to reset your mindset. A book I highly recommend, The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. Take this time as your fuel to find whatever is next. It's okay to feel the feels, but give yourself a date to lay down the sadness and commit to picking up the determination necessary to change your trajectory. No matter if you say that you are a winner for seeing the light and moving on, or a loser for not passing an unpassable test... You are correct. Choose wisely.
And lastly lastly, lol... Never underestimate the power of prayer. The book, The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson is a transformational book, in my humble opinion. Short as it is based on literally one scripture, 1 Chronicles 4:10, but the message, once you hear it, can't be unheard. Blessings are awaiting you, all you have to do is ask. Wishing you peace of mind and spirit during this transition. Go forth and be encouraged!
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SOUND FAMILIAR? — Desperate to leave non-profit but I have no confidence or direction
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