I am reassessing my career goals and employment. As a fundraiser for nonprofits by contract, I have felt burnout and have identified that I want to be more involved in whatever it is I am fundraising for. OR, I may get out of the nonprofit world altogether after I complete this career review process. I find myself in a transitional phase of life and need to take time to listen to myself. This is harder to do when you are selling for others and need to meet deadlines and make appointments etc.
NPO fundraisers do have some options: - schedule time for your career planning - work for a fundraising consulting firm...same job and employer, different clients. Especially good if you need benefits. - Become self-employed and work by contract as you pursue other interests and conduct self-study. Pay hours and benefits become a bit uncertain and flexible which can be beneficial or undesirable depending on your circumstance and allow to schedule in time for career planning. - There are career counseling resources to take advantage of. Some cost $; some are free. The state of California has free counseling programs, even for professionals. - What Color is Your Parachute is a good place to start. I also found a book of Career Tests and took those to look at my personality profile. Talk to people about what they do, to people who have jobs you envy. You may need to do several things and pursue several tracks to help move yourself to a happier place. Good Luck!
