Work in Fundraising & Burned Out and Broke!

9 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 6:03PM UTC

   Your final statement sounds like a fair assessment. Non-profit (I am assuming) fundraising can be exceptionally disappointing. Where I worked, we helped people with rent and utility payments, but as employees, we were not allowed to apply for assistance as it was considered a conflict of interest (and rightfully so). More than once, I was helping people in a better position to pay their bills than I was, which wasn't very encouraging.

   The biggest question is: Do you still believe in the mission and vision of your company and the cause for which you are raising funds? If so, you might look at the promotional items and stories that "sell" the program to these people and organizations to see if you can rekindle your passion. If not, it might be best to polish the resume and put it to work.

2. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 7:02PM UTC

   I'd say start looking for a role at a for-profit with a strong mission so you can support you while also feeling good about your work. I have spent my career in nonprofits, earned two of them millions of dollars, and watched their board members transition to well-funded retirements. Meanwhile, I have no retirement and my real income is less than it was 15 years ago. I recently woke up about this and am disappointed in my lack of self-awareness and self-regard in this area. Don't give your future away for a cause or organization that doesn't support you back. I'm going to advise my child to volunteer at nonprofits but put their own income first in their career and choose a for-profit path. Good luck!

3. Anna Lovell-Nesmith Professional Burnout SpecialistSeptember 19,2023 at 8:06PM UTC

   I'm sorry to hear you're feeling exhausted and burnt out. I agree with the other two comments on here. It sounds like its time to seek employment at a for- profit company. I'm happy to have a free call with you to offer you some tools to help you navigate the burnout. For free. No catch. No sales pitch. Just advice on how to best protect yourself and help you navigate through the burnout.

4. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 8:27PM UTC

   I don't blame you. I think it's time to move on. It's a nonprofit and they treating like a volunteer

5. AnonymousSeptember 20,2023 at 12:39PM UTC

   Higher ups make money. The rest are paid horribly and over worked for what little they get.

6. AnonymousSeptember 20,2023 at 12:58PM UTC

   I don't doubt it.

7. AnonymousSeptember 20,2023 at 12:52PM UTC

   Take Anna Lovell-Nesmith up on her offer for a free call. I did and I’m so glad I did. I got so much out of that call.

8. AnonymousSeptember 21,2023 at 1:27PM UTC

   I understand exactly how you're feeling. As of June, I had this exact realization and had to step away from my nonprofit fundraising job. It takes a lot of heart and passion to fundraise, and for me it felt like when that was gone, it wasn't something I could come back from. It really was discouraging to try to gain support for an organization that wasn't supporting me. I can't exactly offer advice, as I'm on a (unsuccessful thus far) job hunt, but wanted to be sure you feel heard and seen, as the other lovely people liking and commenting on this post have done as well. I've taken a lot of time to think about what I LIKED about my past work, and what roles required related skills... and from there, it's been networking, networking, networking....

   Before I left, I also saved a file on my personal account that annotated my feel-good accomplishments (i.e. nice notes from constituents, pictures from events I ran, etc.), so I can look back at my time there with pride.

   Sending you lots of positive support and understanding. Sometimes the only way out is through the woods.

9. Heather WhitpanSeptember 27,2023 at 2:21AM UTC

   I've read that the average fundraiser/development employee has a tenure of about 1.5 years so it sounds like you are on track for the next gig.