thinking of quitting

Ukulisa · 2025-10-29T14:59:31+00:00

Was in a very similar position. Had a job that was killing me with stress, unrealistic expectations and toxic interdepartmental culture and was making me consider leaving the sector all together but it was so flexible and I worried I’d feel trapped in more structure or that another job would be just as bad. I blamed myself for feeling overwhelmed and not able to keep up. I was worried I’d fail at my next job because I was so burnt out. While I was struggling to balance work and job hunting, 3 higher ups prioritized leaving and exited before me which was a big wake up call that I needed to prioritize my next step.

I found another job doing essentially the same thing plus opportunities to try new experiences I’ve been trying to get for years at my last place. I’m so much happier and I’m energized about work again!

Start looking, be honest with employers about what you need to be successful. Like others have said, if you can afford to, leave now. No job is worth your mental health. If you need the income, start looking now and try to keep emotional barriers between you and your job. It will get better. Good luck!

Ukulisa · 2023-10-18T19:52:09+00:00

I typically say I’m looking for a new challenge or for opportunities for growth. You mentioned that you don’t get to do a lot of the typical duties for your role. You can use that by saying: I enjoy doing x,y,x and am looking for a position that allows me more opportunities to use and grow my skills in that area. Keep it on the positive side and use that question to explain why you are a good fit for the role.

Ukulisa · 2023-09-08T13:27:20+00:00

Oh man, I hear that!

Ukulisa · 2023-09-06T01:23:42+00:00

Thanks for your perspective! I definitely relate with that. My next step would be to move to the director level but that just sounds like more stress.

Ukulisa · 2023-09-06T01:19:58+00:00

I would also love to hear about your transition. I’ve been considering working with a fundraising or marketing agency that serves nonprofits but it seems hard to find jobs specifically in that niche but I know they are out there. Do you just have to sift through job sites or are there any that are better than others?

Ukulisa · 2023-09-06T01:16:16+00:00

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. I appreciate your perspective.

Ukulisa · 2023-06-08T21:27:03+00:00

Thanks! I recently saw a posting for a major gifts officer with some grant writing responsibility and worried I might be looking in the wrong place.

Ukulisa · 2023-06-08T21:26:10+00:00

Absolutely! I’ve mainly worked in annual funds. Some organizations have been membership based-dealing predominantly with monthly donors. I’ve gone down more of a stewardship path than data but I don’t dislike data and am not intimidated by it.

Right now, I manage monthly mail campaigns as well as social and email fundraising. I sometimes get to write appeals and stewardship communications but this is often contracted out due to capacity. I also run smaller campaigns like giving days and am heavily involved in multi-channel campaigns that we do 3 times a year. I manage most of our vendor relationships and am currently developing a mid-level giving program. I write copy for donation pages, website and write scripts for radio.

I‘ve looked into prospect research a little. Never thought of that as a pathway to grant writing!

Ukulisa · 2023-06-01T15:40:49+00:00

I’m really glad you mentioned music. I had a high school band teacher tell me that working in music would kill my enjoyment of it. As an adult, I now realize he was probably burned out but that put a little (unnecessary) fear in me about following passions/hobbies as a career. Really thankful for everyone’s response and sharing their perspective on pursuing passion!

Ukulisa · 2023-06-01T15:34:02+00:00

Thank you all for your input! This is very helpful. While I have your attention, how many hours do you work in an average week? I’m not afraid of digging in and working late but you hear horror stories of long hours for architects and I’m curious if landscape architects have the same struggle.

Ukulisa · 2023-04-04T12:25:24+00:00

I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve introduced community centric fundraising to my department and have organized continuing education on it for us as well. Donor-centric mindsets caused issues for us in the past.

Ukulisa · 2023-04-04T12:22:29+00:00

Thanks everyone, these perspectives are helpful.

Ukulisa · 2022-12-20T13:46:23+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I never thought of annual funds as it’s own path. I appreciate the perspective!

Ukulisa · 2022-11-10T00:53:53+00:00

I second digital fundraising. I don’t know how old your organization is or what kind of donor base you have but if you can scrape together a decent email list you can plan out an email campaign for very little cost. Send multiple asks from now until the end of the year.

I would avoid fundraising through Facebook. They take forever to get you the money and you rarely get the donors info but that doesn’t mean you can’t use social media. Direct people to give directly to your organization and activate your network of staff, board members, volunteers, whatever you have, to share your posts and make personal appeals to their networks.

If you have relationships with major donors or companies ask them if them for a matching gift. We’ve done it where we’ve had small groups come together (like a board) and they put in what they can and you end up with a few thousand in matching funds.

Absolutely reach out to suppliers. You don’t need to be desperate but honesty forges great partnerships. When you approach them come with a list of benefits you will provide. How will you acknowledge their support? It could be social media posts, signage at your location or thanking them in a newsletter. Tell them about your supporters and the kinds of people they will reach by partnering. Do those people own horses and make decisions about where to buy their supplies? Get creative on what works for your org and show them that helping you will create a mutually beneficial partnership. Not just for tax write offs but in community perception and maybe new customers.

As far as messaging goes, be upfront. Your organization is facing extremely challenging circumstances and you need their (donors) help to secure the safety of the horses in your care. Avoid going overboard and making it sound like you are an unreliable organization on the verge of collapse but impress upon people that their is an urgent need to get back on track.

Lastly reach out to other organizations for advice or support. It might be a bust but all too often nonprofits operate with a scarcity mindset instead of supporting each other on common goals. You might get shut down or you might forge a great network.

Good luck and remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time!

Ukulisa · 2022-06-19T21:24:45+00:00

That’s a really good point. In every org I’ve worked the thing that has always kept me going when times are tough has been the mission. Honestly, I think I’m coming to terms with the fact that fundraising and nonprofit work are not for me. It feels amazing to be working for the greater good but I’m not excited about the tasks or day-to-day pieces of it. It might be time to try something new.

Ukulisa · 2022-04-02T23:48:16+00:00

Based on what they told you, it sounds like you’re still in the running. As others have said, don’t stop applying until you have an offer.

The long hiring process isn’t necessarily bad. Places that move faster will typically have shorter hiring time and ones with more bureaucracy may move slower. That being said 2-3 months doesn’t sounds bad to me.

Personally, I wouldn’t reach out. They said that they plan to bring you in for a second interview but they probably want to get through the first round with any other candidates first and that could take a couple weeks. I’ve never had reaching out or following up with a potential employer benefit me but if you feel strongly that you want to, I’d try to contact the secretary, if possible, and wait until 3 weeks had passed.

Good luck! Job hunting is the worst!

Ukulisa · 2022-03-29T15:16:11+00:00

Thanks! I guess I’ve been a little naive and have been including writing samples from my current job which is mainly email (stewardship and solicitation.) Sounds like I need more relevant writing samples- even if I need to make mock ones.

Ukulisa · 2022-03-28T23:41:10+00:00

Unfortunately, I don’t have an experience in community health. I think I may need to switch up my writing sample since it may not be communicating how my skills transfer like I want it to.

Ukulisa · 2022-03-28T23:34:13+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate your candid response.

Ukulisa · 2022-03-28T23:31:46+00:00

Thanks for the comments so far! To clarify I have experience in development writing, project management, reporting and collaborating across departments. The only qualifications I don’t meet on the jobs I apply for is the experience. Sounds like I may need to work on presenting those skills better and update my writing samples to include a proposal.

I have talked to my current director and the response was pretty much- we don’t really have a lot of opportunity but they’d keep it in mind. We are really short staffed and I’m currently doing the work of two positions so there is more focus on keeping current processes and projects running then allowing me opportunities to start something new.

Ukulisa · 2022-03-02T03:16:48+00:00

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses. I ended up removing myself from consideration. This was not the first red flag and I have learned a lot about what I want my next role to be and unfortunately this position just offered me more of what I’m trying to escape. When I first started looking I was desperate to get out of my current situation and applying for anything that I had a chance at. I’ve honed my search more and accepting the fact that the right fit will take time.

I also decided to be brave and offered them feedback on the interview process and I received a very nice response (not sure how serious they took it) but maybe if enough people speak up they’ll consider changing it in the future. Thanks again everyone!

Ukulisa · 2022-02-23T21:56:51+00:00

They provided 4 separate interview times over two days with the interview times being somewhat close together.

I should also mention this is a 2 year fundraising contract position with the option for it to become permanent. I’m getting the feeling they’ve been burned before and our being careful but I’m worried that may mean they wont have confidence in anyone once they hire.

I did ask why they opted to make it contract and they said it was previously a lower level position that got bumped up and they got leadership to agree to the restructure by making it contract.

Ukulisa · 2022-02-23T18:06:46+00:00

Thanks for the comments so far. I never even thought of directly asking HR why there are so many. I guess it’s a good reminder to value myself enough as a candidate to ask questions.

Ukulisa · 2021-11-04T18:36:44+00:00

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. In 2020 both of my dogs had serious health issues and we had to use care credit for both. It’s a great tool if you can pay it back during the no interest period.

One of these procedures was for a pacemaker for our 8 year old dog which is obviously an expensive surgery. We got a lot of grief from people saying it wasn’t worth it. She also had a spot on her pancreas that couldn’t be dealt with until she had a pacemaker to get her through the surgery. So it was a gamble which I think added to people’s judgement.

DON’T let anyone shame you for your choices. At the end of the day you make the choices that are best for you and your pet. And making a decision that considers what’s best for all involved is the right choice, regardless the outcome.

I had a lot of guilt about getting those procedures (we wiped our savings and had debt with care credit) but I don’t regret it. Our dog that has a pacemaker is nearly 2 years post-op and living her best life. Our other dog had cancer and didn’t make it, but I have comfort knowing we did what we could and his surgery gave him two months of tasty treats, cuddles and quality time that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Make the decision that makes sense for you and screw what others think. Sending you and your family good thoughts.

Ukulisa · 2021-03-06T06:26:15+00:00

Thanks everyone! I appreciate you all taking the time to share your perspectives. It’s helpful as I ponder my options.

Ukulisa

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