My nonprofit employer is impossible!

I am the director of a non profit organization and have been for over 7 years.  I have to report to a very slack volunteer board of directors that keeps changing every two years. I have never had a contract, even after asking and demanding several times.

I am the only employee and I can not keep up with the demand of work.  My average work week is 70-80 hours, which I have been doing for the past 7 years. My yearly salary might purchase a mid size car (second hand)

I have not gotten a raise in three years and the board is not planning one for another 3 to 5 years; Lack of funds.

I am exhausted, emotianaly drained and poor. I know that I have burnt out at least a year ago if not longer. I have scored high hundreds on your recommended "Burn out" test and many others.

I know that I need to get out of this job so, I've started a second job in sales a few months ago hoping to leave my other job and do this one full time.  However, with a job in sales and only paid in commission it will be a while before I might see any money.  The short amount of time that I can devote to this new job is limited because of the amount I have to put on the other one.

I have a family, mortgage, student loans, so I can not leave a paying job, until I have something secure.

My other problem is that I am so exhausted, depressed and lost that even if I get another job, I propbably will not be able to prove to my new employer that I can be a good employee. Yet alone if I'll even have the energy to start a new job.

I'm not sure what my next step will be. Got a few helping words??????

Screwed Up.
 
 

Docpotter's Reply

Dear Screwed Up

I presume that you've gotten sucked into this thing bit by bit because no one in their right mind would agree to such working conditions.

Option #1:

Immediately stop working.  Just STOP.  Call in sick, etc.  And wait,  You are the whole show. Ultimately you have all the power if you were to exercise it.  Do not start until you get in writing that you will have an employment contract and other particulars you want. This option has a few problems.

Option #2: (Which I recommend)

Drop the second sales job.  That is overload.  You are just making things worse - it is making you FEEL incomeptent.  You can not succeed under these conditions.

Instead, tread water in this current job - and devote your time to finding and securing a new and better full-time job. You are always more attractive when already employed.  It would be a good idea to meet with a counselor or a friend to role play how you will handle questions about why you are leaving.  You don't want to present a whining or loser image and you don't want to communicate "I'm a door mat, so take advantage of me like my old job"  One person who can help you with this is Joanna who is a transformational coach who can work with you on line or by phone.

Get the new job and get out of there - now!!!!!!!  Stop giving your life and soul to this ungrateful and abusive organization.

This is a boom economy - it is hard to get qualified and dedicated employee.  Get someone to help you put together a dynamite resume.

Get going NOW.

-docpotter