Here's how you can build resilience and adaptability in your non-profit career.

Very few organisations are impacted by external factors as non-profits are. Funding (Sponsors/Donors), Compliance (Government and other authorities), Resource mobilisation(field staffing and other resource sourcing) have their share of demands/conditions, that must be fulfilled as they come. A non-profit employee must be able to adapt to changing situations and circumstances and must be aware of these demands of a job. Change is a constant in a non-profit work environment and cannot be contested. So learn to accept change whenever necessary and make the best of the situation.

Even learn different perspectives from juniors , colleagues . Accept if it is ok, that will open your eyes and stress will go away.

Stress management is a requirement of any job. In a non-profit the triggers for stress are perhaps more than that of a job that works within a structured framework. In the non-profit sector, stress situations triggered by unexpected demand on time, attention, communication and decision- making influenced by external factors are common. One therefore has to be prepared to address mental and physical health issues. How this can be done is best left to the employee.

I believe the nonprofit sector often attracts highly sensitive, people-pleasing individuals. We’re passionate people and pour our hearts into our work, which is good for productivity and energy. But this intense commitment sometimes leads to burnout. Setting boundaries is hard, and dealing with the fallout is even harder. I think most people in the sector are genuinely good-hearted, but I've met some who lack altruistic motives and exploit the field for personal gain. So if you plan to stay in this sector, establish healthy boundaries from the start. The work can be endless, so pace yourself and make time for rest. Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time and use downtime for creativity / strategy to tackle hard problems.

Agreed. Stress also happens when your ego or desires dont want to agree with and accept a situation, but your subconscious knows you are wrong. Accept the situation and your stress will go away. In the same way when you are burnt out and there is no work - life balance , take a pose, take a break to introspect and change the situation. The will reduce automatically.

Fostering Team work is imperative for a professional who is a part of the non-profit sector. Excellent communication, frequent exchanges and discussions, feedback and factors that nurture and motivate the team must be looked at.