Gratitude is a double edged sword in times like this. On the one hand, it can force you reevaluate your ambitions and appreciate what you have. Perhaps you have been chasing dreams or opportunities because you feel you should, not because you genuinely want to. On the other hand, gratitude can paralyze you. You take fewer risks and invest less in yourself. You just start coasting.

The trick to staying sane in a weak economy is to harness both aspects of gratitude: appreciate what you have but compliment it by still going for what you want.

I still push myself and others in small but significant ways. My organization is paralyzed; we don’t want to spend too much money or move too fast. However, if there is one thing I have learned in fundraising is that people do not save sinking ships—they want to help build castles. So I have started numerous pet projects that have low cost but directly involve the students for greater visibility and impact like my blogging project and the school’s student council. These projects have required me to strengthen my own skills and reach out to others for guidance and support. Anything new is a challenge!

Whatever my job lacks I make up for in other career enhancing activities and I try to bridge the two as much as possible. Outside of the office I am a board member, writer, volunteer, and nerd  I brought my love of blogging to the students and I share volunteer opportunities with the school. My job is just one aspect of my professional development so I compliment it with other things that are both helpful and fun.

I stay on top of changes in my field and try to implement what I learn. I subscribe to key websites (free!) that deal with fundraising and marketing. For example a recent article Nonprofit Communications regarding good interview questions for newsletter profiles has me planning my next interview for our spring newsletter! Additionally, the more knowledgeable you are of what is happening and how you the better you will be able to adapt.

Also, complaining is OK. Things don’t stop being difficult because the economy is worse! Just don’t let the negativity affect your path and that it motivates you to take action.

Allison Jones graduated from Haverford College in 2007. She chronicles her life as a newbie in the professional world at Entry Level Living.