Is the impact sector collapsing with the U.S. cutting its funding? Is it even more impossible to get an impact job now?

Undoubtedly, things are shaky, and we don’t know for how long we'll be living with uncertainty – projects put on hold, layoffs and hiring freezes.

No one has a crystal ball, but here’s what I believe we can safely assume:

• Things are rarely as bad (or as good) as headlines make them seem—reality usually lands somewhere in the middle.
• While U.S. contributions have been significant, funding from other sources collectively outweighs them, and as part of the shake-out, other contributors will adjust and new funding sources may emerge. Also, it's unlikely that the U.S. will opt out completely from making aid contributions.
• While some parts of the sector are severely affected, others not so much. A quick check on unjobs.org just now, showed 3,663 open positions, so the sector is still hiring!
• While competition for jobs will increase, not everyone impacted by budget cuts will be applying. Some will choose to retire, some will pivot to other sectors, and many won't be able or willing to relocate and therefore pivot in other ways.

The landscape is shifting, but not vanishing. We don't know how it’ll all shake out, but we do know things will stabilize, eventually. 

The question is what to do in the meantime?

You can read the news and feel defeated. Or you can read the news and decide to adapt and double down.

I invite you to reflect on how this changed landscape may change how you show up and engage.

This isn't a time for the faint of heart. But impact workers rarely are 🥰

Wishing you clarity and courage!