I’m a part-time grant writer for a midsized nonprofit. Recently a contract offer fell into my lap and I realized I could be making 3-4x what I do now as an independent contractor. I pitched her a rate so high it made me nauseated - and she accepted it. At that rate I can make in two days what I typically make in twelve days.
I have the skills. I have eleven years experience as a dedicated grant writer. I probably write 50 grants a year. In the last five years I’ve raked in about $1,500,000. I’m excellent at coordinating and executing large projects, even going in blind. I once wrote a 25-page federal grant in two weeks, on a subject I knew nothing about, with a partner I knew nothing about. I had the skills to learn quickly, take exactly the info I needed from each person and bang out that draft. I’ve been consistently told by superiors I’m the best grant writer they have ever worked with.
So as you can see, I have a lot of confidence in what I can deliver.
I have doubts, though. I don’t think of myself as a self-starter or an entrepreneur. I have a lot of social anxiety. With my current job I just sit behind my computer all day. It’s comfortable. I also have ADHD and struggle with a lack of structure, though I am working with an online coaching group right now with some success. I think the structure thing would be okay because I always meet deadlines and strive to please people.
One idea I had was to use my current job to build the social skills I’m lacking. Maybe become more involved in funder meetings and get comfortable networking with other nonprofit execs. This is an uphill battle. I have major anxiety about it and I’ve had times in the past where I’d have a shaky voice meltdown. The only way out of my self-imposed hell is exposure. But for $80-$125/hour? I think it’s worth trying.
Then there’s the simple fact I love my current job. The pay is shit but going into an office three days a week helps manage my depression. I’m in love with my coworkers. The idea of being isolated from people all the time gives me pause. I didn’t do well with the pandemic.
So I’m trying to figure out, am I suited for this, and if not, is there anything I can do to change that? What can I do in the next 1-2 years to strengthen the skills necessary to make this work? What things should I be considering? Should I create a business for this? Do you think it’s feasible to do this while working part time? Or should I transition out of the current job?
Oh, and in case anyone asks, my current income is a pittance we aren’t dependent on, so I am free to take financial risks. I could take only one contract a year and it wouldn’t make a difference.