You've hit a career roadblock in the social impact field. How can you navigate towards new opportunities?

Hitting a roadblock in the social impact field can feel daunting, but it’s an opportunity to reassess and pivot. Start by reflecting on your core values and strengths. Network with like-minded professionals, attend events, and explore adjacent sectors like corporate social responsibility, sustainability, or impact investing. Upskill through courses or volunteering to gain new perspectives. Don’t shy away from seeking mentorship or feedback; often, others can help you see new paths. Finally, stay open to unconventional roles that align with your purpose - sometimes, the most fulfilling opportunities come from unexpected places.

I revisit my Why Social Impact question. I jot down the reasons I started in the social impact field, where I am now, and where I would like to be. The key point for me is trying to imagine myself in the future still in the social impact field, and trying to envision what it would look like, and how I could possibly get to that point.

Do some research and network with your colleagues for new perspectives on new paths to adopt. Crossroads are always a great time to reflect and refocus.

Em alguns mercados o tema Impacto social, ainda é visto com muita desconfiança por parte do público. Muitos acreditam que Impacto social é apenas assistencialismo, mas isso está longe de ser verdade, porém essa é uma visão mais recente! E como tudo na vida, é necessário se manter informado, entender dos conceitos principais do impacto social mas também se manter ativo em aprender as novas possibilidades e com isso as habilidades necessárias para viver a inovação!

To make impact in the social space, it is non negotiable to network, for you may never know your Angel assigned to deliver that good news. Just don't post or share anything and regret tomorrow.

English version: Attend industry events; join LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram groups; connect with LinkedIn Top Voices in the area. Networking is a two-way street—offer something in return and uncover new opportunities! Versão em português: Participe de eventos do setor; entre em grupos de LinkedIn, WhatsApp e Telegram; conecte-se com profissionais que são LinkedIn Top Voices da área. Networking é uma via de mão dupla—ofereça algo em troca e descubra novas oportunidades!

Social impact work can be quite broad and oftentimes you will find yourself tackling various societal issues simultaneously at a limited capacity which can then lead to a roadblock. What I find helpful is to identify which societal issue(s) you are most passionate about and want to create the biggest impact in, for example this could be environmental conservation, poverty reduction, diversity and inclusion etc. Once you've identified and narrowed down where you would like to create an impact, you can then strategically pivot and find opportunities in a job that specifically caters to that societal issue.

Aproveite a sensação de bem estar ao ajudar em algum projeto social, entenda o que aprendeu com essa experiência e se possível mostre esse valor para outras pessoas! Além disso, aproveite para fazer uma rede de contatos com pessoas também ligadas a esse propósito, seja inteligente, ajude a sociedade, gere impacto social, mas também entenda que isso pode ser uma ferramenta para te ajudar. Existe uma diferença entre: "fazer voluntariado por puro interesse próprio" e "aproveitar o que o voluntariado pode trazer de bom em outras esferas da sua vida."

In my experience, Consulting other people I admire or know that they possess a required skill I need has not been something I shy away from asking for their services. For knowledge or wisdom as we know is not in one person's head. Matthew 7:7 is about asking, Seeking and Knocking (ASK). So never feel less of you because you are consulting/asking for support from other people.