[amolson]

I had a liver transplant almost three years ago and I have been working for a non-profit organization that funds research for liver disease for the past two years. I love my job because I get to organize fun fundraising events and I have the ability to counsel those living with liver disease and to educate the public about liver disease. I am good at my job. I have a great personality where I make relationships very quickly and in turn, obtain their support whether it be financial or moral support for the organization. With that being said, there have been some major changes that have put me in a position to reconsider my position here.

My previous boss had quit and was going to another profession. I had emailed the VP of Fundraising (my boss at National office) and the President of the charity to advise that I would be willing to step up to the plate as much as possible in order to ensure that the office was to run smoothly with little to no effect of the transition. They had given me a $5,000/yr raise with the intentions of being "mentored into a more management position". Well, someone was hired for the regional director of our office and she is a micro-manager. She has zero faith in me to do my job. I think that she is threatened to the fact that I have more knowledge about liver disease, non-profit and I have greater relationships with those who support the organization. She is a horrible woman and she is very condescending, belittling (sp?) and ignorant. She had the gawl to tell me that it is inappropriate for me to mention my liver transplant at times when dealing with the organization's matters. Well, isn't that why we are here?? There are lots of problems and far too much to bore you about.

I had made the decision to quit my job and to pursue a career as a paralegal. I was going to go to school as a legal assistant, get a good job then take part time studies for my paralegal. My goal is to either work in a government office or to work for a criminal lawyer. I had just gone to my orientation last night and it was great. I felt excited and looking forward to starting school after 10 years of being out of it.

I went home to discuss things with the boyfriend who is an older, achieved man in the world of business. He gave me his two cents and now I am reconsidering my actions once again. He thinks that I have the ability and a perfect opportunity to take what I want from the non-profit organization and "save the world". Or, I can go to school and work for someone for little pay but for excitement.

I am passionate about both. One I know that I can do, the other I am not too sure. I am scared to make a commitment to the non-profit for the risk of failing. I am just so confused and I am running out of time to make up my mind. I can't stand being in my office in the capacity that I currently am. I have to either be the regional director, or leave. But am I ready for it? If I pass it up or the thought of fighting for it, am I going to regret it? I know that I can be just as good as Lance Armstrong... I know I could be a rock star with this. The question is whether I have the internal and external resources to do it.