Red Tape

I work for a non-profit. One of the beauties of that type of work has always been that we weren't bogged down by the same red tape that Gov't agencies were. Decisions could be made quickly and didn't have to go through a multi-phase review process all the way up to the Board; mail came directly to the person it was intended for; there were relatively few steps - although they were thorough and complete steps - to obtaining assistance, etc.

But since the current administration took over about five years ago it has gotten muckier and muckier to the point that it's actually easier with the Government.

Take loan approval for instance. I process a request for funds - a 20 step process by itself due to the fact that funds come from the gov't - which includes verifying everything. I've been doing it for over 10 years and know my stuff. I've even written many of the policies governing the process. BUT NOW.... I go through all that then:

• turn it over to my boss or another staff person to double check that all the right papers are there - using the checklist I provide to do it;
• turn it over to my boss to review that its a doable deal and the numbers add up
• turn it over to my boss's boss to review it again and to provide the final decision that its a doable deal
• do the closing paperwork then
• turn it over to the fiscal manager to ensure that ive done the closing paperwork before she'll process the check request
• close and disburse funds then
• turn it back over to the fiscal manager to ensure that its closed
• wait for the recorded docs then
• turn it back over to the fiscal manager to ensure that recording has taken place

GAWD!! It's such a fucking nightmare process. It makes me feel totally insignifcant and untrusted. No other program or staffer has to do that for any type of assistance. This was all started by the FM and the current administration because that's how THEY need it to be. Nevermind that it creates huge delays in the process or that it requires a lot of additional work from me when I am the only person - with no staff support - doing this. It sucks.

I want out.