Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 20, 2026 · 17 MIN

Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore

from Grant Writing & Funding · host Holly Rustick

Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe AnymoreIn uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore.In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single employer, whether in nonprofits, government, or corporate roles, can create a false sense of security. As costs rise and economic conditions shift, salaries often fail to keep pace, leaving many people quietly stressed, overworked, and afraid to speak up or make changes.Drawing from her personal story of leaving a toxic nonprofit grant writing role as a single mom, and her experience teaching over 1,000 grant writers how to build flexible income, Holly explains why skill-based, flexible income offers more control, stability, and peace of mind than traditional employment. She also explores why this conversation matters deeply for women and parents, especially in an industry where 82% of freelance grant writers are female.This episode reframes financial security away from job titles and toward self-reliance, adaptable skills, and income you control: even during volatile times.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “stable” jobs can create hidden financial stressHow fixed income fails to keep up with rising costs of livingWhat flexible, skill-based income really looks likeWhy women and parents benefit most from income flexibilityHow redefining stability can change your work, health, and family lifeWhether you’re in a 9–5, freelancing on the side, or thinking about a bigger change, this episode will help you rethink what real stability means — and how to build it on your own terms.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe AnymoreIn uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore.In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single employer, whether in nonprofits, government, or corporate roles, can create a false sense of security. As costs rise and economic conditions shift, salaries often fail to keep pace, leaving many people quietly stressed, overworked, and afraid to speak up or make changes.Drawing from her personal story of leaving a toxic nonprofit grant writing role as a single mom, and her experience teaching over 1,000 grant writers how to build flexible income, Holly explains why skill-based, flexible income offers more control, stability, and peace of mind than traditional employment. She also explores why this conversation matters deeply for women and parents, especially in an industry where 82% of freelance grant writers are female.This episode reframes financial security away from job titles and toward self-reliance, adaptable skills, and income you control: even during volatile times.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “stable” jobs can create hidden financial stressHow fixed income fails to keep up with rising costs of livingWhat flexible, skill-based income really looks likeWhy women and parents benefit most from income flexibilityHow redefining stability can change your work, health, and family lifeWhether you’re in a 9–5, freelancing on the side, or thinking about a bigger change, this episode will help you rethink what real stability means — and how to build it on your own terms.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.———————————————————————————This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

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This episode is 17 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 20, 2026.

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Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe AnymoreIn uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore.In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single...

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