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Question for non-profit employees

December 17th, 2009 at 01:03 am

Hello Folks

I have an opportunity to work for a non-profit. It's not confirmed yet but I need to ask this question. Here it is... the salaries are about 65% of corporate salaries. The job I will be offered is outstanding and really meets my needs to give back to the community. So is the trade off between income and giving back worth it? I'd appreciate your feedback.

7 Responses to “Question for non-profit employees”

  1. gertymac Says:
    1261026894

    I work for a large non-profit research organization.

    I think it depends on your situation. How badly do you need that extra 35%? For me, the trade off is worth it. My salary provides a comfortable lifestyle, even if I might have been able to get more somewhere else, I love the people and the organization, and it means a lot to me not to work for a corporation.

  2. historychick Says:
    1261045064

    Well...some days I'm ok with it and some days ehhhh Smile I went from a job making $$$$ to a job in my area of passion making $. While I'm AT work, I know that there's no comparison, but when I'm at play that's when it stings a bit. I haven't been able to travel as much and I've had to slow down on my weekend spendings (seriously by 75-80%). I used to be a shopaholic and now sometimes a single tear drops as I pass the mall on the way to work lol. Huge adjustments to my freewheeling life had to be made, but long term, I know this is the place for me. At the beginning of this adventure I was quick to tell folks to follow their dreams full stop. Now I do the same, but also share the price I had to pay for it. Its a judgement call and whichever path you choose is fine.
    *Weird sidenote: now that I'm making less money and have to budget like crazy, I'm actually saving more.

  3. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    1261073780

    Thanks for the feedback folks. Not-for-profit is where I need to be!

  4. ceejay74 Says:
    1261149004

    Hey, sorry I didn't respond earlier. I've never actually worked at a nonprofit (except volunteering in my spare time), but AS has mostly worked for them, with only a couple stints in corporate.

    I asked her about it this morning after I saw your comment on my blog, and it's really a similar question to working for a good job that pays little vs. bad job that pays a lot: If you feel like your talents are going to waste, depending on what kind of person you are, that can really drive you crazy and negate any amount of pleasure the extra money might have afforded you. As long as it's a good nonprofit job (AS has had several terrible ones), it's definitely worth it. There can still be toxic workplaces in nonprofits though, so be warned that might be too much to get through for long, even for a worthy cause.

    And I have to say from my POV, it probably really helps to have some income providers who are in for-profit organizations in your family, to take the sting off just how low your pay is. Smile
    But yeah, if it's the right cause and the right place for you, it can be great. AS is so cheerful every morning; compared with how she was at her last job and while being laid off/working from home, she's like a whole new person. She even stands straighter--I'm not kidding, I've noticed it!

  5. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    1261347411

    Thanks Ceejay. Fortunately I do have a partner who is in a for profit job. Hearing your story about AS is a relief. I've done a few jobs for some non-profits before and they were great but there's always a chance for toxicity in all industries. I asked several questions about the place during the interview. They said there is virtually no turnover and that's a good sign. Thanks again for giving me your feedback!

  6. Jerry Says:
    1261664081

    I think that historychick's comment has to lead to some serious contemplation. She mentions that she misses the free-wheeling lifestyle sometimes... but she is now doing what she loves AND she has the insurance that she is saving more than before? Interesting, and I think that speaks volumes. =)
    Jerry

  7. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    1261697104

    Thanks for everyone's feedback. And I know what you mean Jerry. I am finding that as I get older I need to fulfill the soul more that anything else. And I don't feel any need to acquire more stuff (except for freecycle but that's another story).

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