It is interesting to consider, but ever since I have been part of the work force (at 17), I have always worked for not-for-profit organizations. And that is something I am very proud of.
Not-for-profit organizations are run on the basis that they generate enough funding to cover their operating costs and pay their employees. Any additional income or donations recieved must be re-invested into the organization. As a result, the organization cannot turn a profit in the sense that a corporation or other for-profit entity can. Another thing to note: many organizations are listed as not-for-profit, but are not charitable organizations. A charitable not-for-profit organization will be able to accept donations, but a not-for-profit (non-charity) organization will not be able to do so.
I personally believe that I am currently best suited for a career in a not-for-profit organization. And there are many reasons why people choose to build their career in the not-for-profit industry. Many people who don't really understand the role of not-for-profit charitable groups will disparage those who work in the industry, making snide remarks like "oh isn't it sweet that you have nice little job to fill your time" or "I personally want to work, not volunteer, for a living". The best thing I ever heard was "why don't you just get a real job? Can't hack it?"
It is extremely frustrating, because what we do in not-for-profit organizations is important, and it is very challenging work. To mock anyone's career choice is (frankly) a jerk move, and to mock them based solely on your misinformed perceptions is even worse. So here it is: I am so happy with my work, and I am so proud of what I do. I wake up every morning excited to go to work. (I hope you can say the same!)
Whenever I let other people's negativity get to me about what I do, I remember why I love working with a not-for-profit. Here are my top reasons, in no particular order whatsoever.
You See Your Effect. When you work in a not-for-profit, even a big one, you can clearly see the impact you have on your community. Your influence, no matter what you do within the organization, is visible. When you can see that you have brightened someone's day (or better yet changed their life) and you were there to make it happen, it's an amazing thing. No matter how far removed from the not-for-profit's end user you may be, you are never so far removed that you don't see the amazing impact you get to have on people, and that is worth it every day.
It's Challenging! Working in not-for-profit has always been the process of wearing as many different professional hats as you possibly can. Whether you're a manager or an intern you may be developing programs, you may be working on external communications, you may be helping run programs or planning a major event. Every day brings more opportunities to try new things, and develop your specific talent set. Obviously, those who are the best at something will work in that department or be project managers, but no matter where you are, you always have a chance to try something new and develop a new talent. It's hard work, because it's a process of constant growth and personal development.
You Know Why You Go To Work in the Morning. This ties in to the top point, but part of working with a not-for-profit is knowing why you are doing what you are doing. Your influence in the community and on the people who you help is clear. You are inextricably tied to the inherent why of what you do. In my daily work, I see so clearly how my efforts are fitting in to the larger picture of the organization, and I never lose sight of it. In a large corporation, I can imagine this "why" might get lost in daily hustle and bustle of work.
It's Never "Just a Paycheck." Here I am speaking solely from personal experience, but in all of the different not-for-profits I have worked for, there are so few people that were there just for a paycheck (so few in fact, I can't think of any). Due to the nature of working in such a challenging and dynamic work environment (possibly for lower pay), people are committed to the organization and are willing to give more than the bare minimum to the job. This atmosphere of collective excitement about the organization leads to some amazing moments, and contributes to a work environment full of joy and genuine enthusiasm!
It's Always New. I'm the type of person who believes change is good, that movement is indicative of success and doing the same over and over is not at all enjoyable. Not only is a career in the not-for-profit challenging in the way it makes you develop new talents, but it is fast paced and new and exciting every day. Some of the things I've thought I would never get paid to do (but did!) include: Finger painting, playing Nintendo Wii for two and a half hours, setting up a giant chess set, singing karaoke, creating a paper tree that spanned all the way up to the roof, walking around Inglewood procuring silent auction donations from local businesses, and enjoying a picnic lunch from River Cafe. Every single day there is a new opportunity to challenge myself and take on fun new project. These times, they are a changin' and my career changes right along with them.
Not-for-profit organizations are awesome! They do amazing things in the communities they serve, and they can truly bring people together to do great things. I'm not saying you personally would be a good fit, but at the very least, do remember that we work hard and achieve great things. Don't ever look down on us for that.
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