The career path that you take will dictate a number of decisions that you make in your professional and personal life. There are some people that understand that they want to work in the nonprofit sector. If there is a nonprofit that you want to work with, there are different ways to get your foot in the door. Volunteering is the first step for a number of these organizations so you can fill your resume out with relevant experience. Getting paid to do work you love is the dream for so many people but there can be drawbacks to working at a nonprofit. The following are things that you need to know if you are taking the nonprofit career path
You Won’t Be Fulfilled Constantly
There is a misconception that each day will be a breath of fresh air when working at a nonprofit. This can actually be so draining emotionally as you are actually doing work that you are passionate about. A large number of professionals truly do not care about their jobs and the work they do. Working to live and pay bills is the real reason that so many people spend extended periods away from their families weekly. Pet rescues are a great example as you see so many great things but sad things as well when pets are dropped off. Some people cannot handle working after a period of time which is why some revert back to a traditional career path which will be discussed below.
Freelancing If Struggling Financially
Freelancing is a way of life for so many people that want to make supplemental income. Nonprofits are not going to have massive budgets for those entering the niche. You might even be asked to work for far under the market value of your work. The reward would be considered working for a nonprofit but feeling great about your work does not pay rent. You might be able to develop new skills freelancing while getting paid to hone them.
Making Your Way Back Into The Corporate World
Moving back into the corporate world might not be too tricky with the contacts you have met at the nonprofit. The fundraising database might have the information that you need. Leaving a nonprofit can be tough but you might have to do this for one reason or another. There are certain companies that look for those with nonprofit experience in certain niches.
Instability Could Be A Daily Issue
A lack of donations could mean that a nonprofit does not have enough money to operate for a certain period of time. Relying on donations is something that can be very risky so promotions or fundraising events are of paramount importance. Nonprofits might not have to pay certain taxes but generating money is the real challenge.
The nonprofit niche can be great or it can drain you. People are wired differently so remember that you are not required to stay with a nonprofit. Heading back into a traditional job role is always an option.
