5 Reasons to Consider a Career in the Nonprofit Sector
Since I started working as a counselor at a youth residential facility, I have worked in the nonprofit arena. Now, 23 years later, I have some insight on the advantages of working for a nonprofit organization. But before I start, I want to explain what a nonprofit business really is. In the USA, a nonprofit business is any business incorporated under the 501 section of the tax code that provides certain tax advantages to companies that don’t distribute a profit to owners or shareholders. These businesses are actually public trust entities with oversight by a board of directors.
And nonprofits provide a broad range of services and benefits to the community. Your Humane Society and probably the local theater company and the are both nonprofits. Churches, labor unions and chambers of commerce are also nonprofits. Here are just some of the advantages of working for a nonprofit organization.
1) You will be making a difference. This is probably the first thing you also thought of. Nonprofit organizations provide benefits to the community and often help those in need. Working in a nonprofit means you become a part of improving your community.
2) You can be a big fish in a small pond. Many people have left jobs in large corporations to work in a smaller nonprofit business. Certain business skills such as finance, information technology, and marketing are highly valued in nonprofit organizations. Leaving a large IT department to help a local children’s charity can be a great source of pride and recognition.
3) Nonprofits are often more willing to hire older workers making a career change. This is particularly true if you have job skills like those mentioned in the previous paragraph. I have personally hired midlife career changers who were tired of the corporate world, but had the skills I was looking for.
4) Working for a nonprofit serving families can mean a family-friendly employer. These organizations understand the challenges that families face and often are more flexible and supportive of their own employees when it comes to balancing work and family.
5) Nonprofits are typically a much less competitive work environment. Although I have known some nonprofits with a somewhat competitive environment, this is not common. If the corporate and sales ladders are becoming too frustrating with others always trying to push you out of the way, consider the options available in the nonprofit sector.
I’m not going to tell you that working in the nonprofit world doesn’t have it’s downsides, The common problems of lower wages and burnout have lead to many career changes in the other direction. But it’s my opinion that most midlife career changers are looking for a fulfilling career more than a big paycheck. So take some time to talk to nonprofit employers and do some research. You may just find that new career waiting for you at a local nonprofit.
By the way, a great book for those considering a career change to a nonprofit is Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector
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