Have I jumped the shark?

[Anonymous]

I have a long and accomplished career in nonprofit management, but I can't seem to cross the threshold from the #2 to the #1 position. I keep being the runner up candidate.

I've also turned 57 and was successful enough in my job before last that the board gave me golden handcuffs to stay for a couple of more years during a leadership transition. So I'm very well compensated, and for sure that looks like an issue to recruiters, no matter how flexible I'm willing to be for a great opportunity.

So I can't tell if I can't get jobs (even somewhat lateral, let alone making the leap to top position) because of age, money, being perceived as having stayed too long in the #2 role, etc... And recruiters don't give answers like that.

I'm not sure I really have a question, though I'd take advice if people have it. Maybe I just want stories of people who've been through this, or decided to just ride out less challenging gig, or retire...

It sucks. I'd love to work another 10-15 years in a job I enjoy but am feeling like somehow I missed the window.

[Anonymous]

My dear. Be thankful. On corporate side if you haven’t ‘made’ it by 40 you are toast. 57 is pretty great to be #2! Golden parachute means you likely worked for an association. Good shot selection.

[Anonymous]

You’re very well compensated but how much do you like your job? If you like it be happy. Being #1 isn’t always what it is made out to be especially if the non profit board members think they should be running the show.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dear. Be thankful. On corporate side if you haven’t ‘made’ it by 40 you are toast. 57 is pretty great to be #2! Golden parachute means you likely worked for an association. Good shot selection.

Go read the social security thread. Cry me a river.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a long and accomplished career in nonprofit management, but I can't seem to cross the threshold from the #2 to the #1 position. I keep being the runner up candidate.

I've also turned 57 and was successful enough in my job before last that the board gave me golden handcuffs to stay for a couple of more years during a leadership transition. So I'm very well compensated, and for sure that looks like an issue to recruiters, no matter how flexible I'm willing to be for a great opportunity.

So I can't tell if I can't get jobs (even somewhat lateral, let alone making the leap to top position) because of age, money, being perceived as having stayed too long in the #2 role, etc... And recruiters don't give answers like that.

I'm not sure I really have a question, though I'd take advice if people have it. Maybe I just want stories of people who've been through this, or decided to just ride out less challenging gig, or retire...

It sucks. I'd love to work another 10-15 years in a job I enjoy but am feeling like somehow I missed the window.

why are you telling recruiters your salary? There is no need to tell them about your golden parachute; rather frame it as you stayed on to help the new leader transition and now you are focused on becoming a leader yourself.

[Anonymous]

Mind sharing the ballpark range of your salary?

There are many types of jobs out there, but I find the older you get, the more you have to compromise on something.

It’s probably either money, or title, or mission of the org, or job location, etc.

What types of roles are you applying for exactly?

[Anonymous]

That’s not what jumping the shark means.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Yes, association work.

I'd be fine w/ staying in a #2 role in the right place (work I believe in, great boss, space for me to still learn/grow etc...) but I'm quickly dismissed for those roles because of my salary.

I know I have no business complaining - I've had some amazing work experiences over the years, and I make great money. i make enough that I can afford to give on salary for the right job, but no recruiter thinks I mean it - they figure there's some hidden issue I'm not disclosing.

My current job is ok but I'm not enjoying it. I'm not learning anything and the things that I find frustrating or that I dislike are structural elements that won't change. (Core focus of the association for instance.) When I took this job (just a couple of years ago) I knew it could either end up feeling too lateral, or it would be a great opportunity to return to an industry I really enjoyed earlier in my career. And now I know and would like to find my next gig, and that's where I've hit the wall somehow.

These are totally privileged concerns, I get it. But I want to enjoy my career for another decade plus if possible!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Yes, association work.

I'd be fine w/ staying in a #2 role in the right place (work I believe in, great boss, space for me to still learn/grow etc...) but I'm quickly dismissed for those roles because of my salary.

I know I have no business complaining - I've had some amazing work experiences over the years, and I make great money. i make enough that I can afford to give on salary for the right job, but no recruiter thinks I mean it - they figure there's some hidden issue I'm not disclosing.

My current job is ok but I'm not enjoying it. I'm not learning anything and the things that I find frustrating or that I dislike are structural elements that won't change. (Core focus of the association for instance.) When I took this job (just a couple of years ago) I knew it could either end up feeling too lateral, or it would be a great opportunity to return to an industry I really enjoyed earlier in my career. And now I know and would like to find my next gig, and that's where I've hit the wall somehow.

These are totally privileged concerns, I get it. But I want to enjoy my career for another decade plus if possible!

Again, why are you sharing your salary? Yes, I know that association management salaries are public-ish via Guidestar, but how do the recruiters know that? Tell recruiters what you will accept. Smaller associations have smaller budgets and lower salaries across the board. If recruiters ask what you make now, just decline and say "my current salary does not impact my future salary. I am looking for a leader role that pays at least xxx."

[Anonymous]

Get an executive coach.

[Anonymous]

A lot of non-profit and association type jobs have someone who is viewed as a “visionary” or leader in that particular field. They need great “#2’s” to execute and get the job done. If you are an excellent #2, it may be hard to break into that role because you have been pigeon holed and viewed as an operations person, not a thought leader. Have you thought of taking a lateral into an organization that you are super knowledgeable and passionate about? Score some quick easy wins. That could set you up to be in line for a top slot if someone leaves. Good luck on figuring it out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Yes, association work.

I'd be fine w/ staying in a #2 role in the right place (work I believe in, great boss, space for me to still learn/grow etc...) but I'm quickly dismissed for those roles because of my salary.

I know I have no business complaining - I've had some amazing work experiences over the years, and I make great money. i make enough that I can afford to give on salary for the right job, but no recruiter thinks I mean it - they figure there's some hidden issue I'm not disclosing.

My current job is ok but I'm not enjoying it. I'm not learning anything and the things that I find frustrating or that I dislike are structural elements that won't change. (Core focus of the association for instance.) When I took this job (just a couple of years ago) I knew it could either end up feeling too lateral, or it would be a great opportunity to return to an industry I really enjoyed earlier in my career. And now I know and would like to find my next gig, and that's where I've hit the wall somehow.

These are totally privileged concerns, I get it. But I want to enjoy my career for another decade plus if possible!

Again, why are you sharing your salary? Yes, I know that association management salaries are public-ish via Guidestar, but how do the recruiters know that? Tell recruiters what you will accept. Smaller associations have smaller budgets and lower salaries across the board. If recruiters ask what you make now, just decline and say "my current salary does not impact my future salary. I am looking for a leader role that pays at least xxx."

How do you think they know it? Guidestar.

[Anonymous]

What about setting up your own consulting business? Go to orgs and say that can get your expertise on a fractional basis, help them make changes, find their next head of something. Once you get in the door, you get a good view of the situation and they you. Something could turn into a full time gig.

[Anonymous]

I recruit execs in the association world and it’s really never the salary. I get these situations all the time and it’s not a hard sell to the client that you’d take a cut for the top job. Must be something else,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That’s not what jumping the shark means.

Yup, OP used the wrong term.