where to go after non-profit work?

[Anonymous]

I've worked in the non-profit world for a decade. I've liked it for the flexibility in schedule, autonomy and mission. I make about 70K a year, which I think is pretty great for non-profit work, and in particular, I've never had to feel badly about taking time off, I've taken 3 maternity leaves of 14 weeks a piece, and I've been able to move to a different city and keep the job.

But. I'm ready to make more money. I feel stuck, though, by the golden handcuffs of awesome leave, flexibility, and great colleagues (and supervisor).

Where do I look that still gives me work life balance but more money? I have only managed interns, so I'm not sure I'd be qualified for management, but I have managed projects, spoken nationally at tons of events, designed and offered trainings (nationally), done community building, program management consulting, strategic planning...

I just don't know where I should look.

[Anonymous]

a management level position at another non profit. youre only qualified for the non profit sector

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:a management level position at another non profit. youre only qualified for the non profit sector

Or the government, perhaps.

OP, perhaps you can start volunteering for a campaign that inspires you, try to do your best there for a while and hope to be hired when/ if you win?

[Anonymous]

What does your non profit work on? What are the associated industries? Is there a way to network and transition?

[Anonymous]

Be careful what you wish for.

Signed,
25-year association executive who made the move to for-profit

[Anonymous]

OP, perhaps you can start volunteering for a campaign that inspires you, try to do your best there for a while and hope to be hired when/ if you win?

There is NO work/life balance with campaign work.

I'd look into agency work that supports nonprofits (you will work a LOT harder, but make more money). Or if you think you might be cut out for sales, vendors that serve the nonprofit community -- software (CharityEngine, Blackbaud) or services (change.org/Care2) need people that understand the nonprofit mindset.

[Anonymous]

I think about this too from time to time, and I agree that it depends on the nature of your work. I do technical work at a non-profit, and serve as a mid-level manager. There are similar jobs in government that I think I would be a good fit for me (much of the work I do now is for the Feds), and some industry positions where my technical skills might get me in (I've had one unsolicited offer there). So far though, the flexible schedule and generous leave have kept me from leaving, even though I often feel like I am working very hard for limited financial reward (my organization is flexible, but people here work very hard). I'm a little scared that the longer I stay, the more I am pigeon-holing myself, and went through a concerted search for something better about a year ago, but ultimately decided the deal I have now is the best for me and my family for the time being. I do still desperately wish I earned more money though!

[Anonymous]

I made the move to a federal agency after 13 years with a small nonprofit. Thrilled! As I tell people, it's my first "grown up job." Wish I'd been a fed earlier in my career.

[Anonymous]

I left my non-profit job when the grants dried up and moved to a similar field (media production) with a for-profit. For me, it was the best decision. My coworkers at my new job had a similar work ethic, where at the non profit everything seemed to move in slow motion. I didn't realize how much it bothered me until I was out.

I was really nervous about the change at first, thinking it was going to be a crazy cut throat environment. Instead I was better able to push myself and climb the ladder -- something that really didn't exist in my non-profit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I left my non-profit job when the grants dried up and moved to a similar field (media production) with a for-profit. For me, it was the best decision. My coworkers at my new job had a similar work ethic, where at the non profit everything seemed to move in slow motion. I didn't realize how much it bothered me until I was out.

I was really nervous about the change at first, thinking it was going to be a crazy cut throat environment. Instead I was better able to push myself and climb the ladder -- something that really didn't exist in my non-profit.

So funny, I made the opposite move (media to nonprofit) and I'm much happier. Different strokes!

[Anonymous]

Sahm

[Anonymous]

Just switch over to the for profit companies that do what you do. Deloitte or one of those other evil "consulting" (whatever that means) firms pay pretty well.

[Anonymous]

I was going to say government- you're already used to being broke like the rest of us

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just switch over to the for profit companies that do what you do. Deloitte or one of those other evil "consulting" (whatever that means) firms pay pretty well.

The Supreme Court pays pretty well too, offers flexible work hours and is probably better aligned with OP's interests.

[Anonymous]

Trade associations