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