need to change directions

[dacrunkest]

I work in a crazy environment with not so good boss. my pay is pretty good, but I am willing to sacrifice the pay for a job that is more community-related. I guess I would have to start looking at the non-profit sector...does anyone work in this sector and have any ideas? I have a liberal arts degree, but I do have some construction knowledge. I also like to write poetry and read...maybe some kind of literacy class?

[shimma]

well.... assholes and stress abound wherever you go.

But if you really are convinced going non-profit will solve all your problems, check out idealist.org

[wordsmith]

Just don't expect to get much but ideas of what's out there off idealist. It's a good site...I just know absolutely nobody who's actually gotten hired through it, because they're so flooded. I did score interviews by going to one of the career fairs they sponsor, though...it's way more beneficial to actually meet with reps face to face, obv.

In terms of nonprofit, just like anything else, there's good and bad environments, good and bad bosses. A workplace isn't automatically awesome because it's a nonprofit. It might be awesome or it might suck. The work might be fulfilling or you might not like it. So you have to be just as careful in your choices as you would in any other sector as far as finding a good match. The size of the org is also something to take into consideration...small ones often offer unusual and varied work, unconventional atmospheres, while larger ones may be run more in the corporate fashion.

Also, unless you're a pretty upper level paper pusher for a large org, the pay across the board is pretty paltry (esp. for the fun, grassroots, hands-on jobs where you feel like you're making a difference, the jobs most people who are drawn to nonprofit work want). If that's an issue for you, it's certainly something to take into consideration. You're definitely trading pay for the chance for more personal fulfillment a lot of the time. Best case scenario, it's a worthwhile trade (totally was for me). But at worst, you don't find it fulfilling AND you're saddled with crap pay (which has happened to people I know, as well).

[cache]

I want to get into non-profit, but not until later in my career, when I can move into a decent position, and also already have a good amount of savings/retirement/etc...

I figured I would put in my time for corporate America, then when I am comfortable get into non-profit. Otherwise, like wordsmith said, you are starting at a disadvantage, and if you don't like it, you have a few things going against you.

[wordsmith]

My first job was for a small nonprofit, and have to say I loved it...easily the best professional experience of my life. I think it's easier to start out at a job where you make nothing than move into one after decades of making substantially more in the for-profit sector. Most people couldn't do it.

[kdhmps]

I work in the nonprofit sector. I am with my second nonprofit. Normally, nonprofits have great benefits (except for my current organization--health insurance is expensive). You get excellent time off.

However, like any other field, I have my good days and my bad days. I am fulfilled by my work in a number of ways, but sometimes I feel resentful I am not truly earning enough to live on... therefore, I plan to pass the CPA exam next fall.

Please remember that your career is not your purpose in this life. Or it does not have to be. If you are curious about the nonprofit world, I would suggest volunteering first. Check out www.idealist.org, too. I think that was previously mentioned, but it is a good way to locate nonprofits in your area.