Twelve months ago I was ensnared in a net cast by a nonprofit executive search. While I hate to plug shamelessly, I have to say they did a rather masterful job luring me into a sector of the economy I never thought I would venture into: the nonprofit sector. It's not that I am averse to their commitment to helping companies who help the underprivileged. On the contrary, I am the most open-minded and giving person I know. It's just that I did not earn a bachelors degree and an MBA to simply help the United Way.
But, lo and behold, I have been gainfully and happily employed for some time now. When you are in business school, they are not grooming you for a position with a nonprofit. In fact, nonprofit organizations aren't even on the topographical maps when it comes to modern business procedures. But, the recruiters and contact personnel at NESC convinced me I would be better of putting my talents and expertise to use helping others. I know, that sounds trite, but the truth can often sound trite.
Money truly isn't everything. While I may not be earning the salary I thought I would be -- or could be -- earning at a financial clearinghouse, I have to say, my conscience is clear and my heart is light. I do not have to bare the karmic brunt of putting people out of their homes or on the street. I do not have to weep softly at night thinking about the car I had to repossess from single mothers or the kids living on the street because of a foreclosure notice.
Ungrip the dagger and step out into the light. While we who groomed ourselves for the business world did so with girded loins, a lucrative career in the nonprofit sector can simply be a matter espousing more and more peace and prosperity. This may sound a bit like granola-talk from the Golden State, but it is simply the truth. Do not let anyone, especially your classmates and young professional contacts tell you differently.
There is a possible future that does not have to see you lead a career with the point of a knife. Rather, you can enjoy your day and hold your head up high, with pride -- you're working for that grandest of cliches: a good cause. Nonprofit organizations, and those that keep them stocked with trained professionals, are a true blessing -- and I almost never use that word.
But, lo and behold, I have been gainfully and happily employed for some time now. When you are in business school, they are not grooming you for a position with a nonprofit. In fact, nonprofit organizations aren't even on the topographical maps when it comes to modern business procedures. But, the recruiters and contact personnel at NESC convinced me I would be better of putting my talents and expertise to use helping others. I know, that sounds trite, but the truth can often sound trite.
Money truly isn't everything. While I may not be earning the salary I thought I would be -- or could be -- earning at a financial clearinghouse, I have to say, my conscience is clear and my heart is light. I do not have to bare the karmic brunt of putting people out of their homes or on the street. I do not have to weep softly at night thinking about the car I had to repossess from single mothers or the kids living on the street because of a foreclosure notice.
Ungrip the dagger and step out into the light. While we who groomed ourselves for the business world did so with girded loins, a lucrative career in the nonprofit sector can simply be a matter espousing more and more peace and prosperity. This may sound a bit like granola-talk from the Golden State, but it is simply the truth. Do not let anyone, especially your classmates and young professional contacts tell you differently.
There is a possible future that does not have to see you lead a career with the point of a knife. Rather, you can enjoy your day and hold your head up high, with pride -- you're working for that grandest of cliches: a good cause. Nonprofit organizations, and those that keep them stocked with trained professionals, are a true blessing -- and I almost never use that word.
About the Author:
Should you find yourself about to be engulfed in a nonprofit executive search, just go with the flow and thank me later!
