Reasons To Switch From For-Profit To Non-Profit Business
There are many times in the corporate world when employees may ask themselves questions like "what am I doing? Could I be doing something more meaningful? I wanted to help people!" These concerns are common and what ultimately lead people in the direction of working for nonprofit businesses. There are several reasons for which corporate employees may want to work for a nonprofit.
It's Still Business
Though it hardly seems like a great reason to switch jobs, many people find comfort in the switch when they discover that working for a nonprofit is still working in business. Business degrees are preferred for most upper level jobs in 501c3 nonprofits, you're still selling something (your organization's purpose, goals) to people who will give you their money, and you must still be professional, organized and communicate effectively to be good at your job.
Working to Make a Difference
Nonprofit organizations rely heavily on the fact that those who work for them are fulfilled for doing so in that they are making a real difference in peoples' lives. One positive about working in nonprofits is that even mundane pa
perwork or dealing with a stubborn donor can be rewarding because you are reminded daily how important it is. Most employees who see first-hand what their organization does for those it helps find themselves wanting to work harder for that cause for the gratifying feeling they get. Making a difference in a world where sometimes we forget to is a great reason to work in 501c3 nonprofits.
Similar Job Descriptions
Aside from the skills and basic businesslike atmosphere that remain the same when you switch from for-profit to non-profit work, the job descriptions are often extremely similar as well. There is still paperwork, forms, memos, meetings, and so on that you must deal with professionally. The only difference is that these things for a nonprofit must be done in a different way in order to remain a nonprofit - different files must be kept on hand for volunteers and tax-exempt purposes, and so on. Similar job descriptions suggest that making the leap into nonprofits may be more like a small hop.
As rewarding and fulfilling as it can be to work in nonprofit organizations, it is important to load yourself up with positives to switching over so that you don't lose heart trying to find a new job for a 501c3.
It's Still Business
Though it hardly seems like a great reason to switch jobs, many people find comfort in the switch when they discover that working for a nonprofit is still working in business. Business degrees are preferred for most upper level jobs in 501c3 nonprofits, you're still selling something (your organization's purpose, goals) to people who will give you their money, and you must still be professional, organized and communicate effectively to be good at your job.
Working to Make a Difference
Nonprofit organizations rely heavily on the fact that those who work for them are fulfilled for doing so in that they are making a real difference in peoples' lives. One positive about working in nonprofits is that even mundane pa
Similar Job Descriptions
Aside from the skills and basic businesslike atmosphere that remain the same when you switch from for-profit to non-profit work, the job descriptions are often extremely similar as well. There is still paperwork, forms, memos, meetings, and so on that you must deal with professionally. The only difference is that these things for a nonprofit must be done in a different way in order to remain a nonprofit - different files must be kept on hand for volunteers and tax-exempt purposes, and so on. Similar job descriptions suggest that making the leap into nonprofits may be more like a small hop.
As rewarding and fulfilling as it can be to work in nonprofit organizations, it is important to load yourself up with positives to switching over so that you don't lose heart trying to find a new job for a 501c3.
Tin Lam
Nonprofit Legal Center offers tips and resources for you to learn more about starting a 501c3 and setting up a 501c3 organizations.
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