Working for a Non-profit Charity

Non-profits, REALLY vary.
I've worked for non-profits.
Some are good and organized and operate properly.
Some don't.
Who knows what they pay or if they have part-time work or if they are family friendly.
That is something that also REALLY varies and you have to research it and see for yourself.... if you get called in for an interview etc. and research the organization, beforehand.

You are not too old.
It also depends on your job experience. And when that was and what you did, previously.
No one hires, non-experienced candidates. Per whatever job title you are trying for.

Corporate world or non-profits, BOTH have, bureaucracy.
So know that.

"Meaningful" work, depends on what you do and what you consider meaningful. It is not just dependent on the organization that you work for.

I currently work at my kids' school.
That, for me, is meaningful. In many ways. Not just for myself.
I used to work in corporations and non-profits.

Our daughter interned for a non profit while in college and then when she graduated from College they hired her full time.

The first person that ran the nonprofit was awesome. She had clear expectations, they had good goals, she had also been there for over 10 years. But she was snapped up by a larger nonprofit in another city and she was ready for a change.

The new person that took her place was a mess. She is just not a good match.. Austin is unique in Texas. Very educated and liberal.

This woman wanted the non profit to be more corporate, and work with large corporations instead of the local companies that had made this charity successful. It is difficult to get corporations to change their allegiances with a different Charity when they have established relationships with other charities. And the current companies felt a little under appreciated.

Our daughter saw the writing on the wall and quit after her 1 year anniversary.

And I agree with SH, It may do you good to volunteer for them and try them on to see if they are a good fit.

Or interview people that have ties to any of the charities you are interested in and also current and past employees. Reassure them you will keep your conversations confidential.

Or ask people how long they have worked there, What do they like about the work environment.

I have a few friends that work for non-profits. I know they love their job, but it is exhausting. They feel very passionate about their cause and they have a lot invested in the charity. The non-profits I'm thinking about all raise money (not sure if yours does) and that can be tough/exhausting in this economy.

But, if you're passionate & dedicated, I'm sure they'd love to have you:)

I think every non-profit will be totally different. Just start applying and interviewing and asking questions. Check them out. See if they will fit what you are looking for. I work for a non-profit. I used to stay home with kids full time and made a slight career change when I applied for this job. The company I work for is great...awesome people, flexible hours. I work part time. I have an office there but can work from home if I want to. VERY family friendly. It depends on the culture of the non-profit. You just have to get out there and talk to people and see what they are like, I guess.

If money is not your biggest concern then go out and do what you want to do. Flexibility, time off, benefits - all are done well at not for profits.

I would love to be at a job that I absolutely loved and felt I was making a difference. Ahh, but I like my salary!

Well, you asked questions that are pretty general. When I was on the Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters we paid about the same as an entry level job in Sociology/Psychology. The Director had a good stable income with some benefits. She also had to do some hours on the weekends and in the evenings. It was pretty normal stuff. Parties with the kids and their bigs, fund raisers, public speaking to raise awareness of the need in the community for positive role models and volunteers, asking for donations, that sort of thing. A lot of the speaking events for donations were at local churches, most of them were on their weeknight meetings and not on Sunday mornings but still, there were some where they did have to attend a church and represent Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

If you look at some local agencies I am sure you will find a great deal of discrepancy on entry level salaries and benefits. Each agency is going to have their own ideals, supply of income, and budget for each position. So you really do need to network and get on some boards so you can see the inner workings and how it all fits together. Once you know how it all works you'll have a better idea of how to present yourself both on paper and in person to these agencies.

Whether they offer part time and family friendly environments is really company specific and has little to do with whether they are non profit or not. A lot will simply depend on how the company is run. A few things to consider about non profit charities:

Most non-profits are understaffed, meaning each employee has to do the work that might be held by two people at a bigger company.

Many of these charities have evening and weekend fundraisers. Are you prepared and able to work these events?

Pay will be very low. I know you know that, but it's probably going to be even lower than you think. You may have to pay more money for medical benefits, since smaller companies aren't able to negotiate rates as low as those in big companies.

There may be a lot of employee turnover. The low pay, combined with possible extra work and/or long hours, often causes people to leave after a couple of years.

All that said, I think if you can find a charity you really believe in, you could really enjoy the experience.

There is such a huge differences in the size and scope of non-profits that it is hard to answer your question. Depending on the non-profit you choose to work for and your job role, you will deal with the typical corporation structure. Then you may also have to deal with board members, large donors and clients you serve. Some may be family friendlier in order to attract good candidates or offer flexible schedules (in lieu of market range salaries) If there was a non profit that you felt strongly about their mission, it would probably be a good match. I have volunteered for several non profits, served on community boards and a search committee for a non-profit director position. Good luck!