Leaving the private sector for a not-for-profit

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HouseHunter

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I find myself at a stage were I have to make a big decision. I have been working in the private sector for 7 years with a specialist consultancy. I have been regularly promoted and my salary has risen considerably. In my current position which I started just over 9 months ago, I was promoted to a senior position and a good pay rise quickly followed with further increases, a promotion and a car allowance to follow with 12 months. Of course provided I meet certain targets. I am well on my way to meeting these targets.

My problem is despite all this postive progress in my career, I am simply bored. I seem to have lost my motivation. Its hard to put a finger on it. However, I have come to realise a number of things. When I was happiest I was simply heavily involved in the work but since my rapid progression I have become heavily involved in business development and management. I left my previous position for exactly this reason. I was working very long hours and constantly worrying about everything. I left to back to working more on projects but have found my way back again to the same position.

The problem is that this seems to bring out the worst in me. For example, I am always stressed and worried and I dont spend enough time with my fiance.

For the last 2 years I have been thinking of a change. I still really like the field I am in but feel that maybe I need to take a different approach to it. A position has come up unexpectedly with a not-for-profit. I am excited at the prospect of doing something that is for a great cause and the improved worklife balance that would come with this environment. It does mean taking a lower salary than I am currently on and losing all those pay rises, promotion and additional benefits. However, I dont feel that this is so much the problem.

I want to do as much research as possible that this isnt a case of the grass seeming to be greener. I would really appreciate some advice from people who have made this change or considered it.

Thanks
 
Don't be so sure of an improved work/life balance in the non-profits. Most of them are very under resourced and understaffed. Positions are "subject to funding", so there is very little security, working to a voluntary management committee can be challenging and frustrating. There isn't the upward scope there is in the private sector.

Having said all that the voluntary sector has changed beyong recognition in Ireland in the last 5-10 years, its a very exciting place to be. Have you any direct experience of the sector, have you volunteered, been on a m.c.? Don't go into it blind.
 
Absolutely ditto to everything Sarah Mc has identified. I am very familiar with sector. Job safisfaction fantastic but opportunities for progression are generally very poor.
As identified by Sarah all jobs are subject to funding and can be very tightly proscribed with not a lot of room for development.
You might find this very frustrating coming from the private sector. The work schedule also tends to be pretty frantic, so work life balance can go out the window unless you are very focused and organised.
Tangerine
 
Thanks Guys, I am looking to establish a broad perspective of working in this sector, so its all appreciated.
 
Househunter, I'd be worried that if you make the big leap, it may not solve your problems of boredom, stress, working long hours. from your OP, it would seem that you tried this before and ended up back at square one. Perhaps there's something else in your psyche that you're missing (I'm no expert though!) Have you had a good heart to heart with your fiancee about all this? Maybe they could help put a finger on what makes you tick?!:)
 
On the more general issue, I left a private sector role for a move to a public sector role 18 months ago taking a heavy cut in salary. I'm delighted with the move - I'm enjoying my work, and I'm still busy, but I'm spending significantly less hours in work.
 
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