In theory, most people spend 40 hours a week at work. But in reality, the space that work occupies in our lives often expands far beyond the eight-hour, Monday-Friday time frame. Between the time we spend commuting to and from work, thinking about work, and talking about work—not to mention the occasional late evening or early morning—work consumes a significant amount of our physical, mental, and emotional energy.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, particularly for those of us who are lucky enough to find fulfillment in our professional lives. But while good jobs can be incredibly rewarding and uplifting, the reverse is also true: a bad job can take a serious toll on our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
For that reason, it's worth thinking critically about our relationships to our jobs, and how they do (or don't) serve us. And if you're looking for a field that's nestled at the intersection of fulfilling, enjoyable, and stimulating, you can't do much better than working for a nonprofit.
The Benefits of Working for a Nonprofit
There are a lot of myths about nonprofit organizations floating around out there, such as you won't make any money working for a nonprofit, or there's no room to advance my career. On the contrary, working for nonprofits offers a lot of advantages that for-profit companies don't. Here are just a few:
You'll build a transferable skill set. Nonprofits need all the same skill sets that normal businesses do. What's more, because nonprofits are often run on tight budgets and employees often have extremely varied duties, you'll likely have the chance to grow your knowledge and skills, making you a more competitive candidate in the future.
You'll get to do work that matters. Working at a nonprofit means that you get to leave work every day knowing that you made a positive difference in the world—something that can't be said for many other jobs.
You'll have a chance to live your values. Feeling connected to your work can have a huge impact on helping you stay motivated and productive, even on the days that feel like a slog.
You'll meet incredible people. Nonprofits are unique in their potential for attracting driven, compassionate people. What's more, working for a mission-driven organization means you're more likely to share common values with your co-workers, which can go a long way toward promoting positive work relationships.
If you're ready to start your career in the nonprofit sector, there's no better time than the present: YWCA O'ahu is hiring! Current job offerings are available on our website. We can't wait to work with you!
YWCA O'ahu on a mission to empower women, promote peace, and eliminate racism. As one of over 300 nationwide communities, YWCA O'ahu is committed to creating opportunities for women and girls. Programs such as Dress for Success and our community-based furlough program are designed to give women the resources, expertise, and support they need to be able to thrive and make a difference. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, contact us today or consider stopping by our Monthly Benefit Clothing Sale to support our work!