Comments on: Even in a Terrible Economy, There Are Only 4 Reasons to Accept a Low Nonprofit Salary

By: Reader Response: Finding and Landing Your First Nonprofit Job « Entry Level Living

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:28:49 +0000

[...] keep in mind that salary is just one type of compensation. For example, right after I graduated, I was in a public service fellowship run by my college. The [...]

By: Twitter Tweets about economy as of January 18, 2009 | Bay Area REO

Twitter Tweets about economy as of January 18, 2009 | Bay Area REO — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:43:30 +0000

[...] @rosettathurman: Even in Terrible Economy, There Are Only 4 Reasons to Take a Low Nonprofit Salary http://rosettathurman.com/blog/?p=780 2008-12-04 16:26:54 · Reply · View sweetsue: @CooperSmash Try reading this when [...]

By: rosettathurman

rosettathurman — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:50:28 +0000

Thanks for sharing your insight James. I meet so many young professionals that want to start their own nonprofit, and they don’t consider the fact hat the money doesn’t necessarily start rolling in right away. I can only imagine how hard it is to work so hard and not get paid at all in the beginning.

By: James H. Peterson III

James H. Peterson III — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 05:10:46 +0000

I would also add that being a founder of a new nonprofit is an excellent reason for accepting the terms of not only low pay, but more frequently no pay at all. I would counsel all though to make sure they look this reality squarely before setting out on this particular path. I have seen two pay checks in almost a year, so we have been relying almost exclusively on my wife’s salary. In time, we will do better, but at the moment, it is difficult.

By: rosettathurman

rosettathurman — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:52:36 +0000

Good point, Kathrin. Growth and learning potential can be priceless. I stayed at one nonprofit job for just a year, and all the experience I obtained there set me up for my next position with almost double the salary!

By: Rosetta Thurman » The Friday Four 12.5.08: Links to End the Week

Rosetta Thurman » The Friday Four 12.5.08: Links to End the Week — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:32:47 +0000

[...] Even in a Terrible Economy, There Are Only 4 Reasons to Accept a Low Nonprofit Salary [...]

By: Kathrin

Kathrin — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:31:30 +0000

The possibility for short and long – term growth is also an important factor for me. I am joining a non-profit in a newly created position. While the benefits aren’t particularly great, the base pay is respectable and the opportunity for growth is enormous.

By: rosettathurman

rosettathurman — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:18:23 +0000

Hi Janelle – thanks for continuing to read my blog! I appreciate your comment, but you know what I’m going to ask you: why do you have 19 weeks of vacation saved up?? That is four months of relaxation time you should be using to renew yourself, my dear.

Thanks for sharing your experience – it shows all the things that are good about working in a nonprofit compared to a for profit. Flexibility is so valuable. But you need to be taking more vacation for sure! Wish you could donate some of your vacation to me :)

By: Janelle

Janelle — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:38:01 +0000

I only really get one of the benefits you listed. I have the 4 wks vacation a year, but I also have very generous sick time and we’re able to roll it over year after year. I currently have 19 weeks saved up after 10 years on the job. I won’t have to worry about getting on disability or taking a reduced paycheck for a maternity leave or surgery.

I also consider flexibility to be a key benefit of my job, I’m not necessarily able to work from home, but I have control of my schedule, I can come in late or leave early any given day if I make it up by coming in early or staying late another time. Everyone is very understanding of personal needs – if the car breaks down or a family member’s sick. I feel that non-profit colleagues are more willing to help pick up the pieces for one another.

By: rosettathurman

rosettathurman — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:55:38 +0000

Thanks for reading Matthew! I appreciate you sharing you experience. At first it does seem like us nonprofit folks are just supposed to suffer for the cause…until you realize that just because you work for charity doesn’t mean the bill collectors stop calling. I’m glad YOU found out that you also have to take care of yourself even as you work to take care of others.

Wonderful comment! I plan to feature it soon :)

Rosetta