Ready for a late career change? Consider nonprofit work
Whether you’re bowing out, taking a step back or seeking an entirely new line of work, a second-act career change to nonprofit work is a move that’s becoming increasingly popular with executives from many different sectors.
Get started with discernment
You’ll find there’s significant value in spending time on reflection and discovery. Think about what your strengths are, what activities you find meaningful and what you want to spend time on. If you’d like to do this reflection in a more structured setting, consider working with a career-transition counselor.
Which role makes sense for you?
Once you’re clear about your passions and interests, there are many ways you can make a contribution. Try part-time volunteering; many organizations need help with operations. If you’d like to get more involved, consider raising your hand to be a nonprofit board member. Or you might be interested in an executive director position. Just remember that it will be hard work, and many nonprofits are working diligently despite limited budgets and resources.
How to find the right organization
As you’’re looking for a place to land,, you’’ll need to create a narrative that will make sense for a new role.. Make a list of your transferrable skills and interests so that you can convince an organization of the ways your for-profit experience will transfer to their world.. Create a clear narrative that outlines the kind of work and organizations you’’re interested in and update your LinkedIn profile with that information..
Even volunteering is still a job
Whatever you do, don’t minimize the time and effort this pivot can represent. Some executives enter into a board membership or a leadership role with the attitude that it will be a major downshift, only to find that the work is just as challenging as their corporate careers ever were. Of course, the intangible rewards can be significant, as you find ways to bring all your skills to bear on a purposeful, rewarding second act.