My job is being relocated and not sure what to do.I work for a major non-profit and feel upended.

19 Comments

1. Audrey KirschAugust 23,2023 at 5:02PM UTC

   You've been there long enough to know what works and what doesn't. While your position is moving, the whole organization isn't. It's time to get out of your comfort zone and jump into a new department that you think your skills will benefit. You need to develop an new position that you love. And, you never know, your position could return to where you are if it is not handled as well at the office it is moved to.

2. AnonymousAugust 23,2023 at 5:19PM UTC

   First of all you have your identity tied to this job so of course this is extremely difficult.

   I would begin by being extremely proactive apart from your job. That means really preparing your resume and interview skills immediately. Then cultivate your network and, without providing details, start doing research on where you can go next. It's very important that you change your mindset and view this end of employment as an opportunity for growth and progress.

   Nothing is a wasted effort unless you learned nothing. Jobs are not supposed to be for life. Employers are not your family. As you mature, you realize your experience and skills evolve over time. You become a professional as you build that skillset and grow.

3. Tami CannizzaroAugust 24,2023 at 3:14PM UTC

   Yes, I second this! Difficult to grasp, yet we are NOT defined by our jobs. We are so much more than that. You have developed transferable skills in the non-profit world that are of value to other non-profits, and even for-profit organizations. Please take time to absorb this, especially since the work world has pivoted away from staying with 1 organization for life. Studies show that on average a person will have 7 jobs during their career.

   Like "Anonymous" said, Nothing is wasted effort. The knowledge you gained is yours to keep and share with your next employer/boss.

   Even knowledge gained from "failed" situations - if you want to call it that - is valuable. Heck, I've learned more from failure than from success. Take your learnings and run with them.

4. AnonymousAugust 23,2023 at 6:01PM UTC

   I know this can be a lot to absorb, but you should ask yourself: Is relocation an option for you? Why or why not? There may be some good reasons why you cannot move (uprooting a family is one), but if it is an option, have you considered it? They will help you move to a new city where you already have a job that you are passionate about. You could look at it as an adventure into something new.

   If it is not an option, I fully understand, and in that case, you should be searching outside. If your current company is restructuring, it could just be a matter of time before another department is asked to move, so your chances might be more stable on the outside. I am sure that there are many non-profits (if you want to stay in that space) that could use your talents.

5. AnonymousAugust 23,2023 at 6:03PM UTC

   Why would all of the work that you put in be considered a waste of time and effort? I would look at it as building your experience that could possibly translate into something outside of this specific organization. I do admire people who only one to work for one company or organization from start to finish but that really isn't feasible these days. Specifically because of situations like you find yourself in now. I really think you may be best serve by branching out and looking outside of this organization to continue and further your career.

6. AnonymousAugust 24,2023 at 3:07AM UTC

   You continue by understanding that none of the company's plan is your business. The fact that you are privy to some changes doesn't mean you need to do anything, say anything or react any certain way. It will all come to light when leadership is ready to make their plans know. Again, not your business.

   I understand that you're not used to confidentiality and understanding where the professional lines are drawn, but trust me none if this is unique. It is business and not personal. You need to worry about your future and finding your next job. That is what you are responsible for.

7. AnonymousAugust 24,2023 at 12:33PM UTC

   It sounds like you have a lot of valuable skills that you've gained. If you aren't interested in relocating and finding another position in this same nonprofit isn't really going anywhere, then I would suggest initiating a job search now. If you land a job before the time your position is eliminated, then just resign with 2 weeks' notice. You don't need to pretend like nothing is going on - now is the time for you to look out for your future and what's best for your career. Best of luck, you've got this!

8. ReachingGoalsAugust 24,2023 at 12:43PM UTC

   Unfortunately, this happens a lot. You are fortunate that they have given you a lot of notice. This doesn’t mean they do not value you, but they are in the business of staying in business and are looking at the bottom line. Restructuring isn’t always a bad thing, if you move will it be detrimental to your well being? Can you afford it, will you lose all your friends and family, upending spouse and kids, etc? Take a day or two to re-group, brush up you resume and start looking while at the same time investigate opportunities with current employer and the new town you potentially will move to. You have time to take a few days to regroup. You don’t have unlimited time though.

   You should honor their request to not mention this to anyone, could mean there are going to be more layoffs within the company and they don’t want staff to know just yet.

9. AnonymousAugust 24,2023 at 12:57PM UTC

   Can you offer to work remotely and travel to the new location once a month for a week or so? Come up with some alternatives and keep asking about their recommendations to get you in any other part of the company if you really want to stay with them - but pls do not limit yourself by staying with the company because it’s what you’ve always known. You might be giving up the opportunity of your life in another company where you will really shine! Good luck!

10. AnonymousAugust 24,2023 at 4:17PM UTC

    What do you WANT to do?.. I have read your question a couple of times and it feels like a cloud of confusion.. I think it's great that you should honor their request to not discuss with others, But in the meantime they have given you adequate notice and some fair options.. Are you exercising some possible options? Or just feeling overwhelmed with the possibility of change? I sense that you are struggling because your world as you knew it is changing.. This is unfortunately the way of work whether it is profit or non profit.. Things change and finances dictate what has to be done.. Please give us more details on what you want to do or don't want to do, and we can help you a little bit more

11. Rosa GoesAugust 24,2023 at 5:47PM UTC

    I think it's good your employer gave you options. I would make a decision soon, try not to dwell. This happens and it's just business, not personal. Good luck to you!

12. AnonymousAugust 24,2023 at 7:05PM UTC

    Thank you all for your responses. I am waffling, because I’m afraid that I won’t find another opportunity. It has been a pattern my entire work life. As for my position, I currently make educational programs. The other open job is more admin and sales based. I am not strong in admin and have a historic aversion to it. I tend to not focus on the numbers and hard facts. I like being creative. So as a career I would like to stay in a job that is more educational program based. I also want to have an impact on our benefactors. I found fulfillment in this kind of position and not with admin.

13. AnonymousAugust 24,2023 at 8:11PM UTC

    It's definitely a loss especially since you seem to have heart and soul into this cause and employer. Speak to a therapist to get through the emotional part of it and package up in some kind of template the evolution of your career while there. Then boast to new prospective employers locally that appeal to your interest and can use your experience. Unless you follow the move it's going to be goo for you to take something fresh and move to a place where you can learn new things and give your expert work to someone else. You got this! Its time to invest in you.

14. Amy GeffenAugust 25,2023 at 12:44PM UTC

    It is a good idea to see a therapist for the emotional side. Look at this challenge as an opportunity to find another position usingnyour background in education and sales..Thete are dozens of non profits who need people like you: associations, colleges. voluntary health organizations. I know because Inhavevworked in non profits for years.Take time to mourn your loss and then start a serious job search.

15. AnonymousAugust 25,2023 at 6:02PM UTC

    Thank you Amy! I needed some time to wrap my head around it. And take stock of what I have!

16. AnonymousAugust 25,2023 at 12:55PM UTC

    Man, companies really love to control, huh? You can't even talk about it?! What is this??? I am bewildered by all the people saying to respect that the company wants to keep it a secret. Sorry, that is how HR pits people against each other and hides things. If they didn't want people to know a storm was coming, they shouldn't have told anyone, period.

    Spend some time researching other options within the different departments if moving is not an option for you. I wouldn't say it's been a wasted effort because you have gained skills and experiences that will carry you further into your career and into your next job, whatever it is. Yeah it's a bummer to feel like you dedicated yourself to a company that doesn't value you, but maybe that's a lesson you needed to learn the hard way. Companies value money over people every time.

    Think about that technique of saying thank you to an object that doesn't spark joy before you toss it in the trash. Say thank you (in your head or to people), reflect on the good and bad experiences, lessons, and skills you've gained, and look for other jobs that make you feel similar levels of excitement.

17. AnonymousAugust 25,2023 at 6:04PM UTC

    You’re so right. I thought we were expected to be transparent, but not the other side? I’m trying to find those bright spots and take them into the next search/job.

18. AnonymousAugust 25,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

    So, the company says budget numbers bad, and I suspect a lot of non-profits are having a hard time getting funding and you what, want them to continue at a place that is becoming harder and harder to afford? You want them to spend more money on staff salaries and buildings/utilities, that could be better utilized supporting whatever group they support? This isn’t so much a “control the minions” as hey, we have financial problems, here are your options. They could have just walked up to her on a random Wednesday and said, get out, we just eliminated your job. Good Luck To You.

19. Archana AgarwalAugust 26,2023 at 5:43AM UTC

    This organization is not the end of the world and you are just starting your career. Have faith in yourself and keep looking for other opportunities. Also getting work in a different department may not be as bad as you think. Have an open mind and explore your options objectively. All the best!