I work for a non profit agency and I very much like my job.

23 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 4,2024 at 4:03PM UTC

   I would look for a 2nd job that I could possibly do from home or something enjoyable and low stress. Also, something that aligns with my personality. For example, if someone enjoys socializing perhaps look for a hosting job.

   For my current 2nd job, it's something that I would do even if I were not getting paid. Also, I can work as much or as little as needed depending on my schedule.

2. AnonymousJanuary 4,2024 at 5:36PM UTC

   You're not alone! I work for a corporation and we didn't get bonuses last year (2022). We did receive an incremental increase in our checks for performance but it wasn't felt due to taxes and of course, the economy.

   I'm not banking on my 2023 bonus, either! We had several layoffs across the company so I've just learned not to anticipate these things. If it happens, it happens (grateful for it) but if it doesn't, it just speaks more to the need to find other ways to make money.

   So, I definitely agree with what the commenter said about getting a 2nd job perhaps! Preferably a second job that you would enjoy and can control your schedule.

3. AnonymousJanuary 4,2024 at 5:41PM UTC

   I didn't get a raise and I work for a huge corporation as well.
   I was told 1/31 could be my last day and I'm lucky I'm still working....for now

4. Sarah BallJanuary 4,2024 at 6:16PM UTC

   I was laid off after 18 years at the same company. I agree with your concerns about the economy as it has been extremely difficult finding a new job. The job market is very competitive right now; there are hundreds and hundreds of people applying for jobs. I agree with the other commenters about finding a second job that you would enjoy.

5. AnonymousJanuary 4,2024 at 6:34PM UTC

   At a bare minimum request a COST OF LIVING adjustment. After that, summarize the increase of work, new projects and new responsibilities added over the past 18 months. Take a quick survey of the industry job title and description that may better fit your current role and responsibilities. You may be able to support the request for a title change with a bump to better reflect a true-up of your role that is consistent with your industry or non-profits in your space.

   Approaching this request as a correction rather than a raise might sit better with management and easier to defend across the company given the current "no raise" mandate.

6. AnonymousJanuary 7,2024 at 8:23PM UTC

   If it’s not in the budget they won’t do a cost of living raise, ever. When they say no raise that means exactly that no raises.

7. AnonymousJanuary 4,2024 at 8:54PM UTC

   I have worked for non-profits, and this is common. COLA raises may not be feasible depending on how fundraising for 2023 went. Depending on the size of the non-profit, there may be cash-flow issues that they need to be sure they can cover throughout the rest of the year, and with payroll being a significant percentage of the expenses (typical in non-profits), it doesn't do well to be unable to meet payroll for any period of time. If you need a side-hustle, make sure you have the cycles to make it something that helps you to meet your expenses rather than contribute to them.

8. AnonymousJanuary 5,2024 at 6:00AM UTC

   As long as they're taking taxes out if your pay you are untitled to be making whatever the government has decided as minimum wage. Otherwise they are breaking a law.

9. Diane CohenJanuary 5,2024 at 2:58PM UTC

   Get a side hustle if you need to, but STAY PUT! Being an older worker and coming out of non-profit makes job hunting infinitely more difficult- I'm speaking from personal experience. Be glad that you like your job. The economy is definitely improving so you have the option of looking for another position that pays more while you're still working, but you may not like it as much.

10. AnonymousJanuary 5,2024 at 4:01PM UTC

    Most of the NFP's that I know of are on very tight budgets not allowing them to give raises. I previously worked for one where they told us no raises for 2 fiscal years, which is hard. Many people have left because of that. That industry is hard.

    You could do retail work or deliver food for extra money.

11. Mystery MysteryJanuary 6,2024 at 5:06PM UTC

    Yes you are 62, but you can keep your current job and still look for other jobs, if you get offered something better you do not lose anything by looking and you can take the better position. You can always keep your current job while looking for another, you may find something better. Although I do understand some benefits are based on time in service, but still look just in case.

12. AnonymousJanuary 7,2024 at 2:02PM UTC

    I’ve also worked for an amazing NP and it was the same. There was room for some specific annual items, but raises were definitely not one of them. In my 4 years there, I had received 2 very small raises (seemed every other year they managed it, and the non-raise years were a very small EOY bonus but what would’ve been more than the raise for a full year. In all honesty, I’d have rather had the bonuses than the .5%-1% raises we got based on increased membership and within gov regulations. I loved the job and what we did as this tiny office of 6 for a global community but it was a lot of work for so little income that it made it difficult to do more than simply survive.

13. AnonymousJanuary 7,2024 at 9:20PM UTC

    I work for a very large non profit.
    We did not get raises or bonuses. I’m definitely considering jumping ship. I worked for a small nonprofit that at least gave a small bonus before coming here.

14. AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    Is there something you do at that nonprofit that you could consult out to other nonprofits?

15. Milissa JacobsJanuary 8,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

    Is there perhaps another nonprofit with which you could do some consulting on a smaller basis?

16. AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 2:07PM UTC

    The one thing everyone needs to remember - Bonus is not a guarantee. You should never ever budget a bonus in your budget. View it a nice item to receive if given.

    I am not in a nonprofit, I work for a large fortune 500 company - our bonus is a target of 15% at my level and we have been informed that while we did well, we missed Wall Street Expectations so our bonus will be around 5%. Facing some big headwinds in 2024 and raises are not looking great also. This is a very stable company - but it is the nature of the beast. Companies out there are experiencing a lot of uncertainty right now - so I don't see a lot of full bonus in quite a few companies this year .

    It is always ok to look. If you are underpaid, you will find out very quickly and can look to move on to another company or at the least present your case to the current company for a raise. I would be very quick to point out to look at their financials and see how much of the money goes to admin vs the actual charity mission. Also compare donations over over year to understand their financial stability and ability to gibe bonus and or raises. Most non profits are dependent on their patrons, it they are not comfortable with the economy, they will cut back on the giving which in turn causes shortages.

17. BarbaraJanuary 8,2024 at 2:34PM UTC

    Was there some announcement that no one would get raises or annual reviews? If so, fine. If not, hmmmm. Speak with hour boss and ask what the deal is. If no announcement has been. Made, share your concerns and ask for an increase. Even 3% would even you out and you wouldn’t need to get another job. If you need a lot more than that, you have budgeted badly and can’t really afford this job. In that case keep this job and look for something else for significantly more money. At 62 it’s great to be employed at a job you enjoy, and a stable company that will keep you as you age. Big things to consider these days. Ageism is a thing and companies being unstable is also a thing. Good luck to you.

18. AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 3:03PM UTC

    agree 100% with all here.

19. Jen MooreJanuary 8,2024 at 2:46PM UTC

    Yeah and until you are full retirement age, you will get kicked in the teeth from Social Security on what you can earn--so that's not an option to boost your income unless you make less than like $22K. I think the consulting gigs are a good idea and it also sends a message to your employer, although I'd be transparent about it--and also look at the little Amazon model for resellers, ebay sellers, those kinds of gigs. All that takes time so figure in your energy level at 62. That's what I have to do, too. You can really be up against a wall between 60 and 65 with job, insurance, SS. It is really a conundrum. I recommend the consulting route if you are disposed that way. You probably know more than you think.

20. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEJanuary 8,2024 at 2:47PM UTC

    Having over 30 years of experience in the business world, I understand. There is nothing more frustrating than feeling like you are not valued.

    Are you a member of AARP? They may known of part-time positions that would help supplement your income.

    Positive affirmation: "I am a magnet for money." Try repeating this throughout the day.

    Wishing you the best!

21. AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 2:59PM UTC

    I am 62, almost 63. Lots of education and work experience. I've lost a job I loved (corporate purchase situation)...I am speaking from experience. You said that you "very much like" your job...Do you know what that's worth on a daily basis? That is HUGE. I want to remind you that the grass is not always greener; go on LinkedIn and see the stress and corporate ruthlessness that's a massive problem. No, you don't want to leave your current job that you "like very much". Also...you have not been targeted; it sounds like everyone at your organization did not get a raise, right? What about benefits and/or pension? Are they decent? That counts for alot too. Going to work with people you really like and a mission you support...VERY IMPORTANT. Yes, money is important but it's not everything. And when we work for a non profit, likely doing some type of human service work, we know we might not make what corporate America makes, but we are satisfied. This is not the advice others will give you,but it's my heartfelt advice for you...now. What to do? Stop being sad about the lack of a raise. You are working, not laid off....You can change your tax withholdings, or change your expenses and personal spending. Or, you can be unhappy about "no raise" and try to find something else- I think, once you explore that avenue, you will see what I"m talking about. Sometimes, we have to take a step back and appreciate what we have. We are in a bad economy and an election year too. Would you be happier if you got a "raise"...? Did you ask for one? (why or why not?). Have you considered what would make you happy?

22. maria roseJanuary 9,2024 at 12:12AM UTC

    You already answered your question by your explanation that your non-profit has had economic problems but has not fired its employees despite this--that's a positive in a long-range view which means you could add/supplement your income by taking on a secondary job that works around your hours needed to work at the non-profit job.. It would help so you can delay applying for your Social Security benefits until you reach your full Retirement Age which for your birth age is 67 and then you can both collect Social Security and maybe continue working at one job without a decrease to your benefits. There are lots of part-time jobs available that may be suitable for the short term

23. AnonymousJanuary 9,2024 at 4:55PM UTC

    As we age we somehow believe our time is running out.

    You can still accomplish much in 5 years (if this is when you plan to retire) and or if you're a young energetic 62 year old can work until 70 and add to your retirement (whether SSA or savings plans). What you have going for you is a) you have a job; so shop others while you have one and b) experience. Many employers seek this experience. We have to live and should not let fear become our obstacle. You're 5-8 year away from retirement. You'll learn to live financially with what you've built. These companies will only be a memory. Don't waste this time with negative perceptions! Only you can change it! Be wise! Get moving >>>>>>>>>