Maybe at some other outfit, but SIL is pretty high up, and paid peanuts. Honestly, they need to move to different organizations.
My S also works for a nonprofit, but it’s got a much better pay structure and he is doing well.
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Those jobs exist. I know plenty who make solid 6-figure incomes. My D wants to ultimately work in the non-profit/NGO sector, and I’m coaching her on how to end up in a well paid position through networking, education, and experience. I’m not worried about her making peanuts. But I’ll be there to help until she gets there.
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Does he work at a college as an administrator?
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This! One of mine, combined with her partner, is in the top 5% and they’re in their 20s. But they worry about money incessantly!
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One D works for a non profit, and is frustrated with the pay structure. The CEO makes big money and those who do the boots on the ground work, peanuts. She said it is common in the non profit world.
We weren’t even that poor, but shared an apartment until we were 33. Save enough for most of the down payment on a house. We lived in Europe in our late 20s and early 30s so did plenty of traveling. Younger son lived with us when he was interning and then working for non-profits. He’s in the Navy now. He spent his last vacation/leave with us and we were more than happy to have him.
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Hahahaha. I worked as a college administrator. I was a director. My salary was absolutely abysmal. Better than fast food, but lower than many grads’ starting salaries. Higher paying administrative positions are out there, but they are not the norm.
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Not a college. Small organization, though fairly well known. Don’t want to be more specific.
And we’re not talking six figures or anything. Just a lot more than his BIL, who has a higher sounding title.
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I think it’s common misconception that those working at nonprofits don’t make any money. The nonprofits I worked for had executives making well into six figures. More or in line with private sector
I don’t know what a job with a “higher purpose” is. That is so judgey of other jobs.
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Compromise and patience.
When DD was thinking about “what I want to do when I grow up” she told us she wanted to run a non-profit. I don’t believe she had anything specific in mind, but she was seeking something she would find meaningful.
DH promptly informed her about pay and how that might impact her enjoyment and long term goals. He suggested she look at the resumes of some people who run non-profits. Honestly, I don’t think we had long discussions about it, but I remember the topic was occasionally brought up. DD would participate in and eventually organize “impact day” events.
So, what has DD done at 27? She is a MBB consultant with an M7 MBA. Will she ever run a non-profit? Who knows? But she is currently on a pro bono project she is enjoying very much through her firm. She realizes she will eventually roll off this project into something else, but in the meantime she is learning, building her resume and frankly, accumulating wealth for her future. We’ll see where her choices lead her.
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That is exactly what frustrates my D. Those lower on the pay scale, and that is salaries in the $30,000-$40,000 range, are supposed to be in it for the cache and dedication to the cause. And they are dedicated, however, one needs to take care of oneself at a point. While execs make well above six figures.
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Your D needs to understand the dynamics of a labor market!
Execs make well over six figures because that’s what it would cost to replace them if they left. Lower pay scale folks make what they make because… the same. Supply and Demand dictates the economics, not “dedication”.
I meet SO many young people who want to become social workers (or similar) but complain “I’ll have spent so much money on a Master’s degree- why won’t I get paid for the time and cash I’ve spent?” That’s not how a labor market operates. The presence of lots and lots and lots of people with an MSW and the skillset to perform the job is going to push wages down.
But anyone in a low paid profession ought to learn how their labor market operates. A fundraiser who knows the three latest software packages used by non-profits is going to make more money-- on average- than a fundraiser who can use Mail merge for list management (a 20 year old skill which a smart middle schooler can learn). A program manager who has successful grant-writing experience is going to make more money than a program manager who does not.
Etc. Even people in low paid professions can develop valuable skills which will push their impact/compensation higher.
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Its factual, not judgey.
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So what is a higher purpose job?
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I assume a job with a non-profit, public service, or similar entity motivated by a purpose other than profit
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But why does it make a “higher” purpose?
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Most people believe a goal of social welfare or public improvement or such is a higher purpose than the mere pursuit of money; you may disagree.
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I think we’ve been conditioned to believe this because some entity wanted labor without having to pay sufficiently for it.
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