I can tell you from first hand knowledge that while the nonprofit sector does a lot of good work and offers some rewarding life experiences- it can also be very frustrating.

* A little background** I have spent the majority of my nonprofit career working in low level staff positions with no real impact on the overall mission. Don't get me wrong, I am very pleased that my work experiences enlightened me to the nonprofit world. After graduating from college I was in NEED of a job and a state nonprofit agency was the first one to offer one- so there it was, I was a nonprofit worker. My time there was pretty miserable if you directly account for my day-to-day work activities. I was a true "do-girl" required to do all the boring and tedious tasks no one else wanted to do- but it was a paycheck.

The work was awful, but being the avid learner that I am, during my down time I would learn all I could about the organizations processes and mission. I would read up on other departments and ask questions about the various services provided. My initiative was recognized and I was promoted to a not-so low level staff member- but still amongst the bottom feeders on the org chart. Yes, it was an improvement, but my attention span for that kind low level administrative work was about that of a gnat- and I quickly began a search for another position, and I found one too.

My new position was a lot better. Not only did I upgrade from a cubicle to a private office, but I had taken on some real responsibilities. I was an office manager without any management duties. I monitored the budget, paid invoices, secured supplies and "other tasks as required." This little line is in most job descriptions and if you are not familiar- it is translated as "you do what no one else has to." The first few years were great. I had my general duties and I had a supervisor that took me under her wing and was showing me the ropes of the industry and the corporations mission. I was learning a lot and gaining valuable work experience. Then, my mentor decided to leave- and I received a new boss. This one was not so engaging and not at all interested in cultivating my career goals. As a matter of fact- he ended up reducing my job functions. While this was frustrating, I continued and continue to learn all I can about the industry and about the services offered. But I also began to look for work again. This time without much luck.

You see, I am older now, with greater family obligations. I am also more educated and have about 5 years of entry level work experience under my belt. But I seem to only be able to find the bottom of the barrel kind of opportunities. And yes, I know we are in a recession- that is weighing heavily on my analysis- but overall I am not seeing much room for growth in the sector. Most agencies want some management experience- but how can you gain that experience if no one will give you an opportunity to gain some? They want advanced degrees- but then tell you you are too qualified. It's all very frustrating.

I have read some great advise on how to jumpstart your nonprofit career- and most of it is great- in theory. But no one has tackeled what to do when your proactive actions go unnoticed and you cannot find viable employment worth the time and money you have invested in yourself. What to do then??

So, I say again, I am frustrated with the sector. I am eager to make a contribution and begin a meaningful career- I just haven't been offered the opportunity.

Feel free to vent your frustrations as well.