I made a transition from a service oriented job into a purely corporate version of that job a few years ago. Some of the things I learned include:
– Understand that your entire ecosystem is changing. Processes, procedures, customers, coworkers, pace, and motivations are all going to be influenced by the fact that you were in the for-profit world. The first several months will probably be rough simply because it’s a lot of change – you may feel like everything you do is wrong no matter how skilled you were at your previous job. It’s overwhelming! The more you can roll with these changes, the easier it will be for you to adapt.
– Where you can, find the similarities. For instance, a successful for profit organization will still have people who are passionate and motivated beyond mere financial aspects.
– Find the differences that you like. For example, a faster pace that makes you see target audience impact sooner, efficiencies that bypass bureaucracy, or more money equates to more training and improves your ability to be successful. A lot of companies offer pro bono work or volunteer opportunities, too.
– Consider what you prioritize. I thought I had been in a great position at my service oriented job. I was. I have also discovered that I value an improved culture that does not try to work people to death.
– It’s OK if your views on all of this change as your experiences do! Letting go of your previous job can take a while. Identify what’s different and what the good things are.
– There can be some guilt involved in leaving, especially if you stay in contact with your former coworkers. Keep in mind that you’re not a horrible person for leaving the nonprofit world for something new.
– Compensation can be a challenge to understand in the for-profit world, like various forms of stocks or incentives. Do your research here, but it may take time to really get it. Of note, I got a lot of comments claiming I was just leaving just for the money, which was not true but impossible to refute. Don’t let those comments get to you if you experience something similar. Higher pay or a bonus helps pay the mortgage off faster, allows greater charitable donations, etc.
One of the most impactful things someone told me was that no one could say I hadn’t put in my time. Up until then, I had not realized that I was not locked into a lifetime service commitment, and certainly not one specific to a single or organization. It’s okay to change; that’s how we grow.
Whether or not then corporate world is for you is hard to tell without actually experiencing it. You may decide to go back to the nonprofit world and that’s OK too – take what you learned with you as well.
For what it’s worth, I was terrified and skeptical when I made the leap. Now? I love my job.
Hope this helps.
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