According to Forbes, as of 2023, as many as 80% of American workers did not feel passionate about their careers. To become a part of the 20% who do, might we suggest working for a nonprofit organization? Working for a nonprofit is a mission driven career path, combining passion with purpose as colleagues work together to drive toward a goal of betterment each day.
It’s not just a job, it’s a way to enjoy a fulfilling career that truly makes a lasting, positive impact.
But you don’t have to take it from us, hear what Jacob, Production Supervisor at Opportunity Village (OV) says about his career at our nonprofit, “I have worked at OV for five years, and it’s exactly where I want to be. I’m passionate about OV’s mission and how my department’s efforts help fund the important programs OV offers.”
Keep reading for more compelling reasons to work for a nonprofit organization. Plus, you’ll hear more thoughts from OV team members:
1. See Your Positive Impact On Others Lives
Not often do professionals get to come into work and see the fruits of their labor long-term, but this happens in a very real way when working for a nonprofit organization. You get to not just see the difference you make, but you get to see the positive impact you have on lives throughout your community.
Opportunity Village’s Entry Workforce Development Training Instructor, Mark, came to work at OV because of a family connection.
“I work at OV because I saw my brother, Van, progress from the Work Center through Pathway to Work and into competitive employment. I want to have the same positive effect on others that OV had on him.”
2. Work Where Your Personal Life Aligns With The Mission
Have you been dreaming that the passions you hold in your personal life would better align with the career you chose? When you join a nonprofit you get to bring your personal passions to work with you and make a great living while achieving true fulfillment.
Raul, Bakery Manager with Opportunity Village, talks about how working with his passions at a nonprofit organization and making such an impact has changed his life.
“When you are working for something that others can benefit from, it makes a big difference. I like that I’m actually providing help and doing something for the better. It was something different than my previous experience. This is about trying to help people, and I think it’s the most rewarding thing I can work toward in a profession, and working here has changed my life.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
3. You Can Help Those Who May Not Be Able To Help Themselves
Giving a “voice to the voiceless” is a way to walk through life with a sense of purpose. Working for a nonprofit organization like Opportunity Village allows you to do impactful work providing help to those who may not be able to help themselves alone.
According to Jen Jenkin, Opportunity Village Board Member and volunteer,
“It’s an honor to represent people with disabilities on the Opportunity Village board of directors, because now they can have a voice not only through programs and services, but also through people higher up. I am hoping I can make a difference in the role, making it easier for people with disabilities to have a voice in the meetings.”
4. You Can Support A Mission You Care About
At Opportunity Village, we support a mission dedicated to providing resources to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the greater Las Vegas Community. Working with a nonprofit such as ours allows you to provide support to causes you care about throughout your community in various ways.
Either working directly with the benefactors, with the public, or staying behind the scenes and ensuring the nonprofit runs smoothly, every job is direct support to the mission at hand.
Mark, the Assistant Manager for services contracts at the Harry Reid Rental Car Center, said it best:
“Knowing that we are positively impacting the lives of individuals, really makes it easy to wake up in the morning and come to work. My team is hardworking, and they provide top tier custodial services, all while learning and improving every single day.”
5. Make A Local Impact In The Community
The overall health of your community at large will impact your life, either negatively or positively, each day. Working with a local nonprofit lets you have some say in the health of your community, and gives you a concrete way to create a positive impact within it.
Opportunity Village’ Community Engagement Manager, Tyler, made the choice to work at OV because of the direct impact he wanted to provide to his community.
“I chose to work at OV because of the organization’s relentless mission to help the community. Bringing the community together and being a part of something bigger than myself is truly what I love about OV most. I am beyond thankful for not only the great people I’ve met in the community while being in this role, but for all the amazing OV employees and individuals we serve for welcoming me with open arms.”
6. Leave Work With A Smile
How many people do you know who leave work each day with a smile? We’d guess you’d say ‘very few’. With the type of impact you make and the work you do working for a nonprofit, even on the most challenging of days, you have every reason to smile when you pack up to head home. You know that what you’re doing matters, and your efforts are going toward making a positive difference in a very real way.
Local RN and Opportunity Village employee, Linda, says:
“I can’t help but feel good when I’m around the people we serve. Go over and say hello and get a smile back or a comment … That’s what keeps me going to work every day.”
Case Manager, Markeysha, adds:
“Working here has been quite an experience, and it has been an amazing journey. There are no words to explain being part of Opportunity Village. Every day being here makes you feel happy to come to work, and even when you leave, you’re still smiling. If you can go home smiling when you get off work, you’ve found where you belong.”
We are truly thankful for the dedicated and caring employees that come to work everyday ready to help knowing they can feel good about their work when they go home at night.
7. Pay And Benefits That Rival For Profit Businesses
One common misconception that many hold is that working with a nonprofit pays less or offers less than working for a for profit business. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The pay scale and benefits packages offered by nonprofit organizations to employees often rival those offered by for profit businesses, keeping them competitive and desirable for those needing to make a sustainable living. It is possible to have a sustainable living, and one that makes you feel great every day at the very same time.
We have many employees who started their work with Opportunity Village as a volunteer and after seeing (and feeling) what it’s like to be working with our team towards our mission, took the next step and transitioned their career to nonprofit.
Security Assistant, Phil, says of his role:
“I volunteered from 2018-2019 in case management and human resources before coming to work at OV full-time. I really enjoy working with all of the people at OV. Being a Security Assistant gives me the opportunity to provide a safe place for all employees and individuals to be at, working or learning.”
8. Heightened Sense Of Teamwork Towards A Mission
When working with a nonprofit organization, you get the immediate comfort of knowing you already have something in common with every other person you work with. This makes a huge difference when you’re working as a team toward a common goal. You and the members of your team can channel your shared passions to help the community, and allow this to propel you to new heights both personally and professionally.
OV Volunteer, Bob, says of the fun atmosphere that is created by shared passion:
“Everybody’s really nice here. It feels like fun work and I like to feel like I’m a part of all that is here in this community. I’ve been here for 14 years and I tell people, look at me, OV works with you individually and can accommodate so there is work anyone can do.”
The Unique Benefits Of Working With A Nonprofit
Working for a nonprofit lets you turn passion into a career, it allows you to go to bed at night knowing you’ve made a difference, and it sets you up with others who align with your values and want to work with you toward common goals. In terms of career satisfaction, nonprofits provide an experience that simply runs deeper for a meaningful impact on the community and on employees.
For those with a passion for creating a more positive greater Las Vegas area, you can explore career options with us at Opportunity Village here.
