Pursuing Passions: Non-Profit Work

Since 2008 my goal was to work for a non-profit social work or public health organization. Working for a non-profit garden was swell, but not in the direction I was hoping to go. After moving to New York for the first time and failing horribly, I eventually gave up on this dream and went with whatever would have me.

So by the time I made my second (this) move to New York, I wasn't even thinking of non-profit work anymore, but assumed I would get a job in retail. I left my dress pants in storage thinking "I won't be needing these anytime soon. No fancy pants at Old Navy!" But the second day I was in New York, I was hooked up with an interview for a really wonderful social service organization. Weeks went by and I didn't hear a thing, so I assumed the job was a no-go. But last week I got a second interview and a call telling me I'm in!

Today was my first day of work as a part-time admin assistant in the development department. So far so good! I really enjoyed it. I even got to pack up a Curious George costume, with thoughts of what I could do with this outfit at a furry party! (I kid, I kid.) Did you know that the heads of those outfits have a metal hat contraption inside?? Although I'm still an admin assistant, it already feels much more rewarding working here than at another company! And who knows, it might lead to another, more people involved job at the same organization!

And even better--this job seems to be a casual environment where I can wear 'nice' jeans. This is great news since dress pants involve heels. The pants I wore today somehow stretched out (they aren't stretchy pants!) and ended up about three inches too long by the time I went home. Well, I hope they stretched out and that that's not how much I shrink in a day!

- Megan Leigh