Working for a Charity/Third Sector

chewynut

A lot of it depends on the individual charity. My first job was for a charity that was well aware it was ineffectual and everybody was only there to get as much money from it as possible before it finally sank.It was the nastiest work environment I've ever been in with all the bullying, finger pointing, ageism, sexism (15 members of staff, 2 female, 4 senior males used to meet in a cupboard to avoid the senior female even though she'd been promoted for a reason), the trustees were useless, etc.

My third job is with a different, much smaller charity and it's absolutely brilliant. We're all mad so we're all friends, we're there because we want to be there, the wage isn't brilliant but the pros far outweigh the cons and I've never ever thought 'oh god, I've got to go to work'.

VictoriaBlyth

I am so sad to read these responses. I am CEO of a charity (not a big, or popular one) and although we do struggle with money, I think (and hope) I treat my co workers well. I employ an administrator who has two young children. She is employed part time, and as long as she can be available for crucial meetings, what hours she works are up to her - I cover for her if strictly unnecessary,because I know that when I am on holiday, she will be logging in and answering my mails far more regularly than her contracted hours demand.
It is all give and take - I am generous with my staff, but expect some flexibility on return.
Another one of my part timers logs in and works from wherever he is in the world - New Zealand at the moment. This means I cannot rely on him to attend the training events he organises, but I am happy to do that on his behalf because his organisational skills are so brilliant.

I appreciate we are a small organisation, but we are a very happy one, and I do wonder what goes so wrong with the 'big boys'.

To Op = Chewynut has hit the nail on the head - charities are no different to any other employer, go with your gut instinct -and good luck!