I wanted to do ‘good’ and it’s a nightmare. Help!

Dear Aunty,

I hope you can help me. I work in a not-for-profit after working for and burning out in corporate Australia. I am in my 50s and thought that it would be a good community thing to do. It’s a nightmare. The place is hopelessly run, has no money, but if you talk about the need to actually get some money in the door everyone looks at you as if you are some crazy capitalist.

The last straw for me was a workshop we did where we had to “be honest” and when I was honest about our present situation, I was told I was always negative and my attitude was affecting others. I was so upset I ran out of the workshop in tears and then had to go back when I realised I had forgotten my handbag.

Now when I raise a concern about something everyone calls me “Negative Nelly” and dismisses what I have to say.

How can I get people to see the true situation if I can’t be negative?

Cathy,
Fitzroy

Dear Cathy,

You are asking the wrong question. The right question is this: how do I get myself out of this nightmare and into an interesting job in a company that is run properly and people are respected? Or even better, why don’t I start my own business where I can be as negative as all hell and no one will give?

Look, I know it is International Women’s Day today, which is a bad day to dump on my gender. But why do women choose to express their desire to do good by working for a not-for-profit? Many of course are brilliantly run. And many for-profits are appallingly run. But I do hear from a lot of women who have joined a not-for-profit for the right motives and then are miserable. Worse, they stay in them, thinking they can fix them up because after all, they are doing good.

Well, here is my advice to you on International Women’s Day. Grab your handbag and head for the exit. You make the most difference in life when you are happily working for an efficient organisation that is actually making a difference.

Good luck!
Your Aunty B

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