Often times when you’re pondering life, you may be thinking of ways to give back.  That thought doesn’t necessarily lead you to think career change.  But that may be just what you need, and as a DINK, this may be the perfect time to get out of the rat race, and follow your dream to work for that non-profit that doesn’t necessarily pay you monetary riches, but riches of another kind.

If working for a non-profit group sounds like something you’ve been searching for be aware that you may need to make some financial sacrifices.  The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance recommends a charitable organization should spend no more than 35% of related contributions on fund raising expenses.  Because most non-profits receive their income through fundraising, thirty-five percent of funds raised can be a rather small amount.  “Most nonprofits begin with volunteers,” said Ilona Bray, J.D. author of Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits: Real World Strategies That Work.  “Grow your paid staff slowly, only as you really need and can justify it.”  Starting as a volunteer may help you land that paid position when it becomes available.