notlike_workoriented's journey

Applied at accessibility-focused nonprofit for leadership and strategy coordinator

I'm currently in a tough spot after recently starting a leadership and strategy coordinator role at an accessibility-focused nonprofit. I have a decade of experience in conservation, outdoor guiding, and nonprofit program coordination, and my ultimate goal has always been to work in creative, community-facing conservation roles. After leaving a toxic retail outreach position, I spent months interviewing and received four job offers. I ended up accepting Option A, which I thought would be strategic and aligned with my skills, but it quickly turned out to be mostly administrative tasks like scheduling and office management, far from what I envisioned. Just a couple of days into this role, I was offered my dream job at a major conservation nonprofit, which aligns perfectly with my background and passion. They initially offered me $24/hr, but after I mentioned my current position, they increased it to $30/hr with better benefits, including free healthcare and outdoor fieldwork. Now, I'm grappling with whether to stay in this underwhelming role or take the leap into the grant-funded position that truly excites me. I have some savings and retirement funds, but I’m concerned about the stability of a grant-funded role and whether switching to an accessibility nonprofit would hinder my return to conservation later. I have a few questions: Is my morning dread a valid sign that this role isn't right for me? Is it ethical to leave after such a short time if the position was misrepresented? And for those who have taken pay cuts for meaningful work, was it worth it? I’m looking for honest advice as I navigate this confusing situation.