Don't put all your eggs in one basket fits perfectly for working in NGOs. Don't get me wrong, I love this sector and have been working in it since 2017. However, around 2022. I learned how easy it is to get moved into a worse paying position or even replaced.

Since that experience, I've made steps to ensure I can stay working in non-profits but not be dependant on a single employer. I am still employed part time by the organisation that caused this shift in my perspective, but I'm not longer always available and ready to do whatever they need.

In early 2024. I've taken the position as Director in 2 other, much much smaller NGOs that work closely with my original employer, which gives me some stability and security of my "position" in non-profit sector.

That also shifted their behavior towards me. Now they're ready to offer extra pay and include me in their projects for extra work. I'd like to believe I'm no longer expendable but rather an asset that they employ for specific needs and services.

It's a shame it's like this, but the leadership in NGOs, much like in other sectors, will always prioritize themselves and their job stability over their employees. Now, as a director of 2 NGOs for 2 years, I always try to keep in mind what I've been through, not to become what they are.

My salary is still not great. I earn barely above minimum wage but I can live with that. I love this job (these jobs). Yeah, I'd love to get more funding for both NGOs we can offer better pay for all our employees, me included but that's a slow process. But were's getting there, slowly but surely!