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There’s something funny about working at a nonprofit. Most people don’t realize this, but a person can call up a nonprofit at any time and request the salaries for workers there.
Isn’t that a weird thought? At ANY time a random person could call and ask how much I’m making.
It’s a weird concept, but at the same time’s been a freeing one. It’s actually helped me to be more open with talking about money and other taboo topics in my life.
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J.Crew Factory Top
Franco Sarto Mules
Old Necklace, Similar
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American Eagle Jegging
J.Crew Factory Top
Franco Sarto Mules
Old Necklace, Similar
Discussing salaries was never really a taboo topic for me. In undergrad, starting salaries were often discussed. When I went to grad school, it felt like a never ending conversation. It felt like people were out there to help me avoid getting screwed over. So if I wanted to make sure I was getting a good offer, I had to be open to the topic. (I’m glad a I was too, because it saved me more than once.) Again, working in the arts and nonprofits, salaries can be pretty open book, so discussing them can only help you.
I’ve realized that this is not only true for money and your paycheck, but it’s been incredibly true in other aspects of life.
There are so many taboo topics in life that no one wants to discuss. But, finding people to discuss those topics with typically ends up benefiting you.
For instance, one of those topics: bloggers making money. There are some bloggers who will post their income online (hey hey pinch of yum) and some bloggers who will get pissed if you even deign to ask them how much they make. Like everything, it’s a spectrum. But I’ve learned so much from the bloggers who are doing this full time and have opened up about how much they actually make. It’s a fascinating learning experience for everyone.
It’s interesting to think about how so much of my being an open book has stemmed from working at a nonprofit. I’ve learned so much more about myself, my friends, and the world. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not sharing every single detail about myself with every person I meet. That would be weird. But I’m opening myself up to more conversations with more of the people in my life.
While all of the topics I have conversations about are still taboo, I hope that by having conversations about them, they’ll eventually start to become less taboo.
What do you think? Are you still hesitant to have conversations about these topics? (Which is totally fine!)
Photography by Alex Good
