I’m a Millennial.

That’s right – born right at the peak of Millennial-ism. I grew up in the era of Britney Spears, boy bands, Lisa Frank school supplies, Dunkaroos, watching Nickelodeon on Saturday’s (when I wasn’t busy with Harry Potter, of course), and all I wanted for Christmas was a Gameboy Color (lime green). I’ve never known a world without cell phones, I received participation trophies, and my mom told me I was special.

According to older generations, Millennials are entitled, narcissistic, lazy, self-interested, hard to manage, and expect instant gratification (not to mention, #blessed).

I know – we’re horrible.

This might be very Millennial-istic of me, but I don’t feel like I fit into any of those boxes (ok fine, maybe a tiny bit…see Snapchat filter selfie to your right). But I definitely wouldn’t define myself with any of the above words. Despite our shortcomings, Millennials are also characterized as being the first generation wanting to ‘work for a cause’. Even with our technology-driven, beanbag-for-office-chairs, hip standing-desk job aspirations, we want to make a difference. We grew up in a world full of conflict – I might have been in 4th grade on September 11, but that moment played a big part in defining my childhood. For the first time, I was aware of the world – and it scared me. But I knew one day I could help fix it.

The truth is, I probably did fit the mold of a ‘typical Millennial’– but then I found Camp Fire. Working for a non-profit has taught me a lot – about myself, about my community, about business, and so much more. In my work environment, it’s difficult for me to see how older generations could characterize me by the negative words so commonly heard. After my years at Camp Fire, I strongly believe every Millennial should spend a few years working, not just volunteering, for a non-profit.

Why, you ask?

  1. The mission. This is cliché, but so true. When you work for a non-profit, you aren’t just punching a time clock. Another day isn’t just another dollar. Every day, everything I do contributes to fulfilling the promise Camp Fire has made to our families, participants, and community. Camp Fire was one of the first youth organizations to be inclusive of all kids – no matter their gender, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background, everyone is always welcome in our programs. That means something to me, and I’m proud to work for an organization with that mindset.
  2. The people. See above answer. We aren’t here to become millionaires overnight. Everyone wants to be here. We all have the opportunity and skills to work somewhere else, but we don’t. I used to make fun of my mom for not having friends outside of work – but now the joke is on me. My work friends feel like family, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.
  3. The perspective. Working for a non-profit changed my mindset about personal finances – specifically, helping me become a donor. I know how much it means to our organization when we receive a donation of any amount. Seeing that has encouraged me to make contributions to other non-profits I believe in. Although they are small, I know it makes an impact. It’s no secret working for a non-profit usually comes with a smaller paycheck – but I would rather skip out on the $200 yoga mat I really don’t need than work for a company where what I do doesn’t help build a better community. There’s a saying about money not buying happiness – You know what does “buy” happiness? Actually making a difference.
  4. The adventures. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve said “Well, I never thought I would be doing this when I got hired”. My job description includes the ever-popular ‘other duties as assigned’. At a non-profit, this little clause comes into play more often than my previous jobs. If something needs to be done and we don’t have someone to do it – you better believe I figure out how to make it happen. I am by no means a professional photographer, but when we needed photos from our summer camp – I trekked through nature (bugs and all), strapped on a harness, climbed the rock wall, stood around in 100+ degree heat, and took as many photos as I could. And you know what? I loved it. At Camp Fire, we are a team, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
  5. The ‘others’. If making the world a better place doesn’t hit you in the feels, there are other benefits of working for a non-profit, particularly at a young age. Student loan forgiveness is a big one – after working in the non-profit sector for ten years, your student loans can be forgiven (obviously, research this and read the tiny print before you make a major career change to see if you qualify and it’s right for you). Because a lot of non-profits fully acknowledge their inability to make everyone rich, a lot of organizations offer some great perks like casual dress, flex-time, and great retirement plans (yes, one day…we will retire).

Working for a non-profit is not always easy. To be honest, I really struggled with it for the first six months. But then, something changed. To quote a popular young adult book – falling in love with my job was like falling asleep – slowly, then all at once.

In August, I’ll be finishing my second master’s degree (yes, I love school). More often than I would expect, people ask me why I work for a non-profit when I have ‘so much education’, or ‘so much potential’, or my favorite ‘you could make so much more money somewhere else’. The questions baffle me. Non-profit organizations deserve great, qualified, passionate individuals, and I believe I’m growing into one because of Camp Fire. I’m 24. I have no idea where I’ll be in ten years. But with any luck, I’ll be working for an organization I love, just as happy as I am now.

So Millennials (and really, everyone else) – don’t be entitled, get energized. Don’t be narcissistic, be selfless. Don’t be lazy, work your butt off – and enjoy it along the way. Don’t be self-interested, or hard to manage, and don’t expect instant gratification. Work for a great organization, and have no shame in your non-profit game.

But always, stay #blessed.

Paige Jennings is the public relations coordinator at Camp Fire First Texas. Her responsibilities include researching, writing and disseminating council information including press releases, media relations content, social media content, and the Camp Fire Blog. Paige holds a Bachelor of Science in mass communication with an emphasis in advertising and public relations and a Master of Business Administration, both from Texas Wesleyan University. She also holds a Master of Arts in communication with a concentration in public and media relations from The Johns Hopkins University.