Pros
I have had 4 jobs before the YMCA and none of them compare to the Y, in any aspect. The best supervisors with fantastic training, and fantastic ability to actually talk to you as a person not an employee. The Charlotte YMCA's are very open to all opinions of employees. Working with the kids can be the most rewarding thing you can do and healing. I lost a brother while i worked there, and the emotional toll was devastating. I swear on my life though working with the children helped me heal. No matter what these kids can make you smile and during that hard time in my life I needed to smile and laugh the most.
Work wise you are asked to work other departments within the YMCA I personally worked held several job titles: After school, Y Guides, Summer camp, Basketball coach,
Soccer coach, Teen night, Birthday party leader, Parents Night out.
Ability for advancement is very easy. I was offered camp director training TWICE but I did not accept. the first time I was focused on school and did not want any distractions. The Second time I was offered I was going to take the opportunity but I had to leave the organization . However my management offered me the ability to come back.
The people that you work with are really fun loving people. I had a great working relationship with my coworkers. After work we would go do zumba, cardio funk, free weights, cycling, yoga, so natuarlly we looked sumptuious.
If you want to work with AWESOME people, Get a free membership, feel good about what you do, look amazing,
Cons
Your pay sucks. Flat out. if you are able to work at a desk, then that is ok pay. But you have to put up with alot of corprate crap. The kids can get on your bloomen nerves. But they are kids and you have to be able to distract, teach, basically trick them in to doing the right thing. You need to be able to move and if you cant you will.
Even thought you may want to adopt some kids, they cannot be adopted. (its a joke)