Non-profit organizations can be incredibly explorative places to work. Low pay, high turnover, a persistent "do less with more" mentality, and guilting staff into doing a lot of unpaid labor for the sake of clients. All the while frontline staff is burning out, becoming physically and mentally unwell, and descending into poverty. My perspective is based on nearly 20 years in NYC based community mental health.

I think the Post has demonstrated that they are selective in which situations they call an 18 year old a teen, and in which ones they'll call them an adult. They are technically correct in either case, but it's hard to believe there isn't ideology behind their choices.

It's a fair question and I appreciate the way you asked. I chose both the arts and social services because they are meaningful to me, I'm passionate about them, and the work is aligned with my values. However these fields are among those that are undervalued, under-resourced and therefore can be highly exploitative. I have a master's degree in social work that cost tens of thousands of dollars and four years of time and energy to get. Initially I didn't take too significant of a pay cut (I worked full time in commercial theater while pursuing my degree), but my earning trajectory was lowered overall.

I believe in people's right to quality and culturally affirming health and mental health care so I have stayed in the field. It's disheartening to realize that a lot of policy makers and organizational leaders don't share those beliefs or think it's okay to exploit workers and community members in the process. I think that's what drives a lot of people from the field. In my experience, even when people can/are willing to find ways to expand income or sustain a side hustle, it feels like an ongoing gut punch to be so undervalued and like your just a cog in an oppressive machine.

Sorry if that didn't completely answer your question. tldr: it's complicated and people have all kinds of reasons

Same. I've worked in the non profit arts and social services sectors for decades. While there are some trust fund folks, the majority of us scrimped, had roommates, lived check to check and developed side hustles until we burnt out and/or left the field.