A friend, recently retired, mentioned that she was interested in doing volunteer work but had not yet found her niche. Finding the perfect fit isn’t easy, especially if you would like to utilize and share a certain level of expertise from your previous life.
It is important to find a volunteer position that is right for you; one that fits in with your other commitments, and one that enables you to feel that you are making a difference.
What is volunteering?
Volunteering refers to any activity that you are doing for free. It means that you are willing to share your time and your expertise to benefit other people, groups, or organizations. Volunteering, serious or casual, is a labor of love.
Serious volunteering refers to a real commitment and is often what the newly retired individual is looking for. Less serious, or casual, volunteerism refers to wanting to help but not having the time or energy to make a fulltime commitment. Through no fault of your own, this is where they want to stick you.
Volunteering is a good thing.. Seniors like to feel useful and volunteering is an excellent way to do good. The idea of “giving back’ to the communities that have supported them is rich with appeal.
What keeps people from volunteering?
• they feel they don’t have enough time,
• they don’t feel that the organization really needs them
• they don’t believe they will make a difference
• they don’t feel welcomed by paid staff
Don’t give up. Keep looking until you find something that you feel passionate about. When interviewing, yes interviewing, just like a job interview but in this case, you are one asking the questions. You need to know that you are investing in an organization that treats you professionally, has a job description, and provides a quality training program.
You aren’t being selfish if you back off because the assignments are too routine, training isn’t offered, or if you feel that paid staff acts in a hostile manner. Your services are desperately needed and the experience should be a good one for all involved.
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