Comments on: Boost Morale & Fill Time by Volunteering

By: Ms. Richards

Ms. Richards — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:05:16 +0000

It does work! I volunteered for a not for profit and got a job. Sadly, a major grant ran out and I lost the job, but there are always people you meet that see your work and you can network with…

By: Shock

Shock — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:24:41 +0000

I volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America for 8 years as an assistant scoutmaster. It was so beneficial in numerous ways. First, I got to participate in outdoor activities that I would otherwise not have done or even known about. I had more fun on our trips than the boys did. Second, I got to be a mentor to 11-18 young men. It helped me to understand teenagers better. Third, it looks really good on a resume. I got my first job out of college because the recruiter noticed that I was an Eagle scout and a scoutmaster. It was the first thing he mentioned. A couple of weeks later, I had a job!

By: zapeta

zapeta — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:29:42 +0000

Volunteering can help you network which is a huge part of finding a job. You may have some unique skills that can be very helpful to these organization and it feels great to volunteer and give back to those less fortunate.

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:36:40 +0000

Before Google, libraries were your search engine. The one benefit of libraries over Google is that the information is, mostly, curated and trustworthy. Much of the stuff on Google has never been looked at by a human before it was included in their index.

By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut

Kevin@OutOfYourRut — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:19:36 +0000

BrianC–there’s a nice fringe benefit to working/volunteering in the library as well. Think about all of the information you’ll have access to?

True you have tremedous information at home on the web, but in the library it’s staring you in the face and it can make you aware of sources you never knew existed.

Might also be a good place to find other job seekers. Support for the journey never hurts.

By: BrianC

BrianC — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:50:29 +0000

I’ve found libraries to be great places to volunteer, especially if you want to work in one. Volunteer experience is definitely a plus on your resume, and you’ll be among the first to hear about new job openings.

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:57:34 +0000

At times, actually every time I drive home, I feel like volunteering being a minimum wage car salesman at the BMW dealer. The fact is that many jobs are available, if you want to work for minimum wage and a commission.

I swear, I am the worst client ever b/c all I do is visit, sit in the cars, smell the new car smell and read the pamplets. It’s about time I volunteer my services at a dealership, b/c that’s what I love to do!

By: Tina Fortune

Tina Fortune — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:36:22 +0000

Great advice. When I divorced and BK’d in 2004, I moved 800 miles away with 3 kids and did just that. I started over and ended up volunteering at the unemployment office before I found a job and less than two years later, a career. Great advice!

By: John Doe

John Doe — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:40:16 +0000

Agree with all above. If nothing else, you can put it down on an activities section of a resume – something to cover the time gap in-between jobs.

By: Carla

Carla — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:39:55 +0000

I totally agree. Volunteering gets you out of your head and it feels good putting your energy towards someone in need. I think volunteer work is highly underrated.

By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut

Kevin@OutOfYourRut — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:19:12 +0000

This is great advice. Forward motion is such a big key in life, and if you’re volunteering, you’re moving forward, even if it isn’t in a career. You’re getting out of the house, meeting and interacting with people, and maybe picking up some valuable tips and contacts.

In this economy finding a job in most careers is a long term process that requires pacing yourself. Getting out and doing something can be part of that process. Work too hard to find a job and discouragement is assured. Balance is so important.

By: redivelli

redivelli — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:56:54 +0000

One thing to note about volunteering…things can get rough. I volunteer with a feed the homeless group and we have had fights break out amongst some of our patrons. It was exciting to see some UFC without tv, but the men were missing the point of what we were doing. Ministry and food.

If you struggle for opportunities to volunteer, look through a local high school. I have friends that flip burgers for my high school’s band

By: eric

eric — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:19:39 +0000

I think volunteering, interning, apprenticing, or any unpaid work within your career field is going to help regardless. You keep your skills fresh while picking up new ones. Time is spent productively and it is often the perfect segue way into a paid position. If anything, it gives you something good to do.

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:34:36 +0000

This is a great article and great advice.

I think another benefit is that prospective employers will appreciate seeing you ‘take action’ for the good of others while you aren’t formally employed.

I interview candidates for my company. I know that if I asked someone about their work history and they told me “I got laid off, but in the 4 months since I’ve been diligently hunting for a job and I’ve decided to spend a portion of each day volunteering for [xyz] to help others in need”, I would be MAD IMPRESSED.

A person who volunteers is someone who sees beyond their own circumstances. What employer wouldn’t want that person working for them?

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:05:09 +0000

Yes that is a fantastic idea, volunteering is an excellent way to expand your skillset.