Ronke’s day job takes a good percentage of her time. As someone who lives in a fast city with other responsibilities to attend to, her spare time goes into growing her side business. Even though, earlier this year she resolved to donate portions of her spare time to work as a volunteer with an organization working for a cause she is passionate about, her situation did not afford her the chance to do so.
The 5th of December every year marks International Volunteer Day, a day set aside to celebrate volunteers all over the world for the valuable work they do. To recognise their efforts, to promote volunteerism and to galvanize support from all stakeholders. Volunteers are very vital to our society. They commit themselves to fighting causes that affect all of us. And because of their selfless acts of services, our communities are better and stronger.
As a professional like Ronke, you may be overwhelmed with your busy schedule, wondering how or why you too should be a part of these do-gooders making our world a better place. What if I show you how volunteering advances your career?
First, there is a natural sense of pride and satisfaction that comes with helping people who can never repay you. Volunteering makes you self-aware, boosts your confidence while giving you a sense of purpose and a fresh zeal for life. For those of us battling with stress and anxiety, there are studies that show that volunteering helps to combat stress. One can only give as much as they have. Only a healthy and deeply fulfilled person will be productive at work.
Second, besides helping you grow as an individual, someone who has been out of work for a long time can use volunteering as a way to cover time gaps in their CVs. This speaks volumes of your person. You will come across to prospective employers as someone who is dedicated and committed.
And if you are looking to switch careers, volunteering will give you the experience you need for this new field. You will be exposed to networks that can connect you to your area of interest. On the other hand, as you now work with people you do not know or have to raise funds for charity, volunteering helps to strengthen the skills you already have and use in the workplace.
Considering that some of us have so much on our plates, it makes sense to set realistic expectations while we identify causes we sincerely care about so that there is the right fit. We also need to examine our motives, making sure that our service is devoid of selfish interests, even though helping others profits us in the long term. It is important to state that technology has made it possible to support these organisations that will need our expertise remotely; hence you can volunteer “without leaving home”. However, if you do not have the time or skill to donate, donating money or supplies is one passive way you can be of help.
OSAYI ALILE
