Looking for a challenge? Volunteer!

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Stuck in a rut at work? Want to build your confidence and learn new skills? Interested in new career opportunities? If so, volunteering could be just what you are looking for.

 

Volunteering can be a great way to boost your career prospects. Whether you want to learn new skills to help you bag your next promotion or would like to find out about different careers without leaving your current job, volunteering provides a whole host of opportunities.

 

From helping on an archaeological dig to working back stage at your local theatre, there are hundreds of volunteering options within a wide range of different industries.

 

Think about the sort of thing you would like to learn. For example, if you’ve always wanted to work with animals but aren’t sure if it’s the career for you, find out if any local animal sanctuaries are looking for volunteers. It’s a great way to find out what you really enjoy and what is involved without going through the upheaval of a complete career change.

 

Volunteering is also a great way to boost your CV. For instance, if you are applying for management roles but don’t have any management career experience, you might find it hard to progress. But if you can find relevant volunteering opportunities, you might be able to refine your management skills in other ways and can then include this experience on your CV.

 

To find out more about volunteering opportunities in your area, search online or visit: www.do-it.org.uk

 

Categories: Career, management, nbsp, nbsp volunteering, opportunities, skills, Volunteering, volunteering opportunities

Why Volunteering is so Good for Your Mental Health

Whether your mental health has been affected by stress, anxiety or depression, volunteering can give you the wellness boost you need. Although it may be common sense that helping others makes you feel better about yourself, volunteering actually has the research to back this up. Studies show that, if you volunteer or take part in altruistic behaviour, it gives you a more active lifestyle, a enhanced sense of purpose and wellbeing and more positive emotions than negative ones. In fact, volunteering has even been shown to suppress diseases and activate your body’s immune system, so how do you get started?

 

Look online to find great volunteering opportunities in your neighbourhood and abroad; Idealist and VolunteerMatch are good websites to get you started. If you fancy something less technical, ask around at various charities or local churches in your community. However, while anyone can sign up for a good cause, it’s no use unless you stick to it. The realities of life can get in the way of even the best of intentions, so you need to consider a few stick-with-it tips:

 

Bring Your Children

Being a full-time parent can limit your volunteering opportunities, but there are plenty of options if you’re looking for a fun weekend or after-school activity to do together. Not only does it benefit you, but your kids will learn the value and importance of helping others.

 

Volunteer Virtually

Though the traditional view of volunteering is getting stuck in and using your hands, there’s a lot you can do from home, be it on your computer or over the phone.

 

Don’t Over-commit

Volunteering feels so good that you can overdo it and sign up to more hours than you can actually do. Underestimate the amount of time you have, and keep things at a minimum until you know your schedule can accommodate more. This will help avoid the guilt you feel from over-committing and pulling out at the last minute.

 

Do What You Love

You’re never going to keep at it unless you’re really passionate about the cause, so whether it’s looking after animals or helping the homeless, find a charity or organisation that does the things you love.

Categories: feel, Helping, Mental Health, nbsp, opportunities, Over-Commiting, Virtual, Volunteering, volunteering opportunities