Surprising Benefits of Volunteering

1: Volunteering can help you advance professionally.

If you’re thinking about changing careers, volunteering might help you get experience and meet individuals in the sector. Volunteering allows you to practice vital job skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project planning, task management, and organization, even if you have no plans to change careers. After you’ve refined these talents in a volunteer role, you might feel more comfortable expanding your wings at work.

• Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience.

Volunteering allows you to try out a new career without committing to it long-term. It’s also a fantastic method to get hands-on experience in a new field. You can volunteer directly at an organization that does the type of job you’re interested in some sectors. If you want to be a nurse, for example, you may volunteer in a hospital or a nursing home. Volunteering may also introduce you to professional groups or internships that can help you advance your career.

• Volunteering can help you learn important job skills.

The fact that volunteer work is unpaid does not imply that the skills you learn are elementary. A lot of volunteer opportunities come with a lot of training. For example, when volunteering at a women’s shelter, you could get expertise as a crisis counselor or as a competent art historian while working as a museum guide.

• Volunteering can also help you develop existing abilities and put them to good use in the community. 

For example, if you have a good sales position, you can boost your salary. As a volunteer advocate, you may raise awareness for your preferred cause while also honing your public speaking, communication, and marketing abilities. When it comes to volunteering, the only criteria are enthusiasm and optimism.

While learning new skills might be beneficial to many people, it is not a prerequisite for having a rewarding volunteer experience. Remember that compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is required, and a good attitude are the most valuable skills you can contribute to any volunteer work.

2:Volunteering is beneficial to both your mind and body.

• Volunteering can help you maintain your physical health.

Volunteering is advantageous to one’s health at any age, but it is especially beneficial to seniors. Even when taking into account characteristics like the participants’ health, studies have indicated that people who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Volunteering has also been demonstrated to help with chronic pain and heart disease symptoms.

Volunteering has numerous emotional and physical health benefits. 

Volunteering boosts one’s self-esteem. Volunteering can help you gain self-confidence and a sense of fulfillment in your life. You’re helping people and the community, which gives you a natural sense of achievement. Your volunteer work can also provide you with a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to see your life and future aspirations in a favorable light.

3: Connects you to others

One of the most well-known advantages of volunteering is the positive impact it has on the community. Volunteers who are not compensated are frequently the glue that ties a community together. Volunteering allows you to connect with your community while also helping to improve it. Even modest acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. Volunteering also has a two-fold benefit: it can assist you and your family as well as the cause you choose to support. Volunteering allows you to make new acquaintances, extend your network, and improve your social skills.

•  Volunteering helps you make new friends and contacts

Committing to a common activity together is one of the finest ways to meet new people and enhance current friendships. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to meet new people, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Volunteering also develops your community links and expands your support network by introducing you to people who share common interests, local resources, and enjoyable and gratifying activities.

• Volunteering improves your social and interpersonal abilities.

Some people are naturally outgoing, while others are introverted and find it difficult to meet new people. Volunteering allows you to practice and improve your social skills by allowing you to meet with a group of individuals who have common interests on a regular basis. It’s easy to venture out and establish new acquaintances and contacts once you’ve gained traction.

References

Osborn, C. (2018). How the Lack of Training Affects Your Organization – TTA Blog. [online] TTA (The Training Associates). Available at: https://thetrainingassociates.com/blog/lack-training-affects-organization/#:~:text=By%20not%20training%20your%20employees,well%2Dbeing%20of%20your%20organization.&text=Weakened%20performance%20is%20one%20of,neglecting%20to%20train%20your%20employees.&text=Lack%20of%20training%20can%20lead,wasted%20time%2C%20and%20unhappy%20employees  [Accessed 14 Sep. 2021].

Robinson, L. (2018). Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits. [online] HelpGuide.org. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm  [Accessed 14 Sep. 2021].

Wcsu.edu. (2021). Benefits of Community Service – Community Engagement. [online] Available at: https://www.wcsu.edu/community-engagement/benefits-of-volunteering/  [Accessed 14 Sep. 2021].