Written by Jim McNerney Coaching Team
Many people struggle when it comes to finding meaning in their lives. A career can be financially rewarding and minimally stressful yet offer little when it comes to personal satisfaction and sense of purpose. If you are trying to think of ways to increase the value you feel from your life, consider volunteering your time to a worthy cause.
Only about 25% of Americans volunteer their time, energy, and talent to different causes across the country. Modern life is demanding; most people work full-time for a living while managing their relationships, their children, and other obligations. Many feel as though they probably don’t have time to volunteer in a significant way. However, the reality is that even a small amount of volunteering can be tremendously rewarding.
Why Become a Volunteer?
Volunteering helps many organizations continue to operate. Countless nonprofit organizations and charities across the country rely on volunteers to provide their services, and many Americans depend on those services. Even donating a small amount of your time once a week, once a month, or even once a year could potentially make a significant difference in the lives of more people than you ever would have guessed.
In addition to helping others, volunteering can offer other benefits you may not have considered before, such as:
- Connecting you to others. You’re never too old to make new friends. Volunteering will expose you to more like-minded people and potentially lead to new friendships that can last a lifetime.
- Career advancement. Your time spent volunteering could have a direct impact on your career. Depending on the type of work you do, volunteering could potentially help you meet professional contacts and develop new business relationships. If you run your own business, your time volunteering could lead to charitable work that increases brand awareness and improves your company’s public image.
- Fitness for your body and mind. Many types of volunteer work is physically demanding. Whether you’re moving supplies for a homeless shelter, working in the kitchen at a food bank, or planting trees, volunteering can be a great way to work additional exercise into your routine.
- Volunteering is fun and fulfilling. Volunteering may require hard work at times, but the experience is much more laid back than actual work at your job. You can enjoy the personal satisfaction of knowing your volunteer work is improving the lives of others while making fond memories with friends and other volunteers.
Enhancing Your Life and the Lives of Others as a Volunteer
You can find opportunities to volunteer all over the country. From helping your kids’ school with a bake sale to setting up a church function at your local parish volunteering is a great way to serve others; you’ll be enriching your own life while you do it.
Many people who start volunteering eventually consider their volunteer work as necessary and valued parts of their lives. Any type of volunteer work has a positive impact on society as well as yourself.
Start looking for opportunities to volunteer your time and energy to a worthy cause in your area. Before long, you’ll not only enjoy the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others but may also improve your physical health, expand your circle of friends, and even advance your career.
