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| Image by @doors_outdoor |
Yes, I said, volunteering.
You may wonder how you’ll find time to volunteer when you already work 40 hours or more per week, have hobbies, or even a family to care for. Honestly, you will find a way to carve out time for those things you REALLY want. Like for instance, a new career. There are many volunteer opportunities that will allow you to work in an environment that you love, test a different job, or build skills and experience to help with your job search.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Join a board – Depending on where you are in your career this may differ slightly. For instance, if you are in an entry to mid-level position and are in your early twenties to thirties, then consider joining an associate board. However, if you are in a senior-level position, joining a traditional governing board might be better for you. Whatever stage you are at in your career, you'll need to research organizations or companies with value-based missions you’re passionate about to get the most out of board service. Then you’ll happily give your time and energy to build new skills that will increase your marketability.
Become a freelancer or contributor – If you want to develop a new skill and have no outlet at work, freelancing or contributing opportunities could help you fulfill that desire. Let's say in your current job you don't manage social media sites or marketing content, but you want to. You can get these skills by volunteering with a nonprofit organization to help with their Facebook, blog, or newsletter, to get the skills you're seeking. To illustrate further, I actually started blogging as a volunteer writing contributor for nonprofit newsletters. From there, I increased my passion and interest in this field.
Participate in one-day volunteer events – There are various volunteer websites like One Good Deed, Chicago Cares, or One Brick that allow you to take part in one-time volunteer event opportunities. If you have a busy schedule, but you love gardening, painting a school, or tutoring, then these sites will give you what you are seeking without the long-term commitment.
I understand life gets busy. If you need a push in your career, know that it’s okay to work for free by volunteering for a good cause. Ultimately, time is in your favor to get you to where you want.
Best of luck!
Join a board – Depending on where you are in your career this may differ slightly. For instance, if you are in an entry to mid-level position and are in your early twenties to thirties, then consider joining an associate board. However, if you are in a senior-level position, joining a traditional governing board might be better for you. Whatever stage you are at in your career, you'll need to research organizations or companies with value-based missions you’re passionate about to get the most out of board service. Then you’ll happily give your time and energy to build new skills that will increase your marketability.
Become a freelancer or contributor – If you want to develop a new skill and have no outlet at work, freelancing or contributing opportunities could help you fulfill that desire. Let's say in your current job you don't manage social media sites or marketing content, but you want to. You can get these skills by volunteering with a nonprofit organization to help with their Facebook, blog, or newsletter, to get the skills you're seeking. To illustrate further, I actually started blogging as a volunteer writing contributor for nonprofit newsletters. From there, I increased my passion and interest in this field.
Participate in one-day volunteer events – There are various volunteer websites like One Good Deed, Chicago Cares, or One Brick that allow you to take part in one-time volunteer event opportunities. If you have a busy schedule, but you love gardening, painting a school, or tutoring, then these sites will give you what you are seeking without the long-term commitment.
I understand life gets busy. If you need a push in your career, know that it’s okay to work for free by volunteering for a good cause. Ultimately, time is in your favor to get you to where you want.
Best of luck!