One of the things regularly recommended for retirees is to take up a voluntary role. Indeed, volunteering can be a great way to keep connected and maintain our self-worth.
Many of us will have done volunteer work throughout our lives through involvement in long standing service groups, e.g. Lions, bodies associated with our children’s school or just once a year on Cleanup Australia Day; the opportunities are many and diverse.
In the process of rewiring (retirement, semi-retirement … as you choose) getting involved more fully in volunteering can be worthwhile. This may be part of your “giving back’” to our communities, supporting a cause, furthering an interest, a hobby or learning, expanding social connections. There may be a myriad of other motivations now you have a little more time on your hands.
At this point I must say, whilst still working (very part time) I’ve never been so busy in my life!
Volunteering may fulfill many different objectives for you, but at the end of the day will hopefully be an enjoyable and productive use of your time.
I guess there is a continuum between social drivers and committed objectives i.e. doing something predominantly to mix with others and have some fun, or with specific outcomes to be achieved. Nothing wrong with a little frivolity and laughter while picking up litter on a beach or a bushland reserve, being a member of a volunteer fire brigade or feeding the homeless. Whatever your focus, the objective is to serve a broader purpose for the greater good.
There is, however, a distinct difference between a social group (the objective being entertainment or having fun) and a volunteer group with formal structures, rules etc. (it may possibly be an incorporated body). You need to understand the difference and decide what type of organisation suits you best. Be aware too of the risks you may sign up for as a committee member or director.
Personally I have two conditions for volunteering: one is that although I’m doing it for free, I’d like my time to be valued and not squandered on “make work” projects, the second is that I don’t believe in volunteering for profit making corporations. I’m not talking about community fundraising, that is a valuable activity, but I see a fine line between exploitation and volunteering. However, I digress.
There are other considerations here, particularly if you are completely new to a group and more particularly if you have moved to a different community and have decided to take the plunge into volunteering as a “newbie”.
I was recently asked by friends about integrating into a new community through joining volunteer organisations.
My experience suggests that most groups welcome new members with open arms as you represent another pair of hands to spread the load. But be aware that two ears, two eyes and one mouth will be the correct proportion! Give it time, know your facts. Watch and listen, as this is your opportunity to see how things work and decide if it suits you.
Sit back and observe for some time until you are genuinely asked for your opinion. That, “So what do you think?” question is best answered very diplomatically if you are uncomfortable with the status quo; the question may actually be asking you to endorse what is already happening, no other opinion required!
Tempting though it may be to jump in with helpful suggestions, it is inevitably better to establish the internal politics of the group before dipping a toe into their water. On the other hand, you may simply resolve to keep quiet, go with the flow and just enjoy the ride; or you may decide to take your skills and talents elsewhere.
Remember the “fun” bit of being a volunteer?
I have had some hard lessons but I have also had very rewarding times, learnt a lot and feel I’ve made – and hope to continue to make – a valuable contribution, of which I’m proud.
What have your volunteering experiences been like? Where have you felt your contributions have been most valuable or valued? Is there wisdom in the pointers above, or are they or just the mind of an old cynic.
A new career in retirement? | 04th July 2016 at 5:59 pm
[…] I should clarify that in this post when I talk about work I mean those tasks and roles that are intended to generate income. Of course volunteering is also a part of many retirement lifestyles and you can see some thoughts in Rowan’s post on volunteering. […]
Do you value yourself? | 20th June 2016 at 4:57 pm
[…] did talk about volunteering in an earlier post and don’t propose to revisit that, but your options to share knowledge and […]
sammie@theannoyedthyroid.com | 11th April 2016 at 7:34 am
I’m just dipping my toe in the volunteering water and I love it. It feels really good to give back. I think it’s really important to volunteer for an organisation you “believe” in, do something where you can use your skills and/or that you enjoy and that you can tailor the workload to suit you. I prepare and serve lunches at the Asylum Seeker’s Resource Centre once a month, having the time to volunteer is my far and away my favourite thing about working part time.
Rowan from RetiringNotShy | 11th April 2016 at 7:58 am
Part of the smorgasbord Sammie, whether its a passion, interest or just another avenue of learning, volunteering can be another world away from the normal routine. I can Imagine the ASRC has many fascination and heartwarming experiences for you.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit | 05th April 2016 at 9:50 pm
I have taken on some very big volunteer roles in the past ten years. I find them VERY fulfilling. There is nothing like giving back to the local community. My parents volunteer a lot in their retirement both in their local community and by travelling overseas to put in watering wells and build cyclone proof community centres for remote communities. How cool is that!
Rowan from RetiringNotShy | 06th April 2016 at 8:30 am
Very cool indeed Leanne! When you can help people, learn and have some fun … well it just doesn’t get better than that. Clearly your parents are an excellent example to you, those around you and those they assist. Well done for taking on the challenges you have.
Flat bum mum | 05th April 2016 at 1:27 am
I have just taken on a BIG volunteer role and while I am concerned about some of the big, scary stuff I am using it as an opportunity to support women in their roles and to learn some new skills. This is a great post Jan. xo
Rowan from RetiringNotShy | 05th April 2016 at 6:38 am
Sounds like a fabulous personal development path Bron. So step up, step out, find your mentors and safety nets and go for it.
Building your strengths and confidence in the position will be an inspiration to others … how good is that for satisfaction and a sense of achievement!
Never be afraid to ask a question and learn.
Karin @ Calm to Conniption | 03rd April 2016 at 11:10 am
I used to do a bit of volunteer work but it has been a while since my last stint. I used to work at a not-for-profit organisation and we had a number of volunteers. It was a set group that where our reliable team and we always had one or two that would pop in and out when they could.
Rowan from RetiringNotShy | 04th April 2016 at 12:19 am
Thank you Karin. I reckon that’s one of the great things about volunteering, you can dip in and out as life, time and inclination allow. Most volunteer organisations are well attuned to managing turnover and the “as I can” nature of individual contributions.
The qualities of consistency and reliability are always highly valued bonuses! However, sometimes life does not always provide those qualities for just managing our own lives as we get on and circumstances change.
Claire @ Life on Wallace | 02nd April 2016 at 8:53 am
I do a tiny amount of volunteering in between being a mum to three boys aged 5 and under and working part time. My friends think it’s odd. Unfortunately I don’t think volunteering is seen as important to people my age!
Rowan from RetiringNotShy | 04th April 2016 at 12:08 am
A busy time of life all round Claire, particularly with 3 young boys; congratulations on just finding the time and energy! Would you care to share why friends would think your volunteering “odd” and what motivates you? Not knowing what type of volunteer work you do, I don’t wish to pry, just interested.
Deborah @ Stylish Murmurs | 02nd April 2016 at 4:09 am
Great post! I am a Volunteer Manager with a national not for profit and I think this is great advice for anyone considering volunteering. The majority of our volunteers are retirees and in my experience they are the most reliable and most committed of volunteers. Volunteers are considered part of our ‘work force’, and their roles are valued and incredibly important to the organisation. As you suggest, it’s really important for someone considering volunteering to research the organisation, and role they are thinking about, and to consider exactly what they are able to offer time and skill wise. Approach it as you might a job opportunity… what can they offer you, and what can you offer them. And don’t be surprised at the volunteer recruitment process, particularly with larger not for profits. The process is now very much like that of recruiting paid staff and potential volunteers are sometimes a little surprised at the initial requirements of interviews, reference checks, police checks, induction and training sessions.
Rowan from RetiringNotShy | 04th April 2016 at 12:01 am
Thank you Deborah, that adds a good deal to the intention of the post and great guidance when exploring more formal volunteering opportunities. We live in a more “informal” volunteering environment and my views are sometimes seen as a little too hard nosed; I am sometimes pressed to suggest that volunteer time should not just be valued, but actually costed to make best use of peoples time, something I understand is done routinely in many not-for-profit organisations. I also believe that self value is a legitimate yard stick in measuring ones contribution!
Mystery Case | 01st April 2016 at 1:54 am
Even though I already have too much on my plate, I think it is important to give back. I’m hoping this time next year I will have more time to volunteer. For now, I’m just supporting charity and causes like the BCCWA long table lunch Sunday.
Rowan from RetiringNotShy | 01st April 2016 at 7:43 am
I figure most people do what they can Raychael, although “giving back” is not on everyones radar. Like so many things in life, how you occupy your time is dependant on your life circumstances. I am also up for giving back to me, ’cause sometimes you have to do that as well. As I mentioned in my reply to Kathy, volunteering should be a two way street; something for everyone and a bit of fun along the way. None of us needs more stress. Sounds like you’re doing your bit as it is.
Kathy Marris | 28th March 2016 at 9:47 am
I always say that I am going to do some volunteer work when I eventually retire. During my years of being a young mother I volunteered at the children’s schools, worked on our Surf Lifesaving Club committee for many years in several capacities, which did involve a lot of fundraising activities. I always felt good about doing some form of voluntary work. Now I am semi-retired I have so far thought about joining my local Rotary Club but I would really like to do is volunteer in a hospital or home for the aged, maybe taking my dog into to visit patients. One day when I have the time! Like you I’m busier than ever.
Rowan from RetiringNotShy | 29th March 2016 at 9:29 pm
Well Kathy theres lots of things to do! I always thought that time was invented to stop everything happening at once, apparently that’s just not the case. One thing is clear and that is if you have a lot on your plate, work with that stuff. Time for some ease and grace, definitely no sense of “must do”. Volunteering should be fun, not a burden; your time will come if, and when, you’re ready.