FIVE WAYS TO INCREASE IMPACT And Benefit Your Career All at the Same Time

Life can get busy and it’s not always easy to find the time in an already hectic schedule, but what if I told you that volunteering can be beneficial not only to your community and the world, but also you?

 So, in recognition of World Kindness Day, lets chat about the many benefits of volunteerism, shall we?

Benefits of Volunteerism

Volunteering is actually good for your well-being

Did you know that giving to others can reduce stress, combat depression, keep your mind engaged and fill you with a sense of gratitude?  Its true. Researchers have found that when they measure brain activity our feel good endorphins increase. It turns out being helpful to others makes us happier. How great is that?

 It’s an opportunity to meet like minded people

Ugh, networking. It’s not the easiest thing to do and can feel forced and a bit awkward right? This is where volunteering comes in. When you volunteer for an industry or organization that you’re drawn to, you have a built in community at the ready. And chances are, you’ll make more meaningful connections doing this than you ever have around the appetizer table at a networking event anyway. 

Volunteering can advance and support career changes

If you’re thinking of making a career change or looking to advance in your existing profession, volunteering in an area that you’re looking for growth is a great way to gather information and see if it’s a fit for you. Consider this, you want to make a career change, but you have no idea how this “idea” is going to make it in the real world. What if you looked into some organizations that are doing what you really want to do or they’re looking for a skill set that you really want to learn? What a fantastic low pressure way to see if this is what gets you really excited and jazzed before you take any big leaps? 

 It builds confidence

You’re doing great things that benefit many- how can that not make you feel accomplished? We all know when you see a commitment through it feels good, right? The better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Volunteering brings passion projects to life

This is a great way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful can be a relaxing, dare I say even an energizing escape from your day-to-day routine. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life. That in itself is a huge win.

Volunteering has many benefits and you want to get onboard, so what’s next?

The best place to start is right at the beginning.

What are you hoping to get out of this? By the way, this doesn’t make you selfish, volunteering will be more rewarding if you know what drives you. So, first things first, take some time to identify your goals and interests. Think about why you want to volunteer. What would you enjoy doing?

Here are some great questions to get you started

•  Is there something specific you want to do?

• Are you wanting to learn something new?

• Do you want to try a new career on for size?

• Are you looking to explore interests and hobbies?

• Do you want to share your expertise?

• Do you have a passion that you want to support?

How will you incorporate volunteerism in your future?