Moving forward

TheNightmare

I've been avoiding volunteering because the idea of working without getting paid made me anxious. It felt frustrating knowing others were in paid jobs while I wouldn’t be earning anything. However, it's been a while now since I started looking for work, and I’ve realized that volunteering might be what it takes to gain some experience for a paid job. After thinking it through, I’m starting to see it as a potential stepping stone. If volunteering helps me find something quicker, it could be worth it. I've applied to a couple of roles, including one at a local place that I went to check out recently. It might be the right opportunity. That said, I still feel anxious, mainly worrying that I’ll end up stuck in volunteering for too long or that it’ll reinforce the feeling that everyone else gets paid for their work while I don't.

I believe I deserve to be paid for my efforts, so I only want to do this as a short-term step to secure a paid role. Despite my concerns, I’m willing to do what it takes to reach my goals, as long as it feels worth it and remains a temporary arrangement as short as possible like a few months max because I want to move forward

amy02

Hey @TheNightmare it's great that you want to move forward in your career and it seems that volunteering is a really wise step to get some experience in! As you say, it won't be forever and should be an excellent stepping stone for getting that future job. I hope it goes well for you!

TheNightmare

amy02 wrote: »

Hey @TheNightmare it's great that you want to move forward in your career and it seems that volunteering is a really wise step to get some experience in! As you say, it won't be forever and should be an excellent stepping stone for getting that future job. I hope it goes well for you!

@amy02 thanks for your reply, true it's definitely only a stepping stone, if I did do it, it will hopefully quickly move me onto a paid job and give me the skills for that. Thanks a lot.

PurpleRainbowCloud24

@TheNightmare Hi! I currently volunteer at my local hospital and also looking for a full-time job. I understand feeling frustrated that you're going to be putting in the work to whatever it is, but not getting paid for it. The role I do isn't very tasking and can be quite rewarding, so I'm happy continuing with it when I get a job, as long as I have the time to spare. My advice would be even if it's something you're doing short term, make sure it's something that you'll enjoy as it helps with making the most out of it.

TheNightmare

PurpleRainbowCloud24 wrote: »

@TheNightmare Hi! I currently volunteer at my local hospital and also looking for a full-time job. I understand feeling frustrated that you're going to be putting in the work to whatever it is, but not getting paid for it. The role I do isn't very tasking and can be quite rewarding, so I'm happy continuing with it when I get a job, as long as I have the time to spare. My advice would be even if it's something you're doing short term, make sure it's something that you'll enjoy as it helps with making the most out of it.

Thanks so much, also I can see you're a new user here so welcome

ebyrne556

Hey @TheNightmare i totally agree doing something u enjoy it really important and makes it so much better and easier! Also u never know I started off as a member of a youth network group doing volunteering and bits then actually got a part time job there as a youth advisor! The right job will come your way and just keep being amazing in the meantime and doing what you’re doing

TheNightmare

ebyrne556 wrote: »

Hey @TheNightmare i totally agree doing something u enjoy it really important and makes it so much better and easier! Also u never know I started off as a member of a youth network group doing volunteering and bits then actually got a part time job there as a youth advisor! The right job will come your way and just keep being amazing in the meantime and doing what you’re doing

@ebyrne556 That’s kind of an inspiring. thanks for sharing and replying to me. It’s really reassuring to hear how starting with something you enjoy can lead to unexpected opportunities. I’ll keep pushing forward and doing my best, just like you said. Appreciate the encouragement your journey it's genuinely helpful.