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Click here to fill out our anonymous form
Why I hated volunteering
Redemption
Community Connector Posts: 6,068 Master Poster
I’ve been reflecting on this year. I started off doing volunteering and at first it wasn’t too bad but it quickly became very difficult. I never really wanted to do it in the first place, I dreaded having to do it because it felt like just having to
work for free all the cons of a job without the big bro which for everyone is getting paid, I know people can enjoy their job other than pay too but anyway was just encouraged to volunteer for experiance. The thought of going was dreadful and once I was there I felt like my efforts weren’t valued which didn’t help my self-esteem. One of the tasks was learning to use the till. After just two attempts with someone teaching me they told me the till wasn’t for me. Two tries isn’t enough for anyone and that really hurt. After that I started dreading it even more and by the following Monday I felt like crying. On top of that it wasn't very interesting. With paid jobs at least you get compensated for your time and effort.
It felt like I wasn’t gaining anything from the experience so eventually I stopped going. People were understanding I had already told my work coach at the job centre and the woman on my programme that I wanted paid work. I had chosen to do it thinking it would help me but I soon realized it wasn’t beneficial and I hated it. I know volunteering for mental health charities can be different. It can make a real difference to people who are struggling and I’ve personally found those volunteers very helpful 1 million percent like the volunteers here are absolutely incredible, thats whats got me through this long term tough time, this community has been the main place you all do an incredible job. Its something Id consider myself volunteering for a mh charity because I have struggled myself, I know what its like and if I could use my experience with struggles myself to help people I would maybe consider it. Just in my sector of volunteering I didnt find it rewarding and never wanted to do it, I probably wouldnt volunteer again in a charity shop or anything like that again.
work for free all the cons of a job without the big bro which for everyone is getting paid, I know people can enjoy their job other than pay too but anyway was just encouraged to volunteer for experiance. The thought of going was dreadful and once I was there I felt like my efforts weren’t valued which didn’t help my self-esteem. One of the tasks was learning to use the till. After just two attempts with someone teaching me they told me the till wasn’t for me. Two tries isn’t enough for anyone and that really hurt. After that I started dreading it even more and by the following Monday I felt like crying. On top of that it wasn't very interesting. With paid jobs at least you get compensated for your time and effort.
It felt like I wasn’t gaining anything from the experience so eventually I stopped going. People were understanding I had already told my work coach at the job centre and the woman on my programme that I wanted paid work. I had chosen to do it thinking it would help me but I soon realized it wasn’t beneficial and I hated it. I know volunteering for mental health charities can be different. It can make a real difference to people who are struggling and I’ve personally found those volunteers very helpful 1 million percent like the volunteers here are absolutely incredible, thats whats got me through this long term tough time, this community has been the main place you all do an incredible job. Its something Id consider myself volunteering for a mh charity because I have struggled myself, I know what its like and if I could use my experience with struggles myself to help people I would maybe consider it. Just in my sector of volunteering I didnt find it rewarding and never wanted to do it, I probably wouldnt volunteer again in a charity shop or anything like that again.
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Comments
You were put in a situation you didn’t really want in the first place, and then on top of that, you weren’t given proper training, patience, or appreciation. Feeling dread and feeling undervalued would make anyone struggle, and being judged after only two tries on the till was simply unfair and it’s understandable that it knocked your confidence.
It really says a lot about your kindness that, even after a difficult experience, you’re still open to the idea of helping others. And if you ever choose to do something like that in the future, you could make a real difference just by being you. You deserve to be in places where you feel respected, supported, and valued for who you are. The right opportunity will find you, whether it’s paid or voluntary.