Why Volunteering is Worth Your Time

Most of us have a generally positive view of volunteering. However, that rarely translates into actual volunteering work — as noble as it seems, volunteering can also get stressful, and is sometimes seen as a drain on already limited energy.

It's time to change that mindset, however. Volunteering can be a deeply rewarding experience, and provides a ton of benefits to both volunteer and recipient. Here's a brief overview of a few of those benefits below.

Everyone Can Give Back
Many people may feel like volunteering is impossible due to age, budget, or time limitations. That's not strictly true, however. There are several ways to give back, and even the smallest bit counts. There's no charity work too small, and there's always space for willing volunteers.

Teenagers and adults can distribute donations and volunteer in shelters. Children and the elderly, meanwhile, can do less strenuous activities like packing donations, or helping with meal prep. As long as you have a willing heart, there's always a way for you to help.

Social Skills
People who volunteer have to interact with people coming from different emotional, physical, and financial backgrounds. Volunteers in a team may also come from different cultural backgrounds, which can pose its own problems. Luckily, the act of volunteering also helps people develop the skills to navigate these situations.

Experienced volunteers are great communicators, and have no problems presenting ideas to an audience or negotiating new plans. Volunteering can have an enormously positive impact on social skills that will remain years after the charity work has ended.

Impressive Resumes
One of the biggest challenges young people face when looking for a job is the lack of necessary experience. Many experts recommend adding non-curricular activities like participating in creative or sports activities, but there may be a more effective alternative.

HR managers understand the value of applicants who have participated in volunteer work. Volunteering teaches skills like communication, leadership, and thinking under pressure. These skills are just as important in the workplace as outside of it, which is another reason why volunteering is an asset to your resume.

Turning it into a Career
Many people see their volunteering efforts as a deeply meaningful experience, which can also end up affecting their career choices. Many volunteers, for example, choose to study and build an educational background in social work to continue helping others with more formal training.

As social workers, volunteers learn about social issues, as well as the ethical and legal implications of charity work. They can design their own projects, assist companies in developing their own social programs, or train future volunteers. This makes them great assets for local and international organizations, as well as public service programs.

Becoming Healthier
When people think about volunteer work, they imagine someone spending hours carrying boxes, or trying to entertain strangers. And while it’s true that volunteering can be a mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding activity, it also provides multiple health benefits.

People who volunteer tend to feel better about themselves. Volunteering also helps people relax, and feel less anxious or depressed. Studies have also shown that it has a positive effect on physical health, reducing the risk of hypertension and dementia.

Helping Yourself By Helping Other
Becoming a volunteer has multiple benefits. It can make people mentally and physically healthier, and even facilitate career development. Nevertheless, it's important to never forget that helping others is the core of volunteering, and that understanding the needs of a community is essential to ensuring long-term positive change.