Written by Han from our blogger team!
As a student or young professional, finding time to volunteer can be difficult. It’s even harder to justify when you’re already pressed for time and money – the last thing on your mind is going to be working hard, in your “spare time”, for free. Those dollar bills have got to keep coming in, right?
Yet heaps of people volunteer. Some people don’t just do it in their spare time – they take time out of work or uni, or cut down on other commitments to fit it in. So why should you consider volunteering?
1. It feels good.
This isn’t an especially original idea – people harp on about giving back to the community and being paid in “good vibes” all the time. But it’s true! You get the buzz of helping someone, you boost your self-esteem, meet new people, maybe learn a new skill, and generally tick the box on half a dozen things that help mental health. Genius.
2. Your skillset skyrockets.
Investigate something you really want to volunteer for, and really feel passionate about. You’ll be keen to learn and understand, and suddenly you’ll know things like how to manage a small team, enter data, manage a social media page, design posters, and cook for 200+ people.
3. Likeminded people.
Volunteer opportunities are aplenty, and it means there’s such a wide variety of things to do that it’s borderline impossible to not find one you like. If you’re a keen environmentalist, helping out on Clean Up Australia Day is probably your cup of tea, and you’re going to be there with a bunch of people who share your ideals. If you don’t really want to walk along highways collecting rubbish, then maybe you’re better suited to speaking about mental health in high schools. Hello support network and a whole lot of people who understand your plight.
4. It’s good for the community.
When we help others, whether they’re organisations or individuals, we boost their capacity to do good. The support of volunteers has a positive impact on many elements of the society we live in, including sense of community, the employment sector, the local economy, and entrepreneurial/innovative initiatives.
5. Expanding your horizons.
If you stick to the classic go to work/uni/school, go to the gym, go home, you’re really sticking to a certain crowd. In a world as diverse as ours, that can be flat out boring. Got a love for beige? Volunteer as a face painter at your local art festival. You’re a city slicker who’s never spent time with Australia’s native fauna? Look to your local wildlife sanctuary. Get out there.
6. Your job opportunities multiply.
Not only does volunteering give you all these new skills and look great on a CV, it can also be a direct link to a job. Many organisations have paid roles, and as a volunteer you’re learning the ropes with full immersion. So if, lo and behold, a vacancy pops up, you’re going to be an even more awesome candidate.
Volunteering ultimately pays for itself, even if it is in good vibes and not a bank balance (initially). It’s important to remember though that volunteering is something that is a privilege to do – some people can’t afford to work less or expend more energy, and that’s ok. But for those of us who are lucky enough to have that capacity, we should be getting out there and giving back.