The Pros and Cons of Being a Volunteer

Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding experience. It allows you to help others, give back to your community, and grow on a personal level. However, there are also some potential downsides to volunteering that are important to consider. In this article, we will examine the key pros and cons of being a volunteer so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

The Pros of Volunteering

You Can Make a Difference

One of the best things about volunteering is the opportunity it provides to make a real difference. As a volunteer, you have the power to positively impact issues and people in need. Whether you are helping the homeless, raising money for a cause, or cleaning up the environment, every bit of time and effort volunteers contribute adds up to create change. Knowing that you’ve helped make the world a little better is an amazing feeling.

You’ll Learn New Skills

Volunteering allows you to build upon your current skills and develop new ones. For example if you volunteer at an animal shelter you could learn valuable skills like animal handling and care. If you volunteer to tutor students, you could improve your teaching and communication abilities. These new skills can then be applied to your career and other areas of life.

It Looks Great on a Resume

Volunteer work is an impressive addition to any resume. It shows potential employers that you are dedicated, caring, and passionate. It highlights skills you’ve developed, interests you have, and causes you actively support. Job applicants who volunteer often stand out from other candidates.

You Can Explore New Career Paths

For those unsure about their career path, volunteering in different areas is a great way to explore new options and interests. Volunteering with certain populations or for certain causes can help you decide if you want to work in a related field. You may discover a career path you are well-suited for and truly enjoy.

You’ll Feel More Connected to Your Community

Volunteering is a wonderful way to become more engaged with your community. By giving your time, you form connections with individuals and organizations. This helps you establish roots in your neighborhood and city. Feeling integrated into your community can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.

It’s Good for Your Health

Studies show that volunteering provides physical and mental health benefits. Volunteering combats depression, helps you stay active, reduces stress, and can even strengthen your immune system. The social connections formed while volunteering also contribute to improved overall wellbeing.

You Can Make New Friends

Volunteering allows you to meet new people who share your passions. Other volunteers are likely to have similar interests, values, and goals as you. These shared experiences help foster new friendships and expand your social circle. For those new to a city or looking to branch out, volunteering can jumpstart creating a solid group of friends.

You’ll Have Fun

Most importantly, volunteering should be a fun, fulfilling experience. Whether you’re planting trees, walking dogs, or painting a mural, volunteering lets you take part in activities you enjoy while supporting causes you care about. The hands-on nature of volunteering also makes it an engaging, dynamic experience

The Cons of Volunteering

It Requires a Time Commitment

Volunteering does require an investment of your time. Often, organizations need you to commit to a set schedule of a few hours per week or month. This time commitment may not work with your own schedule or availability. Juggling volunteer hours on top of work, school, family time, and other responsibilities can be challenging.

No Monetary Compensation

Unlike a paying job, you will not earn money for your volunteer work. While volunteers generally understand they are donating their time, the lack of financial compensation may still be a drawback for some. This is especially true for those who need income to support themselves and their families.

Some Volunteer Work Can Be Dangerous

Certain types of volunteering may involve a degree of risk or danger. For example, volunteers who work in disaster relief zones or conflict areas can face hazardous conditions. Other volunteer roles like working with at-risk youth or in hospitals can also expose you to emotionally or physically challenging situations.

It Can Be Frustrating

Volunteering for an unorganized nonprofit with limited resources can sometimes be a frustrating experience. There may be a lack of structure, confusion over roles, or stagnancy getting things done. Poor communication and coordination can hamper your volunteering efforts. This disorganization can be de-motivating over time.

You May Feel Inadequate

Some volunteer roles require specialized skills or backgrounds. If you lack qualifications, you may feel unprepared or inadequate. Even with proper training, being thrown into complex situations you’re unfamiliar with can be intimidating. Feeling you’re underqualified makes volunteering less enjoyable.

Transportation Obstacles

If you don’t have access to reliable transportation, this can make volunteering difficult. Getting to and from volunteer sites at scheduled times without your own vehicle presents an obstacle for some. Unreliable public transit or lack of reimbursement for mileage can hinder volunteering.

It Can Seem Like a Chore

When volunteering stops being fun and feels like another chore on your to-do list, it loses its meaning. This may happen when you’re burnt out, overcommitted, or no longer passionate about the cause. Recognizing when volunteering is becoming another source of stress is important.

You May Not Have Tangible Impact

If you’re volunteering for a massive organization or global cause, it can feel like your contributions don’t make a tangible difference. When you can’t see the direct impacts of your work, it can seem less rewarding. If you prefer clear results, macro-level volunteering may leave you unfulfilled.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Only you can decide if the pros of volunteering outweigh the cons for your specific situation. Take the time to honestly assess whether volunteering fits into your lifestyle and goals. Reflect on what you hope to gain and how much you’re able to commit.

If the pros resonate strongly with you, don’t let the cons deter you. Instead, come up with solutions to overcome them. For example, if time is limited, look for flexible or one-time volunteer opportunities. If transportation is an issue, carpool with a fellow volunteer.

Volunteering has so much to offer those who have the desire and capacity to do it. With an understanding of the pros and cons, you can make an informed choice about becoming a volunteer. If you approach it in a thoughtful manner, volunteering can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life.