15 Reasons to Start Volunteering
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This article was originally published on?CareerAddict .
Adulthood sure comes with its fair share of stressors:?job loss , financial instability, health concerns and interpersonal difficulties, to name a few. This has some of us feeling like we’re perpetually one bad hair day away from experiencing a nervous breakdown.
However, the?Random Acts of Kindness Foundation ?suggests an easy way we can boost our overall happiness and combat stress. You guessed it: by treating others kindly.
Though small acts of selflessness here and there are a great way to get started, adding them to our routine in the form of regular community service or volunteering can be impactful.
In this article, we’ll look at the ways in which volunteering can make our lives healthier and more fulfilling, both on a personal and a professional level. Without further ado, here are the top 15 benefits of volunteering!
1. You work in a field that interests you
“Can’t get a job without experience; can’t get experience without a job”.
If you’ve been using social media for a while, you’ve probably seen dozens of memes inspired by this infamous vicious cycle. A good solution to this problem is to gain work experience through volunteerism.
If you’re unsure where to start, there are thankfully countless opportunities listed online. Thanks to the internet,?volunteering from your home ?is also possible, so distances are no longer a forbidding factor.
2. You acquire new skills
Volunteering is an excellent way to acquire?time management , problem-solving?and?social skills . The latter is an umbrella term that encompasses abilities like communication,?leadership ?and teamwork, which are highly desired by employers in all industries.
For students and recent graduates especially, building a strong set of skills before officially entering the job market is a great idea.
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3. You combat stress and depression
That’s right: volunteer work can reduce stress and anxiety, boosting overall happiness. That’s because, during rewarding experiences, the brain releases “happy” chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin. The more accomplished you feel, and the more connected to those around you, the higher the levels of these mood-boosting hormones in your system.
If your day job makes you stressed, a volunteer activity in the evenings or weekends can take the edge off and help you regain your balance.
4. You develop a job search strategy
When you’re fresh out of high school or college, you’re more prone to making mistakes in your job search. These can include applying to positions that don’t suit your skillset, forgetting to?tailor your résumé ?to your target position, or?showing up to the interview ?unprepared.
As finding and landing a volunteer position will require some research on your part, sending in an application and potentially attending an interview, it can benefit your approach to job hunting in general.
5. You become more employable
Besides allowing you to strengthen existing skills and develop new ones, your?volunteer experience ?can tell your prospective employers a bit about your personality, too.
Adding volunteer work to your résumé shows hiring managers that you’re a driven individual who is able to take initiative, make commitments and work well in a team.
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