What do you do if you want to boost your well-being and happiness in late career through volunteering?

As you approach the later stages of your career, you might find yourself seeking more than just professional success; you're likely looking for fulfillment and happiness that resonate beyond the workplace. Volunteering can be a remarkable way to achieve this. It's a way to give back, connect with others, and find new purpose. Whether it's sharing your professional expertise with non-profits or engaging in community service, volunteering offers a unique opportunity to enrich your life while helping others.

1 Choose Passion

When considering volunteering, it's crucial to select causes or organizations that ignite your passion. Think about what matters most to you. Is it education, the environment, health care, or community development? By aligning your volunteer work with your personal values and interests, you'll not only contribute meaningfully but also enjoy the time you spend doing so. This alignment ensures that your efforts feel less like an obligation and more like a fulfilling part of your life.

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Sara Jones

MSW Student at Rutgers University. Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Maryland Global Campus.
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Finding things that you are passionate about is critical to finding happiness and fulfillment in the long term. By selecting something that sparks passion and purpose, your time will feel well spent, and others will value your contributions as well.

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Kirti K.

Marketing Support Executive at Success Avenue Property Consultancy with Digital Marketing and Social Media expertise.
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Discovering your passions is essential to achieving long-term happiness and fulfilment. When you find something that ignites your passion and sense of purpose, your time will be well-spent, and others will appreciate your contributions. Remember to choose something that truly resonates with you, as this will be the key to your success and happiness.

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2 Find Flexibility

Flexibility is key to incorporating volunteer work into your life, especially if you're balancing it with a career. Look for opportunities that match your schedule. Many organizations offer various roles that can accommodate your availability, whether it's a few hours a month or a regular weekly commitment. This way, you can make a positive impact without overcommitting or causing unnecessary stress in your life.

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Sara Jones

MSW Student at Rutgers University. Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Maryland Global Campus.
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In my experience, both remote and in-person volunteer work is fulfilling. It depends on what feels right in your schedule and how passionate you are about the work. With remote work, you have less face-to-face contact with the organization, coworkers, and people you are helping. If you are someone who feels better physically seeing the person or community that they support, in-person volunteer work may be a better fit. Regardless of where and how you work, finding a balance with family and friends, as well as self-care, is essential to prevent burnout and nurture a fulfilling experience.

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3 Offer Expertise

Leveraging your professional skills for volunteer work can be incredibly rewarding. As a seasoned professional, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can benefit many organizations. Consider offering your expertise in areas such as marketing, finance, legal counsel, or strategic planning. This not only helps the organization but also provides you with a sense of pride and accomplishment in applying your skills to a noble cause.

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Kirti K.

Marketing Support Executive at Success Avenue Property Consultancy with Digital Marketing and Social Media expertise.
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Professional expertise is valuable when used for the betterment of society, community, and organization. This includes benefits and skill enhancement.

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Sara Jones

MSW Student at Rutgers University. Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Maryland Global Campus.
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Offering your professional services can not only be rewarding for you and the organization, but it can also be rewarding for your community and the larger society. You can help provide equity of services to your community for perhaps an underserved population or cultural group who may not otherwise receive that service or who receive unequal care. In my experience as a volunteer crisis counselor, many of the people who needed help were unable to pay for regular therapy or mental health services and just needed someone to talk to. After our conversation, I could offer them a directory of low to no-cost therapy providers.

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4 Learn Continuously

Volunteering can be a fantastic way to learn new skills or deepen existing ones. Embrace the opportunity for continuous learning and personal growth. Whether it's gaining insights into nonprofit management or understanding the challenges faced by different communities, volunteering can broaden your horizons and enhance your empathy. This growth contributes to your overall well-being and sense of happiness.

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5 Build Networks

Volunteering introduces you to new networks of people who share similar interests and values. These connections can lead to lasting friendships and professional relationships that enrich your life. Engage with fellow volunteers, community members, and the staff of the organizations you support. The social aspect of volunteering can be incredibly beneficial, providing you with a sense of belonging and community.

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6 Reflect Regularly

Finally, take time to reflect on your volunteering experiences. Consider the impact you've made and how it aligns with your personal goals. Reflecting helps you appreciate the value of your contributions and can reinforce the positive feelings associated with helping others. It's also an opportunity to assess whether you want to explore different volunteering avenues or increase your level of involvement.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if you want to boost your well-being and happiness in late career through volunteering?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Choose Passion

2 Find Flexibility

3 Offer Expertise

4 Learn Continuously

5 Build Networks

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Volunteering

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What do you do if you want to boost your well-being and happiness in late career through volunteering?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose Passion

2 Find Flexibility

3 Offer Expertise

4 Learn Continuously

5 Build Networks

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Volunteering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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