by Doreen Martel

Created on: June 11, 2009

Many of us actively volunteer our time and efforts to civic organizations, our towns and even our schools. For many, the hours we spend can equal or even easily surpass the number of hours we spend at our "paying" jobs. The deciding factor for many in becoming an active volunteer is can it lead to a paying job. In fact, volunteering often leads to paying jobs and here are some of the ways:

Networking - There are very few cases where a volunteer is not meeting with other volunteers. This means that if someone has recently had someone quit a job, knows of a new start up company, or hears about new opportunities where they work, they are likely to share them. Volunteering your time means that you may be able to get your name to a potential new employer faster than they can get an advertisement for help into a newspaper.

Common Bond - In many volunteer organizations it's common for members to support other members in their professions. Plumbers, electricians, writers, landscapers and more may find there are hundreds of members in a volunteer organization who will use their services simply because there is a bond that is formed by members.

Opportunities - Stop and consider the number of small business owners who may participate in volunteer opportunities. There are some businesses who could use the services of a bookkeeper, but perhaps do not have the budget to support full time help. This would be a perfect opportunity for a person who is a member of the same organization to step in and take on a part-time role as bookkeeper. This is merely one example, but there are hundreds of examples just like this (writers for web content, web site designers, log designers, printing shops, etc.).

Discounts - One of the most overlooked ways to "make money" is the opportunity to save money! While this may sound a little convoluted to some, stop and think about this. If you were paying $100 for a landscaper to attend to your property once a month, and a fellow volunteer offers that service at a discount to others who are members of the same organization, this is very similar to "earning" an extra fifty dollars!

Summary

Most of us do not volunteer our time because it can lead to paying jobs. The fact of the matter is that from time to time volunteering leads to paying jobs. While it is not one hundred percent guaranteed (and what in life is besides death and taxes?) there is a very good chance that volunteering can lead you to a paying job, or simply help you save money!

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