by Connor Smith

Created on: November 23, 2009

Volunteering is a great way to stay connected with members of your community, and it gives you a sense of purpose. There are a number of reasons why someone might volunteer. Most importantly, volunteering helps your self-esteem. When you help others, it makes you feel good about yourself. You feel like you play a valuable role in your community, and you help change other people's lives that are less fortunate than you. Volunteering looks great on resumes and applications, and it can teach you build important skills. Volunteering teaches you valuable life lessons about serving the community, and putting someone else above yourself.

Volunteering is also a great way to relieve stress, or to wipe away unpleasant memories. If you are ever having a bad day, go out and volunteer. It will clear your head, and make you really appreciate life. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people, and make lifelong friends. When you volunteer, you begin to better understand the people around you, and feel more connected with the community. While sticking with a volunteering job may seem boring and pointless, it could offer valuable opportunities if you stick with it. If you show potential volunteering, you could end up getting paid to do the exact same job.

Most people find themselves in need at some point in there life, and you could be the one helping them. Most people are helped by volunteers every day, without knowing it or recognizing the volunteers for the heroes that they are. Next time you get helped out by a volunteer, go out and do some volunteering yourself.

If you aren't sure what career you want to work in one day, volunteering is a perfect tool for experimenting with different skills. Volunteer in as many fields possible, and see which one you like the most. Even if you just want to learn a new skill, volunteering is great for that. Most people who volunteered when they were younger said that the skills they learned helped them down the road, whether it was getting their first job, or being promoted.

If you are thinking about getting a new job, volunteering is a good way to help you prepare for the workplace. You will gain valuable work experience such as motivation, time-management, and getting along with your fellow coworkers.

Next time you see an opportunity for volunteering, give it a try. Instead of thinking how boring and pointless it might be, imagine all of the benefits volunteering could have on your life, and all of the positive memories you will gain.

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