What most people get wrong about volunteering through work | Aaron Hurst

TL;DR

Volunteering should not be seen as a supplement for fulfillment at work, but rather as a way to enhance it. It's important to choose opportunities that align with your values, goals, and desired impact.

Transcript

A lot of people looking to be more fulfilled in their lives and work look to volunteering, doing service out in the community as a way to do that. And it is a terrific way to do it. I want to share a little advice with you, though, about how to approach that, given the work I've done with tens of thousands of people and with leading companies aroun... Read More

Key Insights

• 🙈 Volunteering should be seen as a way to enhance fulfillment at work, not as a replacement for it.
• 💦 Individuals should explore ways to make their current work more fulfilling before jumping into volunteering.
• 🥺 Choosing volunteer opportunities that align with personal values, goals, and desired impact leads to more fulfilling experiences.
• 💦 Time availability and the type of volunteer work should be considered when selecting opportunities.
• 🏛️ Building relationships and personal growth opportunities are additional benefits of volunteering.
• 🥺 Being selective and intentional about the organization chosen for volunteering can lead to a meaningful and long-term commitment.
• 💦 Different types of volunteering, from direct service to advocacy work, cater to different preferences and satisfaction levels.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is volunteering not a substitute for fulfillment at work?

Volunteering cannot truly compensate for lack of fulfillment at work because we spend the majority of our time in our jobs. Research shows that if we are not fulfilled at work, we are unlikely to be fulfilled in life overall.

Q: How can volunteering internally in an organization be more gratifying than doing volunteer work outside?

Volunteering internally allows individuals to contribute to projects or causes that are meaningful to them within their work context. This can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction as it directly aligns with their professional goals.

Q: How should individuals approach choosing volunteer opportunities?

It is important for individuals to be thoughtful about what matters to them and what would be a fulfilling volunteer experience. Consider values, desired impact, relationships to build, and personal growth opportunities.

Q: What are the different ways to volunteer?

There are various dimensions of volunteering, including direct service (e.g., mentoring, soup kitchen work), pro bono/skill-based volunteering (using professional skills to help nonprofits), governance-level work (joining boards), and advocacy work (advocating for issues or organizations).

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Volunteering should be seen as a way to enhance fulfillment at work, not as a replacement for it.

• Before jumping into volunteering, individuals should explore ways to make their current work more fulfilling.

• It is important to be thoughtful and intentional about choosing volunteer opportunities that align with personal values and goals.