Is it possible to live comfortably while working in the volunteer industry?
I hope to serve others and volunteer as a career path. While I feel serving others is my calling, I don't exactly want to live in poverty. So, is it possible to live comfortably while also being able to serve others? In addition, is a career like that able to be balanced with a typical social life? #volunteer #nonprofit #money #career #social-work
5 answers
Alysea’s Answer
Melisa’s Answer
Hi Emma,
What a great question and I know many can benefit from you asking. Others who have answered made some great suggestions and information to consider.
In addition to looking at non-profit organizations, have you also thought about looking into careers and companies with positions in Corporate Social Responsibility? There are many organizations who have positions at their company, like mine for instance, that focus on community engagement, social good and encouraging employees to volunteer.
Also, by volunteering on your own or with a group for a variety of causes and organizations throughout the year, you may be introduced to others in both non-profit and corporate jobs who can share more information and give you solid advice as well.
Best wishes for success in your education and career goals.
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Ken’s Answer
Getting to know yourself and how your personality traits relate to people involved in various career opportunities is very important in your decision making process. During my many years in Human Resources and College Recruiting, I ran across too many students who had skipped this very important step and ended up in a job situation which for which they were not well suited. Selecting a career area is like buying a pair of shoes. First you have to be properly fitted for the correct size, and then you need to try on and walk in the various shoe options to determine which is fits the best and is most comfortable for you to wear. Following are some important steps which I developed during my career which have been helpful to many .
Ken recommends the following next steps:
Ashley Brooke Moses
Ashley Brooke’s Answer
Absolutely! Nonprofits are businesses just like any other business, they have to pay their employees to retain talent and effective programs. Typically "volunteer" refers to doing work without compensation, which would be a challenge to make a career out of without having other financial income. However you can make a career of serving others by working in a nonprofit or community setting (schools, local government, place of worship, etc.).
If you are looking for a way to jumpstart a career in this field I highly suggest considering a year of national service with AmeriCorps. This program provides an opportunity to serve as a full time volunteer for a year, receive a stipend, and an education award that can be used to pay for future college or students loans. Doing a program like this can help you build skills and experiences that make you hire-able/desirable to nonprofits. It can also help you identify potential jobs and what you enjoy doing. You can learn more by visiting www.joinamericorps.gov