Why volunteer?
- Ucanvolunteer
- Dec 16, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 27, 2024
That's probably the first question you've asked after stumbling upon this website. Well, don't worry, because we have a couple of pros and cons that'll help you decide if volunteering is the thing for you.
Pros of volunteering:
It increases happiness: Multiple studies have shown that volunteering and happiness have a direct relationship. By volunteering, you constantly interact with people and communicate with them, reducing loneliness. Moreover, seeing the smiles on people's faces after you've helped them is enough to boost your dopamine levels and leave you feeling happy and hopeful.
It reduces anxiety: By volunteering, you feel like you are making a difference, so you begin to doubt yourself less, and this reduces anxiety. It helps to clear your mind, and questions like "Am I really useless?" and "Am I important?" slowly fade away. This also increases self-confidence - something most teens struggle with these days.
Helps you to feel like part of the community: Now, I've dealt with this one personally, because I've lived in multiple different areas throughout the span of my childhood. I found it difficult to settle into a particular community that I had never interacted with before, and didn't know how to establish myself with my fellow neighbours, especially ones my age. However, by volunteering in ways such as helping out with bake sales, cleaning the area, and helping the elderly with little things like groceries, I found it much easier to feel like a true member of the community.
Improves productivity: Volunteering gives you a reason to wake up early every morning whilst everyone is still in bed. It keeps you motivated and thus makes you more productive with all of your other work, whether that's going to the gym or doing your homework.
Teaches you new skills: Volunteering allows you to develop a multitude of new skills. For example, you will have to give 110% effort and pour your time and energy
Helps you discover your personal passions: Volunteering exposes you to new fields, experiences, and opportunities that you wouldn't have been able to have before.
Cons of volunteering:
You don't earn money: It goes without saying that volunteering is not the best way to earn an income, and this could be more important for some people than others. In fact, quite the opposite happens. You would likely find yourself spending more money on traveling, lodging, and other expenses.
Dodgy organizations: During your time as a dedicated volunteer, you will likely find yourself in situations with untrustworthy people and with organizations that may be fake or not even exist! Therefore, you must tread carefully on your volunteering journey and check with others before signing up for anything.
You may be shocked: Volunteering means diving into the root cause of multiple world issues and helping people who are going through difficult times. This might be a shock for some people who will realize the reality of the problems they are trying to solve.
Physical sacrifice: Volunteering can be tiring work. Long hours will be spent standing up or moving from place to place as part of a volunteering activity. You will need to devote your effort and energy to doing this and can become physically exhausted as a result. But at least you'll get your steps in!
Emotional investment: Volunteers often experience tremendous emotional turmoil. Many people find themselves without the support of their community as many people don't believe in the power and importance of volunteering. However, you would need to believe in yourself, have emotional resilience, and bounce back from a situation where you feel like you are completely alone. Some people could find this mentally straining.
Overall, like any other activity, there are various advantages and disadvantages to volunteering and these must be carefully considered before deciding to undertake it. I hope this helped to give you a better idea of volunteering and that it is the thing for you!
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