People Who Say, "You Don't Want To That For Volunteer Work!"

[MainerMikeBrown]

Some people have an interest and enjoy working as a volunteer or as a paid employee in fields that are unattractive to some other folks.

For example, just before I became a volunteer at a nursing home years ago, I was talking to someone, and I mentioned to him that I was going to be volunteering at a nursing home.

He responded by saying, "You don't want to do that for volunteer work!"

So because that type of work isn't for him, then that must mean it's also a bad job for me as well?

Fortunately, I didn't listen to him. And I ended up volunteering at nursing homes for several years. I enjoyed it and got a lot out of it.

If I had taken his advice, I would have missed out on something that I found to be rewarding and meaningful to me.

So if someone tells you, "You don't want to do that for volunteer work!" I say make up your own mind about it instead.

[Mik]

Absolutely. To each his own.

Good one you for helping these folks out, Mike.

[Horace]

In what ways did you find it rewarding, Mike? And what were your responsibilities there?

[MainerMikeBrown]

@horace I found volunteering at nursing homes rewarding because, for one thing, many of the residents living there thanked me for spending time with them.

Also, I was able to brighten the day for many of the residents.

I was able to help put a smile on their faces.

[Horace]

@mainermikebrown said in People Who Say, "You Don't Want To That For Volunteer Work!":

@horace I found volunteering at nursing homes rewarding because, for one thing, many of the residents living there thanked me for spending time with them.

Also, I was able to brighten the day for many of the residents.

I was able to help put a smile on their faces.

I imagine that would be rewarding. Good job, Mike.

[brenda]

@mainermikebrown That's excellent, Mike. I agree that volunteer work can be some of our best experiences.

True story. As part of a high school class, I participated in a music group that performed weekly (and weakly) at what was called the State Hospital in the city where I then lived. Lo and behold, my own great-grandfather was there. Some sort of family rift had occurred long before I was even born, and I had never gotten to know him. I would stay to visit with him, then ride home on my motorcycle.

Even after the class ended, I'd go see him every week. The only thing I regret is not rolling my cycle into the facility for him to see it. He was so amused by the idea that I had my own, and that I rode it to come visit him.

I did that until just a few days before he died. I had no idea what the family rift was about, nor did I care. We were separate from that mess, and enjoyed seeing each other. He was quite a character.