Should I volunteer while I don't have a job?

Question

I've been unemployed for 6 mos. My mother blew up at me last night because she feels I shouldn't volunteer while I'm not employed, because it doesn't pay and won't help me become independent. I feel volunteering in our local hospital's library would be good--it would give me something constructive to do, and would help me become a librarian (my dream job) later on in life. There aren't that many places in our area that could help me get into that field.
Should I just do what my mother wants? She says she doesn't want to be a mother anymore, and she's tired of supporting me.
She's had a hard time since her dad passed away in July. I'm just tired of all the yelling and lectures and fighting, and would appreciate advice.

Answer 1

I was in the exact same boat..my mother's parents both passed away and she became extremely harsh and obviously didn't want to be a mother anymore, either. If you feel that you would like to volunteer, why don't you try doing it one day a week. There is no limit to how many hours or days you volunteer, considering you are not getting paid. You could even volunteer maybe Sunday's for 3 or 4 hours. If you want to be a librarian, then volunteering at a library would look excellent on your resume. Why don't you also try getting a job at a local bookstore? Barnes and Noble are always hiring. That also would look good on a resume. You should definitely try to get a paying job on top of volunteering as to become more independent and 'get out of your mother's hair' so to speak. Becoming more independent will get you further on your own and you won't get in to fights as much...

Answer 2

First off how old are you? I don't see anything wrong with volunteering, especially if it is something that will help you later in life. BUT while you are waiting for that perfect job why not settle for something a little less than perfect so you can make some money and support yourself. You can still volunteer, and work towards becoming a librarian, when you aren't working.

Answer 3

I'm going to be honest here. Take a job, and make something out of yourself. A mama bird will kick the little birds out of the nest when the time comes, and they have to fend for themselves. Your mom is right, and this is what she meant by she didn't want to be your mother anymore. She raised you, supported you, and it's time you did something with your life, and stopped depending on your mother. Have you ever heard of working your way through school? Get a job, go to school at night to pursue your dream job, stay at home and help your mother out around the house, and pay her some rent for staying there. Do what's right here!! You will be glad you did. Instead of volunteering, use that time to make money on a job. I cannot understand your way of thinking here? A volunteer job means you work when you feel like it, and lay around hoping a job will fly in the window to you. What is wrong with you? You need to be thankful you have a place to live, cause most people I know would have thrown your stuff out on the porch and changed the locks on the door! Learn to be responsible, and pay your own way in life. Your dream job is a dream, and most people don't ever work at a dream job. I don't know anybody that has a dream job. I do know a lot of people that has a job, and pays their way through life though. I hope I haven't been to hard on you. Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

If it is your dream to become a librarian, you really do need to go to school for that (majoring in library science). Are you currently in school? This is what you should be doing while you are off work. There is nothing wrong with volunteering, but again, if you want to achieve your dream, you need to start with school.

Answer 5

hi Freedom, you will ought to touch your community interest Centre Plus and communicate with them with reference to the specifics of your volunteer place with the intention to make certain if it could have a capacity. regardless of if this is my information provided the volunteering does no longer intervene with your ability to seek for a job and you at the instant are not compensated then there are not any themes. must you obtain unfastened issues like unfastened admission to an experience, low value rates, or different issues then it must be seen as repayment that should impression your JobSeeker benefit.

Answer 6

Actually, volunteering is awesome for your career! You can add that to your resume...employers (at least I know I do) love that. Especially in hospitals, you can get inside leads on job openings that are closed to outside applicants. Trust me, I've hired many a volunteers because they have shown me their work ethic is not driven by money.

I'm not sure how old you are, but if your in your late 20's, I can sympathize with your mom on this one. If you are in your early 20's, just try to get a job and get out, it's just too much stress for you, she should have better coping skills by this point in life.

Answer 7

Yes, you should absolutely volunteer!

1) You are helping the community
2) You are building a skill that can help you fith future employement
3) You are networking and have the potential to meet prospective employers
4) While you are continuing to look for a job, having volunteer activity on your resume will help fill in any gaps
5) Volunteer activity on ANY resume shows that you are a self-starter and willing to work.

Answer 8

I think you should volunteer because a lot of times if you do well, they will hire you. Look for other jobs too so that your mom doesn't get on your case all the time. She's probably just frustrated. Volunteering could be good for you espeacially if you're in school.

Answer 9

This is gonna be going on more and more. Jobs are going away in my view. Volunteering is an excellent way to help. Eventually it may work into something that pays. People have to see you "doing something" sometimes to be able to make up their minds if they want to hire you. Some people move out of their respective areas to get jobs too. Think about that, if you feel secure enough to move.

Answer 10

I think volunteering is a great idea...it gives you good experience and a possibility of getting hired.
I would also suggest getting a part-time paying job while you are volunteering, many available at fast-food restaurants...have your own spending money and be more independent.
I feel your mother is in a severe state of depression and should seek professional help.