Volunteering

Aaaaand suddenly there's a sense of drama, courtesy of The Prophecy from The Lord of the Rings Soundtrack coming on my iTunes.

Anyway, volunteering! Altruistic? Self-interested? Or is there a middle ground?

These days, the advice I keep hearing from the Employed-igentisa is to get out there and volunteer because that's how experience is gained these days. You want a job in this field? Volunteer. Want to get connections? Volunteer.

It's solid advice, don't get me wrong.

Volunteering is a great way to get to know the ins and outs of an organization/industry and to meet people who are well connected within that space. You make yourself and your skills known to those in the know, know what I mean? (I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself... I'll stop.) It's great exposure for you as you illustrate your interest, initiative, and commitment to the Organization. What better indicators exist that show a person's employability and compatibility within that environment? It's low risk for the Organization as they don't lose any money if you suck and they could potentially gain assets either in the form of you or any connections you might bring to the table.

But my damn idealism gets in the way sometimes. I always think of Kant's categorical imperative and, along that same line, the idea that any good deed (like volunteering) should be done for its own sake rather than for some self-interested end. I am well aware of how idealistic and naive that is. But I hate the fact that this idea is naive because of the system we live in. I really don't like the fact that I have to jealously guard any connections/skills I have and somehow maneuver myself into a place where I'm irreplaceable  even if that doesn't end up benefitting the Organization as a whole. Even if it hinders it. But that seems to be the sad reality we live in as companies need to become more and more ruthless just  to survive in a global market.

 If a company can utilize my skills that I volunteer, why would they ever be motivated to pay me for them? 



How is that productive, though? How can we find this middle ground where I can openly share my sincere passion and give everything I can possibly give without sacrificing my a) ability to survive in a capitalist society (lack of money doesn't really lend itself to survival these days) and b) get used and abused by an Organization looking to take all they can without giving back? If one of you knows, you need to fill me in. I'm stumped.




Personally, I'm hoping to offset the self-interest by volunteering with (and trying to contribute positively to) an organization whose values I share. Yes, I am trying to make myself known to them. Yes, I will be watching/listening for an opening like a hawk. How I'm going to make myself irreplaceable to them, I haven't the foggiest. I've always had trouble with selling myself. You're never really taught how to do that and a level of self-awareness can get in the way, unless you've learned how to spin it properly.  Let's face it, humans are ridiculous and sometimes I find it really hard to take myself seriously. I know the ridiculous stuff I think and laugh at, how can I?

I know I have to play by the rules of the game, I just would much rather smash these rules.

Next time: Jargon, Buzz Words and Bullshit, Oh My!

For the love of all that is good, if this gets too whiney somebody please tell me. My intention writing this thing isn't to whine. I do that enough as it is and it's certainly not getting me anywhere.