While it is more readily associated with professionals fresh out of college who would like to gain some practical experience to increase their market value, volunteering is also chosen by those wanting to gain new skills or return to something they left off. One example could be a mother with young children who wants to start work again. Depending on the specific professional area she formerly worked in, volunteering might just give her the platform she needs to re-enter the working world. However, at times, these needs are not only professional. Volunteering often brings like-minded people together, and in turn, these experiences generate new opportunities that can be taken advantage of. For instance, in the case of the volunteering mother of young children, the opportunity could not only open up a host of other career, volunteer, and personal options, but also bring about feelings of fulfillment and the chance to utilize training and knowledge fruitfully.
According to The Art of Volunteer Development, demographic trends indicate that volunteers represent various diverse, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. There are also indications that there is lesser time to volunteer for a section of the population labeled the ''sandwich generation,'' a group being, ''squeezed between the needs of their adult children and aging parents.'' Yet another trend in the list indicates that the senior population is growing and more able to accept paid employment, as well as be involved in leisure activities and volunteering. There is also a huge selection of highly qualified, professional Baby Boomers and they, too, are looking for enrichment in life.
In the same vein, work value trends seem to indicate that there is a growing number of skilled human resources that use the unemployed. This can be split into two groups – some are in between jobs and want to keep their skills polished, while others are early retirees looking for the esteem of offering their experience. The trends further indicate that an increased percentage of women in the workforce has decreased the time they are available to take part in the volunteer population.
Conclusion
For recent graduates, volunteering conveys the willingness to work and gain additional experience without earning money while doing so. For a retired professional who volunteers, there is a feeling of utilizing time judiciously while also giving back to the community. In either case, depending on the reasons for taking it up, volunteering for a job or service can bring immense satisfaction for those that help as well as those that are being helped.
