Are you looking for a job where you will be appreciated and thanked? A position where you are helping others? Very few hassles, long term security and little chance of getting fired? This isn’t a dream. It exists. There is a catch, of course. The compensation isn’t in dollars and cents. I’m describing my experiences volunteering over many years in many different places.

Many of us veteran volunteers believe that we do it more for ourselves than the people we serve. We are part of a circle which revolves around contributing to the welfare of other people, leading to a deep personal satisfaction that keeps us on the job.

I began this second career a long time ago as a candy striper at a children’s hospital. Oddly enough, it wasn’t even a great first experience because the Sunday staff didn’t seem to know what to do with us. Today, I probably wouldn’t spend my time in a place where I wasn’t totally welcomed. Later, I found a program in college where I could visit one on one with an emotionally disturbed boy once a week who seemed to look forward to my visits.

There is great need for volunteers in our society because so many women who used to offer their time are now spending much of it in paid jobs. This means that a person who wants to donate time is able to find exactly what makes it a worthwhile experience. Whether you want to deliver meals, sell in a gift shop, do office work, interview applicants, work with animals, teach in the schools, find an older, younger or needy person who would like a friend, cut trails in the woods, or almost anything you can think of at all, there is probably a need for that in your community. Here in Rochester, the American Red Cross at 716-241-4490 serves as a referral center for jobs. In Buffalo, call the United Way Volunteer Center at 716-887-2690.

Some people like to serve on boards of organizations, and there is certainly a need for this. I used to do quite a bit of that until I discovered that I’d rather not attend meetings, but be involved in the daily work. My experience has been that many groups find lots of generals but few soldiers. In this second half of my life, I’d rather be one of the latter.

For the past few years, I have enjoyed my work preparing, serving and cleaning up after meals at a local soup kitchen in the Catholic Worker organization. This group works on the premise that each worker is equal to one another as well as to each guest who comes in for shelter or a meal. For the most part, I feel people are treated with dignity and respect. We volunteers come from the suburbs, the streets and the city. We are of all religions and races. I hope anyone who comes in feels very welcome. Few questions are asked to receive services free-of-charge. The staff, who earn small stipends, generally stay for a year or two and then move on. If the guests do not abuse drugs, alcohol or people, they may stay a while in the shelter. The staff listens patiently and tries to find them the services they need to help them get back on their feet. They are fed and clothed. Some people stop by for a hot shower or to do some laundry.

There have been days when I have woke up feeling very depressed. Getting out to be part of this community and being busy has helped me to focus on something outside of my own feelings. For those who aren’t sure how they’ll feel next week or next month, a volunteer commitment is a good way to venture out. I don’t know a better way to get moving in some direction on those tough mornings. Even if you can’t get out easily, there are jobs that can be done on the phone such as calling homebound people to check to see if they are okay, or answering a hot line that can be forwarded to your house.

Another job I particularly enjoyed was taking oral histories at a nursing home. The two residents I interviewed felt important that they were chosen to answer these questions. I know their families appreciated the tapes. I practiced my new skills on my grandmother which gave our family a story to remember. For eleven years until her death, I visited one of the women who had no husband or children. Through this experience, I found an older friend who had lots of stories to share. Homes where older people live are always looking for volunteers. If you help with an activity, drive the van, or help write letters or visit, you are guaranteed to feel wanted and needed. This is something that may not have to be done on a regular schedule but as your time permits.

People have different reasons for volunteering. One woman I knew wanted a good reference for a paid job. Other people are trying to learn skills that can be used for paid work. It may be a way to start working somewhere until a staff position becomes available; one way to be in the right place at the right time where they will know you and your abilities. Many people want to help out with their children’s groups to spend more time with them. I was so glad I could help run those book sales, chaperone field trips, coach soccer and assist the den leader. I have been very fortunate to have been a "part-time" paid worker since my children were born. Some people without much extra time donate money to places close to their hearts. There are many ways to contribute.

It’s amazing how helping out in one little corner of the world can make a difference, one smile, one hand reaching out. There is an expression I came across that sums it up for me. One person can only begin by healing himself, which in turn helps heal the world which helps heal the individual which heals the world.