5 tips on how to (better) combine volunteering and work

Can voluntary work be combined with a demanding job? This refers to jobs that require many hours of work and constant availability or in which part-time work is difficult. Or jobs that are just so exhausting that at the end of the day you just long for the sofa. Yes, you can and it is a great way to make life more meaningful.

The keyword “purpose” is often mentioned when choosing a career, but far too often it is forgotten that meaningful goals can also be pursued outside of everyday work. No matter where you work, whether as a graphic designer or as an investment banker – volunteering is an excellent opportunity to live fundamental values ​​even more strongly in everyday life.

Now it is the case that many people are already challenged enough by their job, family and everyday life. If you still want to free up time for volunteering, here are some tips on how volunteering can be reconciled with a demanding job.

Any talent can be an asset to a non-profit organization. As an investment banker, you bring skills such as routine handling of finance. Or you know how to network with potential sponsors – an important point for fundraising, for example. Such skills are always profitable.

Are you maybe in marketing? Then develop the next fundraising campaign on social media or organize promotion for a charity event. Do you come from IT? Maybe the association needs a new website or the donor database urgently needs to be updated.

There is always a use for talented and dedicated people. For you it has the advantage that you do not have to think your way into a new subject area. You can use your professional skills to achieve the greatest possible impact.

A well maintained network always pays off. Contacts from the professional network can be a huge advantage in your voluntary work. Maybe it’s about fundraising for a good cause or organizing an event.

The shortcut here is to activate existing contacts “for the good cause”. It doesn’t have to be well-funded philanthropists in your network either – not everyone is friends with Bill Gates – but maybe you know an event manager who can organize lighting and sound equipment for an event cheaply or free of charge.

The great thing is that networking also works the other way around. Perhaps you will also find contacts during your voluntary work that are professionally valuable. Either way, you’ll meet people who share your values ​​and passions – and that’s always a win!

Volunteering is, of course, time-consuming. But that’s also the nice thing about it: If you don’t have the financial means to make large donations, you can alternatively invest your time for a good cause.

But this investment should not be underestimated either and requires good planning. It should start with a shared calendar that balances work commitments and volunteering. Because you have to take your time – especially when the job demands a lot of it.

It may also make sense to use project management software like Asana or create to-do lists in note-taking apps like Evernote so that you don’t lose sight of anything. Anyone who combines a demanding full-time job with voluntary work must manage their time particularly effectively.

Are you an entrepreneur or do you have a lot of responsibility in your job? Then you are used to thinking big and tackling ambitious projects. This way of thinking can be transferred to volunteer work. In this way you can not only support the good cause of the association, but also increase its influence and reach at the same time.

So anyone who comes from work to volunteer should be similarly committed and tackle large projects. Of course, every commitment is valuable and each individual has to see what they want to use their time for. For some, it is also the other way around: taking on smaller tasks as a volunteer – and supporting only one student, for example.

But the talent to think big is also needed in voluntary work. Many clubs are happy about young talents who want to grow with a club.

Volunteering can be emotionally and mentally draining, so it’s important not to lose sight of yourself. Despite all your commitment at work and in voluntary work, you need rest periods. Breaks in which you attend to your own needs and take a deep breath.

Of course there will be phases when work and volunteering collide and the work, whether voluntary or not, keeps you awake. Then it is important to step back and collect yourself. If you think you can burn for something 24 hours a day, you’ll soon be burned out.

If you’ve read this article, it means you’re already actively thinking about bringing volunteerism into your life. Bravo, keep it up! It’s just great to support a cause that isn’t designed for profit, but just makes a difference in the world.

Or you are reading this article because you already have a volunteer position and want to manage it better. Then let me tell you that everything is a question of organization, will and priorities. However, taking care of yourself is also a need that should not be neglected.

So, let’s go! Combine your job with volunteering! Your talent, your network and your ability to think outside the box are needed everywhere and can make a real difference in the world.