Excellent advice. In my retirement I have volunteered at two totally unrelated organizations. In both I've worked "the desk," answering phones and greeting visitors, giving out literature and such. Anyone who's ever worked a customer service position with the general public knows it's a very mixed bag. I'd much rather do other stuff (at …
Excellent advice. In my retirement I have volunteered at two totally unrelated organizations. In both I've worked "the desk," answering phones and greeting visitors, giving out literature and such. Anyone who's ever worked a customer service position with the general public knows it's a very mixed bag. I'd much rather do other stuff (at an animal shelter) -- walk dogs, "enrich" the cats, or even help with clean up. Even those volunteers with mobility issues can work the phones, for example. We even have one or more "desk" volunteers who apparently prefer that, as they rarely do anything else. Probably not having the personality of a cactus helps [grin]. One lady comes in weekly to help with laundry. Go figure.
It's literally a part-time job at least in hours terms. I contribute to my community, I make friends (2 and 4 legged), and I get about 3 miles a day of walking and other exercise. What's not to like? Oh, did I mention it's one of the most satisfying activities I've ever participated in?
In marked contrast, drugs/alcohol/TV/idleness are always an option. I did those quite enough in my younger years. I suppose I would revert to such (in)activity should I become disabled, but I don't look forward to it.
Excellent advice. In my retirement I have volunteered at two totally unrelated organizations. In both I've worked "the desk," answering phones and greeting visitors, giving out literature and such. Anyone who's ever worked a customer service position with the general public knows it's a very mixed bag. I'd much rather do other stuff (at an animal shelter) -- walk dogs, "enrich" the cats, or even help with clean up. Even those volunteers with mobility issues can work the phones, for example. We even have one or more "desk" volunteers who apparently prefer that, as they rarely do anything else. Probably not having the personality of a cactus helps [grin]. One lady comes in weekly to help with laundry. Go figure.
It's literally a part-time job at least in hours terms. I contribute to my community, I make friends (2 and 4 legged), and I get about 3 miles a day of walking and other exercise. What's not to like? Oh, did I mention it's one of the most satisfying activities I've ever participated in?
In marked contrast, drugs/alcohol/TV/idleness are always an option. I did those quite enough in my younger years. I suppose I would revert to such (in)activity should I become disabled, but I don't look forward to it.
Exactly as life was intended: The young inheriting from us, til our last breath, everything that they need from us. Especially wisdom.