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Charity. Encarta dictionary defines Charity as the voluntary provision of money, materials or help to people in need. It can also mean a willingness to judge people in a tolerant way or the impartial love of other people. If you are unemployed, it may be difficult for you to find your way to do any of the above…. How can charity benefit you?
One of the first things to go when you are unemployed and/or have a reduced income is your self-esteem! This loss of self-esteem can be more detrimental than you realize. As adults in our culture, we identify ourselves with our jobs or our professions. This can be good when you are working, but definitely NOT if you are unemployed.
You may need to rethink your view of yourself (including considering other career options) and focus on any positive aspects of your life. If your life is getting up at some point everyday to sift through and apply to job openings then it might be difficult to find a positive aspect!
If you have a family, concentrate on being the best parent, sibling, or child you can be and take pride in that! Regardless, volunteering will give you a sense of accomplishment, perspective, and fulfillment that will aid in repairing your bruised or mangled self-esteem!
The other loss when you are unemployed is a current job on work history. Volunteering may give you something to add to your resume or at least give you something to talk about doing that is positive.
Here are some other benefits to volunteering that you may not have considered:
1. Put something current on your resume. Ideally you will be able to arrange an internship, on the job training or a volunteer experience with a company or agency that will enhance your resume. If not, at least you will be able to show you are doing something!
2. Learn new skills. You may not be current with the current computer software, techniques, or theories being used in your targeted industry(ies). You may never have had the opportunity to use or practice skills employers are looking for. Volunteering may be just the way to get the skills you need to be competitive.
3. Network with people you wouldn’t normally come into contact with. Volunteering to work can put you in contact with many more people than you would ordinarily come into contact with. AND, you will automatically have something in common with them.
4. Show what you can do and how quickly you can learn new things. SHOW ME - Volunteering gives you the opportunity to show an employer what you are capable of. All those you come into contact with will be able to speak to others of your capabilities.
5. Volunteering can give you the social feedback you may be missing since you have been off of work. When you go to work and see people you are acknowledged and validated if even by the simple act of greeting one another. If you are not working and working alone on your job search all day, you may feel as if you are nobody.
6. Your self-confidence can use a boost in general if you have been off work for a while. Volunteering can help
YOU feel more confident and capable which in turn will make it easier to convince others!
7. Volunteering to work can expose you to other career paths or opportunities that you might not have considered or have been aware of. There is nothing like being “in the trenches” and knowing exactly where employer and industry needs lie.
8. Obtain a letter of recommendation that will help when applying for other jobs, especially in a new career or industry. If not, at least obtain a commitment for a verbal reference when called.
I hope you will consider “employing” a little charity going forward…
What does charity mean to you?
SOME BACKGROUND ON THIS ARTICLE
Hanukkah started 12/8/12 this year. I am not Jewish and don’t celebrate Hanukkah, but have always been surrounded by friends who observe. This year, I thought I would post an article each day of the Celebration. Although Hanukkah means Dedication, it seems that it also means more. Each article will highlight a meaningful ideal that I feel can be related to either the Celebration of Hanukkah or career planning and job search.
I will kindle one light on the menorah by sharing the titles of each article theme or candle:
1. Dedication
2. Gratitude
3. Charity
4. Faith
5. Hope
6. Perseverance
7. Focus
8. Triumph
If you would like to learn more about Hanukkah or Chanukah, here is a very straightforward article that I found helpful: Short Article on Chanukah.
If you have children at home and would like them to learn about other cultures or involve them more in yours if you are celebrating:
Hanukkah for Kids.
Other articles that may be of interest:
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Dec 09, 2012
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