Originally published on thriveglobal.com
A paying job or a volunteer opportunity- which one has more value to you?
There are multiple benefits, both personal and professional, that stem from committing to volunteer work. Spending time supporting a charitable cause can not only increase confidence levels but also widen social and business networks, too.
Jason Kulpa, the founder of The Kulpa Foundation and serial entrepreneur, has embraced the value of volunteer opportunities his entire life. This reflected in his positive perspective and his leadership practices. Under Kulpa’s leadership, in 2018, his teams volunteered at over 24 events and worked side-by-side to improve the San Diego community. They hosted a gala dinner benefiting individuals with autism, cheered on Special Olympic athletes as they broke their records on the track, and brought school supplies and cold-weather gear to students impacted by homelessness.
Below, Mr. Kulpa shares the significant boost volunteering gives:
Improve Your Mental and Physical Health
Next time you experience the effects of stress, anger, anxiety, or depression, consider volunteering to counteract your mental state. Being social while helping and working with others can have amazing results on your entire psychological well-being. Also, consider finding volunteer opportunities that involve interaction with animals. Working with animals at a local Humane Society can brighten your mood and decrease feelings of anxiety or stress.
A volunteer job can be beneficial for your physical health, too. Some positions require you to walk, run, or stand on your feet.
Build Skills and Self-Confidence
There are many areas of skill development to grow in when you choose to volunteer. Depending on which sector or charitable cause you are dedicating your time to, you can enhance organizational skills and creative thinking. Other skills you can develop through volunteerism include leadership skills, team working, initiative, problem-solving, and communication skills. When you discover and master new skills, you build up your confidence as well as further your self-motivation to learn more.
Volunteering can call for some odd jobs, but the variety of work demanded can give way to evolve open-mindedness, flexibility, and adaptability. These are all positive traits that can successfully influence other areas of your life, too.
Forward Your Career
Can volunteering bring worth to your paying job? Yes, it can, and high school and college students are already taking advantage of the career benefits volunteering has to offer. Young adults still earning their education are strategically picking where they want to invest their time volunteering.
This approach is tactical due to the reality of network growth. Invest your time in volunteer opportunities that allow you to excel in multiple areas, including skills, experience, and network. Build a network with people who will not only aid in your career advancement but who share the same charitable values, as well.
About Jason Kulpa
Jason Kulpa is the founder of The Kulpa Foundation. Jason’s mission to bring awareness, support, and inclusion for special needs causes. He is also San Diego’s two-time winner of the Most Admired CEO Award of the San Diego Business Journal and also a semi-finalist for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur award.