Volunteering in retirement

Bobw235

Bobw235

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
As of March 2016, I'll be retiring at long last. In the interim I've been easing my way into it, having transitioned to a 3 days per week schedule, giving me a good taste of what to expect. My wife retired a few months ago. I know that after a long career where hard work and long hours were common, it will be nice to not have those pressures anymore. Still, I think I'll find a need to keep active in something that makes me feel valued and brings me closer to other people.

I've long thought that I'd like to volunteer at something, but still don't know in what capacity. I'd be interested to hear from others about what they're doing in this area and also how you came to make the choice(s) you did. I'd mentioned in an earlier post that I have always thought I would like to help with veterans, but have no idea what the options are. Have also thought about doing some form of mentoring work, as much of what I had to do in my career in management meant counseling others, listening and offering advice.

So, what are others doing in this area and what do you get out of it?
Bob
 

Hi Bob: I became a volunteer substance abuse counselor before I retired, but continued to do so after retirement. I had to attend classes on addiction and substance abuse at Penn State for six weeks (4 evenings per week) and then after receiving my certification, I also had to attend a counseling course, which taught me how to use what I learned at PS to get through to those addicted. I have done this now for 15 years. Many of my clients were sent to me by the court system, so you can imagine how that went. Most of them did not want to be there, so they were not very attentive. Many were just concerned with having me sign their paper stating that they attended, so they could be released from the judicial system.

I know that I did help many others that came to me and even some seniors were my clients. It's surprising how many seniors get "hooked" on pain meds. I have handed in my notice that I will be resigning on December 31 of this year. After 15 years, I have seen so much heart break from what drugs have done to families that I am ready to take a break. I counseled at schools, prisons, hospitals (rehabs) and even some one on one. It was well worth the effort and I am pleased with what I was able to give back. A friend of mine told me that doing what I did must have made me feel very good about myself. I told him that I never looked at it that way. There is so much substance abuse out there and I saw a need for more counselors from an ad in the local newspaper and decided to get involved. It was never about me, but about the people that suffer from substance abuse and "want" to get help. I would say that 80% of my clients were drug abusers and the other 20% were alcoholics. IMO, drug abuse is harder to overcome. Don't get me wrong, putting down the glass is very difficult, but not picking up is more difficult, IMO.
 
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I am retiring at the end of next year.. I hope to volunteer some at our local animal shelter.. I'm thinking that my skills as an RN will allow me to get in there and help care for the needs of these poor animals abused or abandoned. I can give shots and do wound care.. So that so far is my plan.
 

We have volunteer dog walkers at our local RSPCA (dogs' home) - also any of the care homes like volunteers for all sorts of things - do you play a musical instrument for instance - go and play for an hour or read to some of them.
 
I volunteer at a large museum three times a month , I find it really interesting as many come into the museum for information on tracing their family tree. The museum has allot of information as it was a school from 1860 to 1968
However we have a really good family history group in the town I often direct people to, if they can't find the information. ( the museum is about 2 km out of town)
 
I volunteered for some time with our local non-profit hospice. As strange as it seems, it was some of the most gratifying and joyful "work" I have ever done. Once folks realize their days are numbered and that has been accepted, they can be some of the most enlightening and, yes, delightful people one could ever meet.

I did say "can be" ...

Since moving from Arizona, I've generally worked with our local no-kill animal center.
 
we have a program here at our public library's and it's a grandparents reading program, where "seniors" come in and read to children.
There are all kinds of opportunities I think. Crisis hotlines always need people with life experience to volunteer, local food bank, drivers for the elderly. Visitors for the isolated, animal shelter. Even meal time helpers at seniors homes.
 
Bob, just put ''Volunteer opportunities in Your town/city'' into Google and it should bring up loads of choices

If I put Volunteer vacancies and the name of my town, it comes up with hundreds..from Museum curator to legal advisor.. and just about everything in between. TBH I was stunned that so many jobs I thought were salaried are actually performed by volunteers!
 
hollydolly said:
Bob, just put ''Volunteer opportunities in Your town/city'' into Google and it should bring up loads of choices

If I put Volunteer vacancies and the name of my town, it comes up with hundreds..from Museum curator to legal advisor.. and just about everything in between. TBH I was stunned that so many jobs I thought were salaried are actually performed by volunteers!
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Great suggestion. I actually was curious about where there was a local VA hospital and found one about 30 minutes from my home. I may see if I can volunteer there. It will be convenient to where we're hoping to get my in-laws placed into an assisted living facility. Just want to make sure I'm active in my retirement and get out to do sometime meaningful since I never had time in the past.
 
Absolutely, and when I give up work I will also look for volunteering opportunities too, because the thought of potentially living for 20 or 30 more years without having something to keep my mind and body active is a horrible thought. Currently I spend a few hours a week helping out at the local kennels, I can't fit any more in due to work commitments, but certainly God Willing if I'm able enough I'll look for more when I give up working!

I wish you luck with the VA Hospital Bob !!
 
Retired on Thursday, already looking into volunteer opportunities. Found one possibility that seemed a good match: helping seniors with paying bills. I know from the situation with my mother-in-law that this can be a real problem as folks get older. My MIL, who used to do all the bills and investing, became incapable of doing so much as writing a check or figuring a tip. Lots of other stuff to look into, but really feel like I need to find a way to give back as I start this next stage in my life.

I know there were earlier responses to this thread, but thought I'd resume it and see if others who have joined the forum more recently might be willing to share their experiences with volunteering.
 
Hats off to ya Bob! Dang I need to buck up and get healthier so I can help someone else do something instead of staring at my walls and saying 'duh'. Great inspiration. Thanks :)

Bobw235 said:
Retired on Thursday, already looking into volunteer opportunities. Found one possibility that seemed a good match: helping seniors with paying bills. I know from the situation with my mother-in-law that this can be a real problem as folks get older. My MIL, who used to do all the bills and investing, became incapable of doing so much as writing a check or figuring a tip. Lots of other stuff to look into, but really feel like I need to find a way to give back as I start this next stage in my life.

I know there were earlier responses to this thread, but thought I'd resume it and see if others who have joined the forum more recently might be willing to share their experiences with volunteering.
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Bobw235, My life has changed greatly in the last couple of years, and now I am alone. I too wanted to contribute to others that need help. In the last four years, I was taking my hubby and brother to and from one of the largest VA Hospitals in this country.

During this time, I saw so many desperate vets, vets that had no hope, and were just waiting to die. These are the vets that have no place or family to go to, and they can't care for themselves enough to live on their own or even in the tent cities that many veterans set up.

After asking many questions, I finally found out there were veterans permanently living at the Houston, Texas VA hospital, and that there was a great need for volunteers to help them There are many volunteers positions in everything from office positions to those who give directions around the huge facility. I wasn't interested in any of those, and then I was told of a unit that is always short handed.

So now I'm starting a six months training course to be able to join a unit called No Veteran Dies Alone. I know it's going to be hard, but I see it as a true need that I can fill.

Since my eyes have deteriorated to the point I can't do my protrait work at this time, I have purchased a 48 inch ridged heddle loom. I am weaving lap blankets so the vets can have something of their own to drape over themselves so they don't feel as if everyone is starring at them in the ill fitting green gowns and pj's the hospital provides. I am also weaving baby blankets for the service personnel that are having families.

My art background is putting me in arts and craft physical therapy unit too.

So with your background I would think you could be of invaluable service to the many vets that most people aren't even aware exist because, "out od sight, out of mind"

Good luck, and I hope you find something that will be of great benefit to both your needs and the recipients. :wave:
 
Bobw235 said:
Retired on Thursday, already looking into volunteer opportunities. Found one possibility that seemed a good match: helping seniors with paying bills. I know from the situation with my mother-in-law that this can be a real problem as folks get older. My MIL, who used to do all the bills and investing, became incapable of doing so much as writing a check or figuring a tip. Lots of other stuff to look into, but really feel like I need to find a way to give back as I start this next stage in my life.

I know there were earlier responses to this thread, but thought I'd resume it and see if others who have joined the forum more recently might be willing to share their experiences with volunteering.
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Well done to you Bobw , and congratulations on your retirement your graduation into the 3rd age..

Apart from recent members to this forum most people are aware that I have several years before I can officially retire, ..however if my health will allow me I will definitely want to work in a voluntary capacity of some type when I do....so many people need help in so many ways that can go overlooked by official bodies...there's a huge variation too, from dog walking, to legal advisor.. a Vast choice..I was amazed when I first did some research on it, so there's something out there for everyone if they wish to give back something to the community..:)
 
Bob, I'm guessing you only want local volunteering, right? If you are ever interested in volunteering in a foreign country for 1 - 2 years, I recommend it. It's quite an adventure.
 
Yay Bob..you did it. See, not so bad :). i think your idea about helping seniors is wonderful. I remember when my dad was in the hospital before his death I got close to an elderly lady whose husband was dying. She was an "old-fashioned" kind of wife who always liked him to handle the finances..and she was terrified. she had no clue how to do anything. I was able to put her in touch with a Senior Citizen Advocate who got her some help. You are needed! good luck to you.
 
Looking at opportunities today and pondering hospice as one possibility. When I father-in-law was in his final hours, we moved him into hospice and I was struck by how kind everyone was. It definitely helped our family. Anyone ever volunteer in a hospice setting?
 

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